As summer begins to soften into fall, we are reminded that change is a natural part of life. A new season can bring fresh energy and possibility, but it can also invite us to slow down, take stock, and notice what we truly have the capacity to carry. Healthy boundaries are an important part of that process. They give us permission to protect our time, care for our energy, and say no when life begins to feel too full. Boundaries are not about pushing others away; they help us remain connected without abandoning our own needs. As we welcome the quieter rhythms of fall, we invite you to consider where a little more space, rest, or protection might help you create a life that feels more balanced, sustainable, and whole.

Welcome Julie!

In her words:

I’m so pleased to join the Kaiun team! As a counseling intern, I look forward to working with the island community in a practice focused on holistic wellness. I’m particularly interested in supporting adults navigating challenging life transitions and helping them discover the insights and resources that can open possibilities for growth, healing, and new direction. I’m grateful to be joining Kaiun and to have the supervision of Dr. Katherine Fort throughout this process.

Tell us about your journey to counseling.

My past work has been in adult community education. Most recently, I taught a class called Women in Life Transition for Bainbridge Parks and Recreation. That experience deepened my interest in the significant transitions we encounter throughout adult life—changes in relationships, careers, identity and roles, parenthood, and our sense of what comes next. I became increasingly interested not only in how we navigate these changes, but in the questions they can raise about who we are and what we want our lives to mean. Both my work and life experience contribute to my interest in supporting people as they find their own meaning, identity, and voice.

What would you like to share with future clients?

My hope for my time with a client is best described as Both/And. I want to listen deeply to what is painful and offer compassion that can gradually become self-compassion. At the same time, I want to recognize the strengths and resources each person already brings and use those as building blocks for positive change.

This second part is strongly influenced by Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), an approach that helps people identify what is already working, recognize their strengths, and envision a future that feels meaningful and possible. Some of the best advice I ever received fits beautifully with this approach: “From whatever point you are standing, there are at least five solutions to every problem.” It gave me hope when I needed it, and I’ve found it useful to remember ever since.

Tell us a little more about yourself:

I’m a Seattle native who moved to Bainbridge with my husband five years ago, during Covid—and two days before Christmas! I love anything domestic, particularly cooking, baking, and quilting. Now that my academic coursework is behind me and I’m focused on clinical practice, I get to read for pleasure again. A recent favorite is Susan Cain’s Bittersweet.

Even better than reading is reading with coffee, and I love Pegasus and the Rolling Bay Café for their local charm. Work, friendships, hobbies, and walking our dogs fill much of the rest of my time—of which there never seems to be quite enough. I feel fortunate to be here on Bainbridge and entering this next phase of my life and career.

If my approach to counseling sounds as though it might be a good fit for you, I offer a free 15-minute Zoom consultation so we can get acquainted and talk about any questions you may have about therapy. I also offer a sliding-scale fee structure. You’re welcome to reach me at julie@kaiunwellness.com.

Book of the Month

The Power of No by Anna Holmes

In this thoughtful and reflective book, Anna Holmes explores the quiet power of saying “no” and the many reasons setting boundaries can feel complicated—particularly for women, LGBTQ+ people, and people of color. Drawing from personal experiences, expert conversations, and the work of other writers and thinkers, Holmes invites readers to consider how social expectations can shape our comfort with expressing our needs. Rather than treating refusal as harsh or confrontational, she presents it as an important form of self-understanding, safety, and care. This approachable volume offers meaningful insight into why learning to say “no” can be “vital for one’s well-being,” while gently encouraging readers to create more space for their own voices, limits, and sense of self.

Recipe of The Month

Prosciutto Peach Pizza

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10 minutes Servings: 6

Total Time 25 minutes Calories Per Serving: 399 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450° F.
2. On a lightly floured surface, push the dough out until it's thin (about a 10-12 inch circle). Transfer the dough to a baking sheet. Lightly brush the crust with olive oil, then sprinkle with thyme, garlic, and chili flakes. Add 1 teaspoon honey and the fig preserves, gently rubbing around the surface of the dough.
3. Add the all 3 cheeses.
4. Toss the peaches with 1 teaspoon honey and balsamic vinegar. Arrange the peaches over the cheese, then scatter around the prosciutto.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Remove from the oven and top with two big handfuls of fresh basil. Slice and enjoy!

Katherine’s Triathlon Announcement

We are so excited to celebrate our co-founder and friend Dr. Katherine Fort as she heads to Spain for the 2026 World Triathlon Championship Finals! This remarkable achievement reflects the countless hours of training, discipline, perseverance, and heart she has poured into preparing for this moment. We are incredibly proud of her dedication and hard work, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating her success and cheering her on as she takes the world stage. Beyond her accomplishments as an athlete, Katherine is an extraordinarily kind and generous person who brings warmth, care, and encouragement to the lives of those around her. She heads into this incredible experience with the wholehearted support of her husband, children, family, friends, and the many people whose lives she has touched. We wish her every success in Spain and hope she feels just how deeply supported, celebrated, and loved she is every step of the way.

Bainbridge Island Book Festival

Celebrate the joy of stories, ideas, and community at the third annual Bainbridge Island Book Festival! This year’s festival brings 24 remarkable authors to downtown Winslow, including fantasy favorite Helene Wecker, beloved novelist and graphic storyteller Garth Stein, acclaimed poet Layli Long Soldier, romance sensation Emily Rath, and many more award-winning voices from across the literary landscape.

When: September 25–26
Where: Downtown Winslow; locations vary by event
Cost: Free

To explore the full schedule and learn more, visit bainbridgeislandbookfestival.org

September Newsletter