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Professional Mentoring with Karen

1-on-1 Mentoring Appointments with Get Permission Institute Co-Founder Karen Dilfer, OTR/L

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Private consultation for challenging cases

If you are struggling to make progress with a client or complex case and unsure of your next step, our mentors can collaborate with you to strengthen your clinical reasoning and help you move forward with confidence.

To get started, you complete a case review form before our first meeting. From there, we meet to explore what's already working, problem-solve together, and identify how to apply the Get Permission Approach and treatment strategies to keep your client progressing.

This is a great fit for therapists supporting children with emotional regulation or mealtime difficulties, tube-feeding weaning protocol, anxious eaters, and infants and toddlers.

MEET KAREN

Let's Talk

Hey there! When I started my career, I had the degree and credentials, but nothing compared to the incredible practical experience I gained with Marsha Dunn Klein. 

Now after 20 years of my own experience treating kids, I'd love to help you in the same way. Together, I believe we can:

  • Build your confidence on applying Get Permission principles
  • Find breakthroughs for tricky clients
  • Accelerate your professional experience and career
  • Help the children and families who depend on you!

I'm ready to support you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

While it's not required, GPI courses cover the foundational concepts that we build on for advanced cases—the courses are highly encouraged.

After purchasing your session, you'll be able to book a time that works for you via Karen's online scheduler, which will show available timeframes to request your session. 

Karen continues as an instructor in pediatric feeding, researcher, and an active practitioner with clients and childhood development, so her availability can shift from week to week.

Start here to see all available GPI mentors and our general inquiry process.

Karen is trained in occupational therapy but works with any professional practitioner, across disciplines, including OT, SLP,  MD, R/D, and early intervention providers. 

1 on 1 professional mentoring with GPI is not designed for parents or caregivers seeking advice or treatment. Please contact Karen via her private practice.

Sessions are 45-50 minutes

Coaching sessions will be scheduled online via Zoom or Google Meet to meet HIPAA compliance. 

Forms, checklists or resources your mentor might use are provided via our online learning platform on this site.

No problem! Email Karen at [email protected] to discuss options that might work better for you.

If you're not sure which GPI mentor is the best match for your case, please reach out for advice via our mentoring page.

1 on 1 professional mentoring with GPI is not designed for parents or caregivers seeking advice or treatment. Please contact Karen via her private practice.

Yes! GPI members get a special rate both on our online and live courses but also 1-on-1 consultation sessions.

Already a member? Ask more questions in the private member's forum.

Or learn more about the benefits of GPI Professional's Membership for therapists.

Meet Karen

The Official Bio

Founder and Senior Instructor Karen Dilfer, MS, OTR/L

Karen Dilfer is an occupational therapist, feeding specialist, and food enthusiast. She has a strong pediatric background and loves to help children with motor, sensory, and mealtime challenges. A Chicago native, Karen enjoys discovering new restaurants and cooking with friends and family. She is a founding member of the Chicago Feeding Group, a non profit organization that seeks to support parents and professions who work with children who struggle to eat. Karen was recently featured in the Chicago Tribune. Karen has a bachelor of science degree from Calvin College and a master’s of science degree from Washington University in St. Louis. She is Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) trained and has also completed post-graduate education in Sensory Integration. Karen trained under Marsha Dunn Klein at Mealtime Connections, LLC, in Tucson, Arizona. Karen is a contributing member to the Get Permission team and regularly teaches Get Permission workshops and webinars. She maintains a private practice and actively treats children with feeding challenges. You can learn more about her work here: www.eatwithkaren.com.

Packages designed to fit your needs

GPI offers packages of 1, 3, or 5 sessions with your mentor. A 3-session block minimum is recommended for most complex cases, so you can work with your mentor to establish a clear goal, follow up on your progress, and adjust your approach as needed.