There’s a new documentary being released that we’d like to help promote in all corners of the world. It’s called Loving Karma. Its messages, shared through the lives of children in the remote Himalayas, are of resilience, compassion and ultimately renewed hope. 

Whether you’re a seasoned play therapist, an OT, or simply curious about trauma-informed care, this conversation will expand your lens, deepen your embodiment, and remind you that healing isn’t something we do to a child—it’s something that unfolds when we trust the wisdom of the body.

At Relationship Matters courses we often encourage participants to “stay curious”, but what is it about curiosity that is so powerful? Why does it soften people’s defenses, deepen connection, support learning and open the door to healing within us and with others? The answer lies deep in the neural architecture of our brains.

Kim had the privilege of speaking with Gwénaëlle Roscoe at La Cabane Sensorielle in Rennes, France about the need for trauma-sensitive practice in clinical settings. Gwénaëlle brings a wealth of knowledge as a clinician and a grounded, sensory-informed perspective to the conversation. Her deeply thoughtful questions invited rich reflection on the intersections of culture, nervous system regulation, and therapeutic attunement.

This September, 2025, Kim will be delivering the workshop Trauma-Sensitive Practice in São Paulo, Brazil. Kim recently sat down to speak with the host of the workshop, Coordenadora Clínica da Play Core Kids Atividades Terapêuticasto, Ana Paula Nogueira, to  discuss what participants can expect from this training.

This November, 2025, Kim will be delivering for the first time ever, the workshop ATTACHMENT MATTERS, in Australia. Kim recently sat down to speak with the hosts of the workshop in Sydney, AUS, Sarah McInnes and Michelle Maunder, to discuss what participants can expect from this training.

During a spiritual retreat hosted by Bodynamic International, guided by the world-renowned Lisbeth Marcher and assisted by Malte Nielsen, I had an unexpected insight. It was a profound “aha” moment, that I’d really like to share. For context we were gathered in the beautiful mountains of Bulgaria, not far from Greece — a place where nature itself seems to hold space for reflection — and amidst the teachings and the quiet, something gently shifted in my understanding of expressing and receiving love.

In late 2023, Kim was featured in Communication Matters, the magazine published by the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association, discussing Becoming a Behavioural Detective. Kim is bringing this course to New Zealand in November, hosted by Mind 2 Mind Courses.

In this conversation, Dr. Ann Kelley and Kim explore the conscious evolution of the human spirit, the importance of self-compassion, and the integration of neuroception with therapeutic practices. Through Barthel's book, ‘Conversations with a Rattlesnake,' they dive into the significance of sensory integration and attachment in personal development. Using Porges' “Safe and Sound Protocol”, they touch on how understanding one's own nervous system and the cues of safety can lead to better emotional regulation and connection with not only oneself, but others. Follow along as they discuss the themes of trauma, healing and the science of connection.

This May, 2025, Kim will be delivering the workshop Psycho-Sensory Intervention in Kells, Ireland. Kim recently sat down to speak with the hosts of this workshop, Regina Donnelly & Emir Crowley, from Hand in Hand OT, to discuss what participants can expect from this training.

In acknowledging World Autism Month this April, Relationship Matters is offering 20% discounts (that can be added to existing discounts) on our two key courses related to Autism. To sign up for our courses: "AUTISM MATTERS" and "Treating Movement Challenges in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: NDT for ASD", register with the WAM20 coupon code in the month of April (OFFER STARTS APRIL 1 and ENDS APRIL 30th!).

Relationship Matters is pleased to release another free 1-hour video, the 7th so far in our collection of Free Video Recordings. It’s called Neurodiverse-Affirming Practice in Support of Individuals with Sensory Processing Differences. Please feel free to let your colleagues and friends who might be interested know that it’s available to everyone. We’re hoping its sharing might help a little bit towards co-creating a more informed, compassionate and inclusive world. 

Kim recently sat down with Ruthie Smith, an author, musician and energy psychotherapist with a long-held interest in the ‘shift’ of humanity’s awakening consciousness, and in the integration of energy and spirituality within psychotherapy. Ruthie is an attachment-based psychoanalytic psychotherapist (The Bowlby Centre, London) and energy psychotherapist with thirty-five years’ clinical experience in private practice, and ten years as a principal psychotherapist and supervisor in the National Health Service (UK). She has taught extensively on psycho­therapy trainings, is invited to speak at various conference and events.

Hosted by Rupert Isaacson, best-selling author of “The Horse Boy”, "The Long Ride Home” and a long time human rights activist, in this interview Kim is asked about neuroscience, trauma and the healing power of relationships. Throughout their transformative conversation, Rupert says "Kim shares profound insights into how emotional safety, attunement, and the body’s natural wisdom guide people toward healing and empowerment.” 

Hosted by Mannah, the Therapeutic Astrologer, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Kim is invited to talk about her ultimate passion “supporting the conscious evolution of the human spirit” and its expansive tension - therapy as an opportunity to sense yourself.

Reflecting on 2024 with enormous gratitude for our colleagues, hosts, new + old friends and our many blessings. Here are some images from the last few months. Love to All.

We all know that we cannot control many things that we perceive as unjust. However, with clarity of mind and courage of heart we can still try to have influence. Each of us has and will always have the choice to try to influence situations in small ways that we believe will help make this world a healthier, more compassionate and decent place to live for everyone.

Welcome to episode 14 of the Embodied: Step Into You Podcast with your hosts Paula Scatoloni and Leslie Rhyne. In this episode, Paula and Leslie are joined by Kim Barthel, a celebrated Canadian occupational therapist and multidisciplinary teacher renowned for her expertise in neurobiology, trauma-sensitive practices, and sensory processing.

Now fully available to registrants, Trauma-Sensitive Education is an 8 hour pre-recorded workshop that sheds light on the profound impact trauma can have on students’ development, relationships, motivation and learning. It delves into actionable strategies educators can use to support all students, including themselves, in navigating challenging circumstances. Trauma-Sensitive Education is the information that experienced educators wish had been included in their teacher training, to help with their burn out and to reach kids who seem unreachable. With September just ahead, we are thinking about the educators and their critical profession, and hoping this course can be a helpful resource for them.