Course Content

There is always a reason for the behaviour!

Based on Kim Barthel, OTR’s most prolific and well-attended workshop in her career, this live, online and interactive 12 hour workshop (now fully revised) will provide a deeper understanding of why people do what they do. The focus will be on complex and challenging behaviour, and using clinical reasoning to look well beyond the surface actions we observe. From developmental disabilities to emotional/relational challenges, and from attachment strategies to the integrated neurobiology of sensory processing and cognitive influences, a holistic and integrated mindset is required. Participants will be invited to forevermore become behavioural detectives, using evidence-informed best practices to shape individualized interventions across the lifespan. By seeking to understand why people do the things we do, from a myriad of perspectives, we allow compassion into the equation. Fundamentally, the mindset of clinical curiosity and the science-based information in this workshop series supports practical intervention strategies that are relevant at home, at school, at work, and in all levels of relationships.

Digital Handouts for each session will be emailed to participants in advance, and Edited Recordings and Chat Histories will be released a week following each online session and available for 90 days each.

Times and Dates: A facilitated Zoom session each Wednesday at 4-6 PM Pacific from Oct 6th through Nov 10th, 2021

Any questions? Please reach out to [email protected]

Course Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Identify the neurobiology of “challenging" behaviour

  • Describe the sensory contributions and interventions for complex behaviour

  • Explain the impacts of developmental trauma and adaptive attachment patterns

  • Recognize the life-long value of co-regulation through relationship

  • Define challenges and interventions related to executive functions

  • Recognize the dynamics surrounding self-harm and aggression

  • Examine a mindset of curiosity that supports more healthy, respectful and connected relationships

Financial Support & Group Discounts

  • GROUP DISCOUNTS

    Group discounts are available (not to be combined with scholarships) for groups of 3-5 @ 15% off, groups of 6-19 at 25% off and groups of 20+ @ 40% off.

    TO APPLY FOR THE GROUP DISCOUNT, please submit the application form: Group Discount Application Form

  • FINANCIAL SUPPORT

    Some scholarships available (upon request) from people in developing countries @ 50% off, and those who may be experiencing relative financial challenge wherever they may be @ 25% off.

    TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP, please submit the application form: Financial Assistance Application Form

Instructor

Kim Barthel

Hi, I’m Kim – I’m humbled by your interest in what I’m up to, and inspired by the work that countless people are doing to support others – and yourselves. If this kind of thing were easy, it would be a different world we live in. Which tells me we need to nurture our relationships through attunement, compassion, humour, and mindfulness. Remember, when it works it’s treatment, and when it doesn’t it’s assessment. This means we aren’t expected to get it right the first time. I’ve been doing my best at this for over 35 years, and still learning and repairing every day. For anyone who doesn’t know what I especially like to study and teach, the hot topics that I wake up thinking about are understanding complex behaviour, neurobiology, sensory-processing, movement, trauma informed practice, attachment theory, mental health, and anything that will support people in being their best selves. Thank you for being part of the great momentum globally towards understanding, interdependence, and compassion. Please connect with our team at Relationship Matters if that’s an interest for you, and importantly, thank you for doing whatever it is that you do to help others. We may never know the fruit of the seeds we plant through our smallest gestures, but just by caring we are more connected than we know. I feel great hope.