The Untethered Podcast

EP 340: Evidence vs. Pseudoscience in Myofunctional Therapy with Hallie Bulkin & Robyn Merkel-Walsh MA, CCC-SLP, COM® – Clearing Up Misconceptions

In this conversation, Hallie Bulkin and Robyn Merkel Walsh discuss the resurgence of evidence-based practice (EBP) in myofunctional therapy, addressing the challenges faced in research acceptance and the misconceptions surrounding pseudoscience. They emphasize the importance of clinical insight, the role of therapy tools, and the need to address compensations in therapy. The discussion highlights the art and science of myofunctional therapy and concludes with a call to action for clinicians to focus on functional outcomes for their patients.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️There is a resurgence in evidence-based practice discussions in myofunctional therapy.✔️Misunderstandings about evidence-based practice can lead to misinformation.✔️Research acceptance in the field is often slow and complicated.✔️Pseudoscience is frequently misapplied to myofunctional therapy.✔️Clinical experience and patient outcomes are crucial components of evidence-based practice.✔️Tools in therapy can enhance learning and understanding for patients.✔️Compensations in therapy can lead to long-term issues if not addressed.✔️The conversation around myofunctional therapy is evolving, influenced by social media.✔️Understanding the nuances of therapy practices is essential for effective treatment.✔️The ultimate goal is to restore function for patients, not just treat symptoms.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVERELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEp 327: Understanding Holistic Dentistry & Myofunctional TherapyEp 334: Bye-Bye Thumb! Myo & Airway Strategies to Break the Habit - for GoodOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARNConnect with Robyn on her website: https://www.robynmerkelwalsh.com/ 💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 339: Why 'Lazy Bottles' Don’t Exist: A Functional Approach to Pediatric Feeding with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™

In this episode of the Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin discusses the complexities of pediatric feeding, focusing on lip ties, latch issues, and the misconceptions surrounding 'lazy bottles.' She emphasizes the importance of functional assessments over labels, advocating for a comprehensive approach to feeding therapy. Hallie provides practical takeaways for clinicians and introduces the Pediatric Feeding Hub as a resource for support and mentorship in the field.In this episode, you’ll learn”✔️Babies inherently need to feed to survive.✔️Labels like 'lazy' are dismissive and unhelpful.✔️Functional assessment is crucial in feeding therapy.✔️Not all lip ties require surgical intervention.✔️Therapy should be prioritized before referrals.✔️Latch issues involve more than just the mouth.✔️Collaboration with other professionals is essential.✔️Assess the whole baby, including posture and tone.✔️Feeding is a complex skill that requires support.✔️The Pediatric Feeding Hub offers valuable resources for therapists.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 318: Feed The Peds®: The Mission with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™Ep 337: Unlocking Pediatric Feeding: Expert Strategies with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™✨DOORS ARE OPEN to PEDIATRIC FEEDING HUB™A mentorship-driven membership for pediatric SLPs, OTs & PTs who want to grow,clinically & confidently. Get weekly office hours, on-demand replays, a private members-only Facebook community, and Ask HallieAI your on-demand clinical guide. 👉 Join Now: http://www.pediatricfeedinghub.com/Mentor team highlights: Cheryl Pelletier, Melanie Peacock Shell, Christina Wetzler, Courtney Lewis, and Sadera Braid—experienced clinicians supporting you each week.OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 338: The Missing Link in Pediatric Feeding: Critical Skills Grad Programs Skip

Ep 338: The Missing Link in Pediatric Feeding: Critical Skills Grad Programs SkipIn this episode, Hallie Bulkin discusses the critical gaps in pediatric feeding education that graduate programs often overlook. She emphasizes the importance of understanding messy eating behaviors and tethered oral tissues, and how these insights can enhance therapy outcomes. Hallie introduces her course, Feed the Peds, which aims to equip therapists with the necessary skills and confidence to address these challenges effectively. The episode serves as a call to action for professionals in the field to enroll before the course closes, highlighting the unique structure and benefits of the program.In this episode, you’ll learn✔️Grad school did not prepare us for pediatric feeding.✔️Many programs focus on broader pediatric topics, neglecting feeding.✔️Therapists often feel unprepared and seek more information.✔️Feed the Peds offers unique insights not found elsewhere.✔️Understanding messy eating can lead to faster therapy outcomes.✔️Competence in therapy builds confidence for clinicians.✔️The course includes mentorship and a comprehensive roadmap.✔️Participants report feeling more equipped after the course.✔️The course is structured to foster critical thinking in therapy.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 316: Navigating The World of Pediatric Feeding Therapy with Brittnee Tollison, M.Ed, CCC-SLP, CBC, CPFT™Episode 318: Feed The Peds®: The Mission with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™✨ FREE TRAINING ALERT – HAPPENING SEPTEMBER 8–10!If you’re an SLP, OT, or student… you need to join me for the FREE 3-Day Pediatric Feeding Screening Training. Over 34,000 of your colleagues have done it — now it’s your turn!Here’s what you’ll get when you sign up:4 hours on a certificate of completion (perfect for your renewal hours)My complete pediatric feeding screening packet — development chart, 50-symptom checklist, findings chart & referral formA chance to win a full scholarship to the 12-week Feed The Peds® courseGrab your spot here → www.feedthepeds.com/trainingOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN📅 Doors to Feed The Peds® open Sept 15–19 | join the waitlist🍼 Ready to deep-dive into tethered oral tissues? Check out Tongue Tie Bootcamp💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 337: Unlocking Pediatric Feeding: Expert Strategies with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™

