Sierra Fair, LMSW

Happy World Mental Health Day! 💚

Today marks World Mental Health Day! Let’s work together to raise awareness of mental health issues, mobilize efforts to support mental health and combat the stigma associated with mental health challenges.

🚌 Free Ride Week with Wichita Transit!🚌

Wichita Transit and the City of Wichita- Government have partnered to offer free rides, July 19-23 2022 as we experience some record breaking heat outside! The city buses and trollies have air conditioning and WIFI and residents are invited to utilize them as a way to beat the heat.

For more information go to : https://www.wichitatransit.org/ ✨

Keep breathing. You’re going to make it.
🌞🤍✨

Let’s talk about S U M M E R S L U M P!

The beginning of summer is usually filled with so much joy and excitement! Kids are out of school, jobs seem to slow down, and everyone has vacation on the brain. 🏖

However, as summer wanes on I often experience and notice in others a typical “summer slump”. 😕

This slump can feel like a lack of motivation, low productivity, negative emotions, and even increased anxiety or depressive symptoms. There seems to be a part of us that desires the consistency and busyness of the school year, despite the challenges that also brings. 👈🏼
�So, what can we do to navigate this slump? How can we increase our mental health while soaking in the last weeks of summer? 🤔

📌Change your routine
a. What changes to your routine or schedule can you add to increase your sense of motivation and accomplishment? Sometimes a little structure can help to alleviate anxiety.
📌Plan things to look forward to
a. These things can be big like a trip or they can be small like a morning walk in nature or a visit to the movies. Identifying a few things to do each week is a great way to add structure and excitement!
📌Engage in mindfulness
a. Try engaging in mindful activities that help you to enjoy your present moment! Spend time outside, journal, or talk about your feelings with a friend.
📌Take care of the basics
a. Focus on getting quality sleep, supportive nutrition, movement, technology breaks, and positive social interactions!

Remember – summertime is a great season for rest and fun! It’s normal to slow down and be less productive. ☀️

If you find yourself experiencing more negative emotions, it may be time to explore some of these ideas or check-in with a counselor! 💙
�Interested in therapy? Send me a message! 👋🏼

plain and simple.

you matter.

🖤🌻

✨Therapists go to therapy too✨

Therapists struggle with anxiety.
Therapists struggle with depression.
Therapists struggle with trauma.

I attend therapy to work through my own mental health issues so that I can be a more balanced person and a more effective clinician.

If I can't trust the process for myself, how can I trust it for my clients?

Go to therapy. Take care of yourself. Practice what you preach. 🌻🖤

Our practice is looking for APRNs to join our team!

It's time to talk about another mental health myth!

Myth: It's not normal to struggle with your mental health.
Truth: About 1 in 5 adults experiences mental health issues.

What does this mean?

It means that mental health issues are more common than you might think.
It also means that you are not alone in your struggles.
Raise your hand if you experience mental health issues..🙋‍♀️

Only about half of all people dealing with mental health issues received treatment or services for those things last year.

There are many, many factors that play into that, and I believe that the stigma surrounding mental health issues was one of them.

Together, we can shatter the stereotypes that have been preventing people from getting the help that they need.

For anyone reading this who maybe feels isolated and alone, your emotions are valid. But you are not alone anymore. Reach out to a close friend, search google for therapists in your area, send me a DM!

I would love to help connect you with someone who can help you through these challenges.

You are worthy. You are brilliant. You are not alone. 🖤💚

It's time to address another mental health myth, and this one is close to my heart. 💚

Myth: Kids and teenagers don't deal with mental health issues.
Truth: Mental health issues can begin as early as age 3.

Mental health issues in children and adolescents are quite real.

I work with teens in therapy every day, and I see firsthand the giants they are facing.

When we respond without compassion and empathy, young people are more apt to shut down and shut out any potential resources.

The influence of social media and unrealistic societal expectations has created a breeding ground for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, among others.

It's time to give young people safe spaces to share their struggles and questions. Their voices and feelings matter too.

Information from

Mental Health Myth: Mental health problems only happen if you allow them to.

The Truth: Mental health problems occur in response to a combination of genetics, environment, trauma, and other factors.

There’s no “one size fits all” approach to mental health issues.

If you have been on the receiving end of some of these common responses, I am so sorry.

If you have been on the delivering end of these common responses, here’s your sign to learn and do better.

Mental health issues are NOT weaknesses or failures.

