June Newsletter
As we welcome June, we recognize a month that holds significance for many communities and traditions. June is both Pride Month and the month of Juneteenth, offering opportunities to reflect on history, celebrate progress, honor diverse experiences, and foster a spirit of belonging. Whether through learning, community gatherings, personal reflection, or celebration, June invites us to appreciate the many stories and contributions that help shape our communities.
At Kaiun Counseling, we value the dignity and worth of every individual and believe that people thrive when they have the freedom to be their authentic selves. We are committed to creating a space where all people feel respected, supported, and accepted as they are. This month, we are reminded of the importance of approaching one another with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to honor the unique experiences and identities that enrich our communities.
Expanding Wellness at Kaiun: Acupuncture & Ashley
At Kaiun Wellness, we have always believed that healing happens when we care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. As our practice continues to grow, we are excited to expand our wellness offerings and welcome Ashley to the Kaiun team as our acupuncturist.
Ashley brings a compassionate, thoughtful approach to care and a deep commitment to helping people find balance, resilience, and well-being. Through acupuncture, she supports clients experiencing stress, anxiety, pain, sleep difficulties, hormonal imbalances, and a variety of other health concerns. Her work aligns beautifully with our mission of providing personalized, whole-person care in a warm and supportive environment.
The addition of acupuncture represents an exciting step in Kaiun's evolution as an integrative wellness practice. By bringing together counseling, wellness services, and acupuncture under one roof, we are creating more opportunities for healing that honor the connection between emotional, physical, and relational health.
We are thrilled to welcome Ashley and look forward to offering our community another pathway toward greater balance, vitality, and well-being. Whether you are seeking support for a specific concern or simply looking to invest in your overall health, we invite you to explore the benefits of acupuncture as part of your wellness journey. Welcome, Ashley—we are so glad you're here.
Book of the Month
Rutger Bregman's Humankind: A Hopeful History is a compelling and deeply encouraging exploration of human nature that challenges one of society's most enduring beliefs: that people are fundamentally selfish and driven by self-interest. Drawing from psychology, anthropology, history, and sociology, Bregman carefully examines the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. Through fascinating examples—from six shipwrecked boys who survived by cooperating rather than descending into chaos, to communities that come together during disasters, to Norway's trust-based prison system—he makes a persuasive case that human beings are naturally inclined toward kindness, collaboration, and connection. He also revisits famous psychological studies, including the Stanford Prison Experiment and Milgram's obedience experiments, arguing that many of the conclusions we have accepted about human cruelty and blind obedience may be far more complex than originally presented.
At Kaiun Wellness, the book's message feels both hopeful and profoundly relevant. Bregman invites readers to consider how our assumptions about people shape the systems we build, the relationships we cultivate, and the way we see ourselves. If we approach others with suspicion and distrust, we often create environments that reinforce those expectations. Yet when we lead with trust, compassion, and a belief in people's capacity for goodness, we create opportunities for growth, accountability, and healing. This perspective mirrors what we often witness in therapeutic work: beneath fear, conflict, and protective behaviors is usually a person longing for connection, belonging, and understanding. Humankind is ultimately a refreshing reminder that while humans are imperfect, our greatest strengths may lie not in competition or control, but in our remarkable ability to care for one another. In a world that can often feel divided and cynical, Bregman's work offers something both rare and deeply nourishing—a reason to believe in each other again.
Recipe of the Month
Gluten Free Mochi Waffles
Ingredients
2 cups sweet rice flour (also called glutinous rice flour, such as Mochiko)
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on desired sweetness)
2 large eggs
1½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
¼ cup melted butter or neutral oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup melted butter or neutral oil
Instructions
Preheat your waffle iron thoroughly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sweet rice flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. The batter will be thinner than traditional waffle batter.
Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes while the waffle iron finishes heating.
Lightly grease the waffle iron if needed.
Pour batter into the waffle iron, filling it about ¾ full.
Cook until deeply golden and crisp, usually 4–6 minutes depending on your waffle maker. Resist opening too early—the extra cooking time helps develop the crispy crust.
Serve immediately.
Optional Flavor Variations
Coconut: Replace ½ cup of the milk with canned coconut milk.
Matcha: Add 1 tbsp matcha powder.
Ube: Add 2 tbsp ube powder and a little extra milk if needed.
Black Sesame: Stir in 2 tbsp finely ground black sesame seeds.
Lemon Vanilla: Add the zest of one lemon.
Local Recommendations
NAMI Support Group
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a free support group for any adult experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Led by trained leaders, this group offers a space to hear about the challenges and successes of others and connect with community members.
The next meeting is June 16 from 1:30-3pm PDT at Fishline in Poulsbo. Click here to learn more!
Bainbridge Pride Festival
Head to Bainbridge Island’s Waterfront Park on Saturday, June 20 at 12pm to celebrate the 2026 Pride Festival. Click here to learn more!
Poetry Reading & Open Mic on Island
Join poet laureate Erin Malone in welcoming a poetry reading featuring Kieron Walquist followed by open mic on Thursday, June 18 from 7-8:30pm at Bainbridge Island’s Kitsap Regional Library. Walquist is a National Poetry Series winner and 2026 finalist for the Norma Farber First Book Award. Admission is free and you’re welcome to offer your own reading. Click here to learn more!
