Course Content

Eating and feeding are fundamental functions necessary for surviving and thriving. Many clients with neurodiversity and mental health issues experience profound disturbances in their participation in eating and feeding. Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Counselors, Behavioural Therapists and Nutritionists are team members who evaluate and enhance these functions, but sometimes struggle in seeing the integrated whole of the various complex factors contributing to the clients’ experiences.

This 13.5 hour online workshop is a cutting-edged compilation of research on the science of eating and feeding from a neurobiological/physiological perspective as it pertains to picky eating, eating disorders (ARFID, anorexia nervosa, bulimia), sensory issues, oral motor/pharyngeal issues and attachment. Trans-disciplinary research, assessment and intervention strategies will be presented and discussed. 12 hours of edited, pre-recorded training will be complemented by a live interactive online 90 minute Q&A led by Kim and co-facilitated by the Relationship Matters Team.

  • Participants will receive handouts and recordings for each of the eight X 90 minute modules, and the series’ reference list
  • 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 for EAFM will be on June 8, 2023 at 4:00 - 5:30 pm Pacific Time
  • The recording of the Q&A will also be accessible for 120 days

    Any questions? Please reach out to relationshipmatterscourses@gmail.com

    • Course Objectives

    Participants will be able to:

    • Understand the neurobiological and physiological underpinnings of eating and feeding

    • Describe how sensory processing issues impact eating, feeding and eating disorders

    • Observe the impact of attachment and goodness of fit between caregivers and individuals experiencing eating and feeding challenges

    • Evaluate basic postural and motor control challenges that are connected to eating, feeding and eating disorders

    • Begin to develop problem-solving skills to integrate multiple variables of needs to create individualized interventions for clients with eating and feeding challenges

    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 SUPPORT, 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.