In this week's episode of Therapy Chat, I interviewed the amazing Kim Barthel about the intricate connections between trauma, the sensory system, and healing. We explored the role of the vestibular system, the Vagus Nerve, and the importance of co-regulation in therapy. Kim shares insights from her extensive experience in Occupational Therapy and discusses the impact of developmental trauma on individuals. The conversation highlights the significance of sound healing and the need for a nuanced, layered and holistic approach to understanding our relationships to Self and others, and the role of the vestibular system in our survival and connection.

Kim Barthel is a Canadian occupational therapist, multi-disciplinary speaker, mentor and best-selling author who is active in supporting people in many contexts globally. She is passionate about understanding complex behavior, neurobiology, trauma-sensitive and neurodiverse-affirming practice, sensory processing, attachment, movement and mental health. In 2025 Kim was honoured to receive an award from ATTACh for innovation in the treatment of children with trauma, and with 41+ years of practice, she is still learning every day. Kim’s overall mission is to support the conscious evolution of the human spirit.

Learn more about Kim Barthel and her work here!

Additional Resources:

Are you a helping professional who wants to learn more about the Safe + Sound Protocol (SSP)? On behalf of our friends at Unyte Health, we are pleased to share this Trauma Recovery Toolkit, a free resource aimed to support you as you work with clients who present with trauma and nervous system dysregulation. Download the toolkit and access an exclusive discount code for the SSP training!

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Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here!

If you're interested in being notified when I announce the details of the new Therapy Chat membership - open to anyone, not just therapists - submit your info on this form. Thanks!

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, recommended resources and more.

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today.

Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com

This week's episode of Therapy Chat is on a topic which we've covered before - religious trauma. This week's guest, SC Nealy (they/she) discusses the impact of religious trauma and offers additional perspective into the harm it can cause for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Our conversation was fascinating to me, and I hope you'll find many valuable insights through listening to our discussion.

With over 15 years in the mental health field, SC Nealy is a queer, gender fluid psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and group practice owner in Arlington, VA. SC operates a team of all gay and trans-identifying therapists with the focus of bringing clinicians with lived experiences to the queer community and their families. They also work locally and nationally to advocate for queer rights, accessible mental health care, and bringing more awareness to the needs of the queer community. Their upcoming book published by Bloomsbury Academics, Healing Sacred Wounds, focuses on giving folx a guide map for processing and exploring their experiences in religious or spiritual trauma.

Learn more about SC Nealy and their work at: https://lgbtcounselingdmv.com .

Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here!

If you're interested in being notified when I announce the details of the new Therapy Chat membership - open to anyone, not just therapists - submit your info on this form. Thanks!

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, recommended resources and more.

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today.

Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com

How can therapists learn to see countertransference as a gift, rather than a problem? This week's guest is Stefanie Klein, LCSW. Stefanie, an SEP and NARM Master Therapist, is the Assistant Training Director for the Complex Trauma Training Center where she is also a consultant and faculty in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) and the new SPACE program for psychotherapists.

Our conversation was about how can feel more effective in their work with clients, while also experiencing more ease and fulfillment in their professional roles through the SPACE program Stefanie co-created with Brad Kammer of NARM (a previous Therapy Chat guest). Stefanie has 30 years of experience practicing psychotherapy with adults in her Los Angeles private practice, where she has specialized in treating trauma and anxiety for the past 20 years.

Learn more about the Complex Trauma Training Center and the SPACE Program here.

Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here!

If you're interested in being notified when I announce the details of the new Therapy Chat membership - open to anyone, not just therapists - submit your info on this form. Thanks!

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, recommended resources and more.

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today.

Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com