Supporting Caregivers: Beyond Feeding, Toward Connection

In a recent conversation with lactation consultant and breastfeeding specialist Sejal Fichadia, we explored the complexities of caring for both babies and their caregivers. While many families call on Sejal when something feels wrong—difficulty with latching, bottle refusal, or feeding pain—her perspective widens the lens. Feeding, she reminds us, is never just about food. It is a dance of communication, co-regulation, and attachment between parent and child.

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Kim Barthel
Loving Karma

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. 

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Kim Barthel
Conversation with CPD Retreats about Moving to Higher Ground in Bali - 2026

In February 2026, Kim will be delivering Moving to Higher Ground once again in Bali, Indonesia. Moving to Higher Ground is a unique clinical mentorship program led by Kim alongside a team of experienced and international co-facilitators. Kim has delivered MTHG worldwide since 2001, offering a holistic, trans-disciplinary, neurobiology-informed, strength-based, and relationship-focused experience.

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Kim Barthel
Conversation with Gwénaëlle Roscoe at La Cabane Sensorielle in Rennes, France about the need for trauma-sensitive practice in clinical settings

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.

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Kim Barthel
Loving-Kindness — One Word or Two?

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.

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Kim Barthel
PODCAST: Therapist Uncensored - Neuroception and the Evolution of Human Spirit

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.

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Kim Barthel
April is World Autism Month

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!).

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Kim Barthel
Neurodiverse-Affirming Practice in Support of Individuals with Sensory Processing Differences

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. 

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Kim Barthel
Conversation with Ruthie Smith, energy psychotherapist

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.

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Kim Barthel
PODCAST: Equine Assisted World - The Healing Power of Relationships

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.” 

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Kim Barthel
Reflecting on 2024

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.

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Kim Barthel
Grassroots OT in Kenya

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.

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Kim Barthel