REFLECTIONS

When we think of the vestibular system, we often associate it with balance, coordination, and movement. But this tiny system tucked within the inner ear does far more than prevent us from falling—it plays a profound role in how we see, how we feel where we are in space, and how we make sense of motion in our everyday experience.

In this episode of How to Be WiSE, host Shubneet sits down with Kim for a powerful conversation on self-compassion, burnout, and the neuroscience of stress. With over 35 years of experience in trauma-informed care, Kim shares her insights into how high performing students can protect their well-being while still pursuing excellence.

At Relationship Matters, we often explore the complex interplay between body, brain, and behaviour in the context of healing, connection, and regulation. One surprising player in this dynamic system is a hormone produced not by the brain or glands, but by the bones themselves. Osteocalcin is a bone-derived hormone with powerful effects on the nervous system, metabolism, and stress response, key elements that shape our capacity to be present in relationship.

Kim recently sat down with OTs Jen Trzeciak and Dr Áine O'Dea from the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, a show that brings you the most up to date information, insights and chat from Occupational Therapy (OT) services across Ireland. This podcast has something for everyone interested in health and wellbeing.

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.