Fairbank Counseling, PLLC

07/01/2025

Family vacations can bring connection—but also tension.
If you find yourself feeling drained instead of rested during trips, boundaries might be the missing piece.

Here are a few simple ways to protect your peace while still being present:

🌿 Communicate needs early. Let your family know ahead of time if you’ll need quiet time, breaks, or solo space.

🌿 Make space for yourself. Even 10–15 minutes a day to journal, walk, or sit quietly can help you reset.

🌿 Say no with kindness. You don’t have to join every activity. A polite “I’m going to sit this one out and recharge” is enough.

🌿 Check in with yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, pause and ask: What do I need right now? Then honor that answer.

Your well-being matters—even on vacation. 🧘🏽‍♀️🏖️

💬 What’s one boundary you’d like to practice on your next trip?

06/29/2025

06/27/2025

Longer days and looser schedules can trick us into thinking we have endless time—but that often leads to burnout. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you have to be ‘on’ all the time.

💤 Set gentle boundaries around rest. That might mean saying no to one more gathering, giving yourself permission to nap, or turning in early—even if it’s still light outside."

Mini Prompt:
What’s one small way you can protect your energy this week?

06/22/2025

Not all family vacations are relaxing.
Not every trip brings the closeness you hoped for.

Maybe you imagined bonding moments, laughter, or healing conversations—but instead felt tension, distance, or the old familiar roles you’ve outgrown.

If you're traveling with a dysfunctional family system or feeling unseen during a family trip, it’s okay to name the grief and disappointment that can come with that.

Here are a few boundary reminders to carry with you:

🌿 You don’t have to fix the dynamic. Just because you’re together doesn’t mean you’re responsible for managing everyone’s emotions.

🌿 Disappointment doesn't mean you did something wrong. It means you had hope—and that matters.

🌿 You’re allowed to step away. Take solo walks, journal, or create small pockets of peace for yourself.

🌿 It’s okay to hold two truths. You can love your family and feel hurt by the disconnection.

Family trips can stir up old wounds. Give yourself permission to feel it all—and to care for yourself in the ways you wish others would.

You deserve peace, even if others can’t give it.

💬 Has a family trip ever left you feeling more drained than connected? You’re not alone.

06/16/2025

Summer can be a time of freedom and fun—but also disruption. Whether you're a parent adjusting to kids being home, a student facing a slower pace, or just feeling 'off' with the longer days, it's normal for routines to shift. Mental wellness means adjusting with intention.

💡 Try this: Pick one small daily anchor—like a morning walk, journaling, or 5 minutes of breathing—to keep some structure. Small things = big impact."

Need support navigating seasonal changes? Our therapists are here to help you realign and refocus.

06/16/2025

Is anyone else losing their minds!?! 😳

School’s out, routines are shifting, and suddenly you're juggling everything — work deadlines, kids at home, summer camps, fun outings, and maybe (just maybe) a moment to breathe.

You're not alone. This season can be joyful and overwhelming.

Here are a few gentle reminders as you adjust:

🗓️ Create a loose structure – Predictability helps everyone, even if it’s just “mornings are quiet time, afternoons are play.”

👨‍👩‍👧 Share the load – Tap into carpool groups, family help, or trade time with other parents.

☀️ Prioritize connection, not perfection – A simple picnic in the backyard can be just as magical as a big day trip.

🧠 Protect your mental health – Your needs matter too. Whether it's therapy, journaling, or just 10 minutes of quiet, carve out space for you.

One day, one moment at a time. Balance isn't a fixed state — it's a practice.

💬 Need support navigating the summer transition? Our therapists are here to help you build a plan that works for you.

06/10/2025

🌿 Healing Starts Here 🌿

Are you carrying the weight of past trauma? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through it alone.

At Fairbank Counseling, our trauma therapist provides a safe, supportive space to help you process, heal, and move forward at your own pace.

✨ Whether you’re navigating PTSD, childhood trauma, or emotional wounds that still impact your life today, we’re here to help.

📩 Take the first step—contact Shaina at shaina@fairbankcounseling.net to schedule a free consultation and see if therapy is the right fit for you.

You deserve healing. You deserve peace. Let’s start together.