Ep 337: Unlocking Pediatric Feeding: Expert Strategies with Hallie BulkinIn this episode of the Untethered Podcast™, Hallie discusses the intricacies of pediatric feeding assessments and treatments. She emphasizes the importance of thorough assessments that include parent interviews, oral motor examinations, and understanding airway issues. Hallie also highlights the significance of parent coaching and creating functional treatment plans that involve parents in the process. Additionally, she introduces her course, Feed the Peds®, designed to equip therapists with the necessary skills and confidence to effectively address pediatric feeding challenges.If this episode has resonated with you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag Hallie @halliebulkin In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️The doors to Feed the Peds® are officially open.✔️A feeding assessment just means watching and documenting.✔️Parent interviews are gold.✔️We need to connect the dots between airway and feeding.✔️If parents don't know what to do at home, we have failed them.✔️Treatment has to be functional.✔️Postural stability is the foundation for progress.✔️Food play needs to be intentional, not just exposure.✔️You need clarity, strategy, support, and repetition.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 318: Feed The Peds®: The Mission with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™Ep 335: The #1 Way to Transform Your Pediatric Feeding Evaluations✨DOORS ARE OPEN!Join Hallie, Karen & Cheryl in Feed The Peds® and learn to critically assess, treat the whole child, and transform lives.✨ Over 2,607+ SLPs & OTs have graduated—now it’s your turn.⚡️ Enrollment is open until 9/18 at midnight ET. Don’t miss out >> feedthepeds.com💡 Students, CFs & Active Duty Military (spouses too) get a partial scholarship. Email support@feedthepeds.com before enrolling.Grab your spot here → www.feedthepeds.comOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN📅 Doors to Feed The Peds® open Sept 15–19 |ENROLL NOW🍼 Ready to deep-dive into tethered oral tissues? Check out Tongue Tie Bootcamp💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 336: Feeding Therapy in Schools: Safety, Culture, and Collaboration with Karen Howarth

Ep 336: Feeding Therapy in Schools: Safety, Culture, and Collaboration with Karen HowarthIn this episode, Hallie Bulkin interviews Karen Howarth, a pediatric occupational therapist with 25 years of experience — and our new resident OT mentor inside Feed The Peds®.They dive into Karen’s work in feeding therapy within school settings, including the development of the MEALS screening tool, the unique challenges of providing feeding therapy in schools, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.Karen also highlights the need for cultural sensitivity in feeding practices, shares strategies for supporting parents through feelings of guilt, and discusses how feeding challenges can impact a child’s educational experience. She explains how collaboration with school staff ensures children’s safety and access to nutrition during the school day.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️The MEALS screening tool addresses mealtime challenges in schools.✔️Engagement in mealtime is as important as physical feeding skills.✔️School-based feeding therapy requires a multidisciplinary approach.✔️Cultural sensitivity is crucial in addressing feeding practices.✔️Parents often experience guilt regarding their child's feeding difficulties.✔️Educational impact is a key consideration in IEPs.✔️Collaboration with school staff is essential for effective feeding interventionsRELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 286: It’s Not Your Fault with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™ Episode 318: Feed The Peds®: The Mission with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™✨ FREE TRAINING ALERT – HAPPENING SEPTEMBER 8–10!If you’re an SLP, OT, or student… you need to join me for the FREE 3-Day Pediatric Feeding Screening Training. Over 34,000 of your colleagues have done it — now it’s your turn!Here’s what you’ll get when you sign up:4 hours on a certificate of completion (perfect for your renewal hours)My complete pediatric feeding screening packet — development chart, 50-symptom checklist, findings chart & referral formA chance to win a full scholarship to the 12-week Feed The Peds® courseGrab your spot here → www.feedthepeds.com/trainingOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN📅 Doors to Feed The Peds® open Sept 15–19 | join the waitlist🍼 Ready to deep-dive into tethered oral tissues? Check out Tongue Tie Bootcamp💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.