April Newsletter
Greetings and Happy Spring!
Kaiun recognizes that many people are carrying deep stress, grief, and anger as they move through a world that can feel uncertain and overwhelming. In times like these, the need for compassionate spaces of care becomes even more important. We strive to be a sanctuary for our communities—a place where people can pause, be heard, and receive support for the whole of who they are. Through holistic, thoughtful mental health care, Kaiun is committed to walking alongside individuals and families as they process what is difficult, reconnect with their strengths, and move forward on a hopeful and meaningful path toward the future
Tip of the Month: In observance of April being Alcohol Awareness Month, we wanted to share recent research on the impacts of alcohol on the mind and body.
ADHD and Alcohol: Emotional Regulation Efforts Pay Off in Quality of Life Points (2025)
Research indicates that for those with alcohol use disorder or ADHD, alcohol can negatively impact one’s quality of life (e.g., emotional dysregulation, higher impulsivity).
How Alcohol Affects Your Sleep (2025)
“Drinking alcohol might help you fall asleep—but it won’t keep you there. And the negative effects of interrupted sleep can add up over time.”
A sizable body of research links the early initiation of alcohol use to unsafe alcohol-related behaviors. In general, underage drinking can lead adolescents to make poor decisions and engage in potentially harmful behavior (e.g., drinking and driving, unsafe sexual behavior, and other substance use).
Book of the Month: Hormone Havoc by Dr. Amy Shah
We recommend Hormone Havoc by Dr. Amy Shah as an important resource for understanding how hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause affect emotional and psychological well-being.
It is a thoughtful, accessible book that explores the hormonal shifts that can influence mood, sleep, energy, sexuality, and one’s overall sense of wellbeing. What makes it especially meaningful is its invitation to approach these changes with greater understanding, self-compassion, and curiosity, rather than frustration or self-criticism.
For many women, this season can feel deeply disorienting—physically, emotionally, and relationally. Books like this can offer a reassuring place to begin, helping to put language to experiences that are often minimized or misunderstood. Hormone Havoc feels like a supportive resource for anyone wanting a more informed and empowered understanding of what may be happening in the body, while also honoring the very real impact these shifts can have on daily life.
At Kaiun, we value resources that help people feel more connected to themselves with gentleness, clarity, and dignity. This is one we would humbly recommend for those seeking a grounded and compassionate entry point into the conversation.
Recipe of the Month: Katherine’s Oatmeal Protein Cookies
Ingredients (Double Batch)
2 cups rolled oats
4 scoops vanilla Ka’Chava (or similar product) protein powder
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 ripe banana (mashed)
4 eggs (2 whole + 2 egg whites)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
4–8 tbsp almond milk (as needed)
½ c dark chocolate chips (and/or raisins, nuts, etc)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet.
Mash banana and applesauce together until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
Stir in oats, protein powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
Add oat/almond milk gradually until dough is thick but scoopable.
Scoop onto baking sheet and flatten slightly.
Bake for 11 minutes.
Let cool before eating (they firm up as they sit).
Store in fridge
Local Recommendation:
We’re excited to feature the vibrant work of Monique Shelton at Kaiun this month! Her art will be on display starting May 1 for the Art Walk, bringing a fresh, expressive energy to our space. Stop by to experience her unique perspective and celebrate creativity in the heart of the community.
Monique Shelton is an abstract artist working in encaustic and mixed media, exploring the relationship between stillness, structure, and flow. Her work is guided by the discipline of stillness—a practice of slowing down to reveal clarity, depth, and intention.
As a longtime swim coach (she is the head coach of Bainbridge Island Swim Club, where Katherine also coaches), Shelton brings the concept of threshold into her work—the space where effort meets alignment. This balance is reflected in her paintings, where layered materials and controlled movement create a sense of both strength and calm.
Her paintings reflect this balance: grounded yet fluid, structured yet expansive. At Kaiun Wellness, her work is presented as an extension of the environment itself—inviting pause, presence, and a return to alignment.
Upcoming Trainings:
We are excited to offer a new live CE training for Washington State mental health clinicians:
Building a Sustainable Therapy Practice: Ethics, Boundaries & Fit
This 2-hour CE training is designed for LMHCs, LMHCAs, LMFTs, and LMFTAs who want practical support in building a healthier, more sustainable way of practicing — without losing sight of ethics, integrity, and client care.
Led by Heather Huckett, PhD, LMFT, CST and Katherine Fort, PhD, LMHC, this training will help clinicians strengthen the foundations of good practice, including therapeutic fit, scope of competence, ethical referrals, burnout prevention, consultation, and professional boundaries.
Whether you are early in your career or looking to recalibrate a long-standing practice, this training offers real-world tools you can use right away.
In this training, you’ll learn how to:
recognize when a client may not be the right fit and respond ethically
clarify scope of practice versus scope of competence
strengthen referral, consultation, and documentation practices
create healthier boundaries around schedule, time, and availability
recognize signs of burnout and compassion fatigue early
build a practice that is both clinically sound and personally sustainable
2-Hour CE Training Includes 1 Ethics CE $150 For Washington State LMHC, LMHCA, LMFT, and LMFTA professionals
This training is designed to support Washington State continuing education requirements, with 1.0 hour satisfying ethics CE requirements.
Participants will receive:
Certificate of completion with CE hours and ethics designation
Training agenda
Presenter credentials
Attendance verification
Save your spot today!
REGISTRATION LINK:https://www.tixtree.com/e/building-a-sustainable-therapy-practice-ethics-boundaries-fit-128e5864ba44
REFUND POLICY
This is a non-refundable event.
