Healing Through Connection with Kim Barthel: Neuroscience, Safety, and the Power of Relationships

Kim Barthel is an award-winning occupational therapist, international speaker, and bestselling author whose work integrates neuroscience, trauma therapy, and relational healing. With over 40 years of experience, she specializes in supporting individuals with trauma, neurodivergence, and developmental challenges. Through her company, Relationship Matters, Kim emphasizes the critical role of safety and connection in fostering personal growth and resilience.

In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson dives into a transformative conversation with Kim, exploring her expertise in neuroscience, trauma, and the healing power of relationships. Kim shares profound insights into how emotional safety, attunement, and the body’s natural wisdom guide people toward healing and empowerment.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Kim’s Background and Journey (Starts at 00:02:57)
  Kim discusses her early career as an occupational therapist and her pioneering work in sensory integration and neuroscience. She highlights her path from a love of movement to becoming a global leader in trauma and relational healing.
• Understanding Emotional Safety and Connection (Starts at 00:10:45)
  Kim explains the science behind emotional safety and its role in neuroplasticity. She offers practical tools for therapists and equestrians to create trust and foster growth.
• The Role of Horses in Healing (Starts at 00:20:04)
  Kim shares her experiences with equine therapy, emphasizing how horses act as powerful facilitators of movement, connection, and relational healing.
• The Importance of Attunement (Starts at 00:42:45)
  Kim shares real-life examples of how attunement creates opportunities for healing, highlighting its importance when working with trauma and neurodivergence.
• Kim’s Work with Indigenous Communities (Starts at 01:20:04)
  Kim reflects on her work with Canada’s indigenous communities, focusing on reconnecting with cultural wisdom and integrating land-based learning to support healing and education.
• How to Address Shame in Trauma Work (Starts at 01:35:45)
  Kim discusses practical tools to help individuals navigate shame, explaining how sensory integration and compassionate attunement can transform self-beliefs.
• The Power of Somatic Practices (Starts at 01:40:30)
  Kim explains the benefits of somatic practices, such as the "Butterfly Tap," to help individuals ground themselves and reconnect with their bodies.

Memorable Moments from the Episode

• Kim recalls her first encounter with Temple Grandin, where Temple’s insights into sensory processing profoundly shaped her work (00:11:02).
• Rupert reflects on his time with Kalahari Bushmen, drawing parallels between their parenting approaches and the need for emotional safety in equine therapy (00:26:00).
• Kim discusses the interplay of neuroscience and movement, exploring how the brain creates new pathways through repetition and sensory input (00:30:00).
• Kim shares a moving story about a Ukrainian veteran navigating trauma and resilience during the early days of the conflict (01:19:00).
• Rupert and Kim explore how humor acts as a bridge to connection, allowing both clients and practitioners to find relief and authenticity during difficult moments (01:25:15).
• Kim reflects on the significance of self-regulation for practitioners, emphasizing the value of authenticity and self-awareness in trauma work (01:47:00).

Contact Kim Barthel

Website: http://www.kimbarthel.ca
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KimBarthelOTR
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/KimBarthelOTR
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@labyrinthjourneys

See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows

Rupert Isaacson's Programs and Shows: http://www.rupertisaacson.com

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