We are neurobiologically wired to be in relationship. Attachment is the neurobiological and emotional bond that develops between humans through repeated experiences of safety, connection, and responsiveness (or lack thereof). It is the way our nervous system learns whether relationships feel safe, predictable, and supportive. Every interaction we have has the potential to shape nervous system regulation, emotional safety, learning, and belonging.
Designed for a range of professionals in healthcare, education, mental health, caregiving, and human services, as well as parents and anyone interested in strengthening relationships, this engaging online webinar offers a therapeutically informed exploration of the neurobiology of attachment. Participants will discover how relationships shape behaviour, regulation, and resilience across the lifespan.
Through a practical and compassionate lens, you’ll explore how attachment adaptations develop and how stress, trauma, and dysregulation influence connection, identity, and relationships. Bridging neuroscience with real-world practice, this webinar will deepen your understanding of human behaviour while helping you build more connected, co-regulating relationships, even in challenging moments. You’ll also learn practical strategies that foster emotional safety, attunement, and trust in the people you support and care for every day.
Join us to explore the science of connection and transform the way you engage, support, and relate to others.
COURSE TITLE: Attachment Matters
COURSE PROVIDER: Relationship Matters Consultancy, Inc
INSTRUCTOR / Speaker / Author: Kim Barthel, OTR, C/NDT, Advanced OT Instructor
TARGET AUDIENCE: Therapists, counsellors, and mental health professionals, including OTs, psychologists, speech pathologists, social workers and medical professionals, Educators and caregivers, Coaches and professionals in relational fields
INSTRUCTIONAL FORMAT: Live online lecture, Q&A, discussion groups
EDUCATIONAL LEVEL: Intermediate
PREREQUESITES: None
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: Live online lecture, Q&A, discussion groups
Total Contact Hours: 12 Contact Hours
SPECIAL NEEDS REQUESTS: Please contact hello@kimbarthel.ca if you are requiring modifications because of a documented disability.
PD ACTIVITY COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS: To successfully complete this course, you must certify you viewed the entire video or read the entire article, achieve a passing score of 70% on the posttest and complete the evaluation.
QUESTIONS? Contact hello@kimbarthel.ca
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Describe the neurobiological foundations and role of attachment in emotional and relational development across different environments and contexts
Discuss the different theoretical models of attachment and how they can assist with understanding oneself and others
Explain attachment through a spectrum of attachment adaptations with flexibility, and their impact on self-awareness for both the clients and the therapists as they relate to self-regulation
Recognize individual therapeutic strategies for responding effectively to the various shades of attachment adaptations, enhancing effective therapeutic use of self and co-regulation
Module 1: The neurobiology of attachment & attachment disruptions/trauma
Module 2: Foundational understanding of attachment models and their application across diverse disciplines, relationships, and caregiving environments
Module 3: Attachment adaptations for survival, safety and connection
Module 4: Supporting attachment, regulation, and connection across relationships
Format:
Interactive Lecture
Group discussion
COURSE DATES / TIMES
September 25, 25, 28, 29, 2026
3 hours each day, 4 - 7 Pacific Time
Recording of each session via online course access for 365 days following the provision of the final class recording.
Pricing and Access:
EARLY BIRD: $529 CAD – UNTIL August 1st, 2026
REGULAR PRICE: $629 CAD
Due to the Marketplace Facilitator Tax laws rolling out across the US & Canada, sales tax will be applied to this price for Canadian and US citizens as applicable in each case, based on the registrant’s location of purchase and the type of course.
GROUP DISCOUNTS: 15% off for groups of 3-5, 25% off for groups of 6+, 40% off for groups of 20+.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT: Some financial support available (upon request) for people in developing countries (Countries at Category B @ 50% off, Category C @ 55% off, Category D @ 60% off). Financial assistance is also possible for individual registrants from Category A countries @ 25% off when truly needed.
Hosted by Relationship Matters
Financial Disclosure Statement
This course is solely organized and delivered by Relationship Matters Consultancy. There are no external sponsors, collaborators, or financial partners involved in the development or delivery of this course.
All registration fees and payments collected for participation in this course are received directly by Relationship Matters Consultancy and are used to support the administrative, instructional, and operational costs associated with the course.
In this course, Kim refers to the Safe and Sound Protocol, a product by Unyte. Kim currently serves on Unyte’s Clinical Advisory Board for which she does receive an annual honorarium, however, Kim does not receive financial remuneration in relation to the sales of Unyte's products.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations for Continuing Education events must be submitted in writing via email to hello@kimbarthel.ca or by mail to Relationship Matters at PO Box 41012, Cordova Bay PO, Victoria, BC, V8Y 0A3, Canada. For cancellations received 14 days before the course date, the course fee will be returned, less a $50 USD administrative fee. Within 14 days of the course, no refunds will be made, however the registration may be transferred to a substitute participant at no cost.
For activity cancellation by the provider: Relationship Matters reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any course due to an insufficient number of registrants or other unforeseen circumstances. Under these circumstances, Relationship Matters reserves the right to offer either a credit to attend a future course, or a refund for the course.