Special Presentation: Helping Our Children Be Their Best Selves

Kim Barthel

Kim Barthel

Jon Chabun
MFRC
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When Theoren Fleury did a presentation for CFB Esquimalt in February 2020, it was captivating. In his talk, the former hockey player repeatedly referenced an occupational therapist and the co-author of one of his books Kim Barthel.

On Feb.11, the military community will get to hear from whom Fleury calls “the Wayne Gretzky of therapy.”

Barthel, in partnership with the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), will present on how we can help our children be their best selves.

Kelly Aucoin, children services coordinator at the MFRC, vividly remembered Fleury referencing Barthel every few minutes.  “It was amazing,” said Aucoin of Fleury’s powerful presentation. “He referenced her so much. He had a brutally honest storytelling style that had an impact on everyone who attended.”

The MFRC took the hint.  First, they contracted Barthel to do workshops for staff and now she will do a presentation for military connected parents.

“Everybody could use new strategies when it comes to parenting,” said Dana Rogers, a MFRC social worker who has seen parents struggling over the past year. “She gives people ‘a-ha’ moments. Kim is a world-renowned speaker with such a wealth of knowledge. She is also very relatable. She comes from a place of curiosity, not judgment. She makes it very comfortable.”   

In addition to being a sought-after speaker, Barthel’s expertise includes trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, neurobiology and mental health. In May of 2019, the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists honoured her with the Award of Merit. As an author, Barthel co-authored Canadian National Best-Seller Conversations with a Rattlesnake: Raw and Honest Reflections on Healing and Trauma with Theoren Fleury in 2014. 

Helping Our Children Be Their Best Selves with Kim Barthel takes place online via Zoom Thursday Feb. 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. To register for the session, visit the MFRC website at www.esquimaltmfrc.com.

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