Therapy Chat

499: Trauma + The Vestibular System with Kim Barthel

Sep 23, 2025
Guest
Kim Barthel
In this enlightening conversation, Kim Barthel, a seasoned Canadian occupational therapist with over 41 years of experience, delves into the intricate connections between trauma and the vestibular system. She discusses how developmental trauma impacts sensory processing and emphasizes the importance of co-regulation in therapy. Kim shares fascinating insights on the role of the Vagus Nerve, sound healing therapies, and how trauma can shift visual attention. Her holistic approach highlights the significance of embracing neurodiversity and understanding the body’s response to trauma.
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ADVICE

Use Containment And Co-Regulation

  • Use containment tools like Lycra and proprioceptive input to rebuild embodied boundaries after trauma.
  • Pair sensory interventions with relational co-regulation to titrate safety and embodiment.
INSIGHT

Multisensory Neuroception Shapes Expectation

  • Vestibular, visual, auditory and interoceptive inputs combine rapidly to form neuroception of safety or danger.
  • These integrated inputs create expectation templates that shape later behavior and learning.
ANECDOTE

Eye Surgery Changed Sitting Milestone

  • Laura Reagan shared a baby with strabismus who sat up after eye surgery, showing vestibular-visual links to motor milestones.
  • Kim Barthel explained the vestibular ocular reflex connects inner ear input to eye muscles and core postural control.
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