Course Content

Participants will have repeated access via live streaming for 120 days from the date they register. Additionally, there will be a live, online and interactive Q&A for 90 minutes held on June 9, 2023 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Pacific Time.

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 11.5 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.

  • Recordings will be accessible to each participant for 120 days
  • Each participant will be able to join one live online Q&A, and the next one will be on June 9, 2023 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Pacific Time
  • The recording of the Q&A will also be accessible for 120 days.
  • BONUS access to a PRIVATE podcast feed of the pre-recorded modules for 120 days

  • Any questions? Please reach out to relationshipmatterscourses@gmail.com
  • 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 financial support available (upon request) from 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.

      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.