You are so much more than a diagnosis or tendency.

Let’s learn together, respond with compassion, and keep fighting for our fellow humans. 🖤🌻

Today marks the start of . Throughout the month we will share educational information, activities and other great resources from our Therapist team.

Join us as we continue to highlight the importance of taking care of the mental health of children, families, caregivers, and ourselves.

Happy Monday!
This week kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month! 💚

Mental health issues impact people of every age, ethnicity, and gender.
This month I will be highlighting common mental health myths, sharing treatment methods I use in my work, and providing resources for support.

If you have questions about anything mental health related, drop them in the comments! I'll do my best to address what you're interested in!🖤🌻

I am honored to partner with this organization as a clinician. Please share this information with those affected by the Andover tornado. They’ll have access to 6 FREE counseling sessions from quality providers. You are not alone 🖤

Contact Form available at - RO2SE.org

Today seems like a great day for a reintroduction! After all, a lot can happen and change in 6 months!

My name is Sierra Fair, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
I’m a Newman University alum ❤️

I work as a mental health therapist at Real Life Counseling in Wichita, Kansas. I’m pursuing my clinical social work license, and hope to open my own therapy practice one day!

I work with teenagers and adults with a wide range of mental health issues, particularly trauma. I find so much joy in helping others uncover the healing power that is already within them.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two doggos. I love a good cup of coffee (particularly iced, even when it’s freezing outside).

My self-care practices include reading (for fun!), puzzles, and spending time with the people that fill me up 💗

I also attend therapy for myself (shocker, I know 😉)

I love people. I love working with people. I love serving people.

I hope this gives you a small glimpse into who I am, as a clinician and as a person. I don’t take my profession lightly, but consider it a great honor to hold that sacred healing space for others. 🖤🤍🌻

This week's Toolbox Tuesday is all about child safety, and contains sensitive language.

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network nearly 75% of child sexual abuse victims KNEW their abuser.

"Stranger Danger" has become a dangerous concept in and of itself over the years. While it is not necessarily wrong, it cannot be the only thing we teach children.

Children need to know WHO they CAN go to if something happens. You can help identify those safe people for your child and the other children in your life.

This can include family members and friends, but can also include teachers, police officers, pastors, librarians, a neighbor, even the cashier at the grocery store! Take some time to create a plan with your child so they know who the safe people are in their life.

Finally, teach kids the correct terminology for their body parts. Odds are, kids are going to giggle at words like, "p***s" and "va**na", and that's okay. Let them giggle! The more those words are used appropriately, the more comfortable kids are going to be when they have to say them.

This is a vital piece of keeping children safe. Why? Because if something does happen, children need to be able to communicate to their safe people exactly what happened. It's about empowering children to speak up and not be afraid to use those words.

Practice these tools with the children in your life. Be the safe person they can go to with hard things. Empower them to be brave. 🖤💙🤍

Happy Monday!

You are empowered to set boundaries and express your needs and emotions without apologizing.

You are responsible for your feelings and behaviors, not anyone else's.

It's okay to take care of YOU first!
Do something kind for your mental health today! 🖤🌻

This is a fantastic opportunity for parents to learn about how to keep kids safe online! The Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County is a great resource, and these trainings are completely free!

Microsoft Forms

This Toolbox Tuesday is inspired by Child Abuse Prevention Month!

Being a kid is tough. The good news is that we, as adults, can help create a healthier environment for the children in our lives.

Building trust, creating safety, and expressing empathy are just a few of the many ways that we can empower children and promote healthy development. 💙

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In 2020, more than 600,000 children were victims of abuse and neglect.

Nearly 30 percent of those were between the ages of zero and two years old.

Child abuse includes physical abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, trafficking, and neglect.

This month we shine a spotlight on the subject of child abuse and neglect to educate and increase awareness.

We work to preserve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people on the planet.

Join us in the fight against this injustice this month, and every day forward. 🌻🖤💙

Info from the 2020 Child Maltreatment Report by the Children’s Bureau of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

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The last day of Social Work Month❤️
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All social workers be sure to remember that YOU ARE effective and essential.
If your place of employment didn't recognize you or show any appreciation, show it to yourself because you deserve it! Self-care is sooo important!
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Continue to do your best work possible for your clients/patients.
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Don't ever stop advocating for yourselves or this profession!
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What comes to mind when you hear the term, "self-care"?

If you're like I was when I started learning about self-care, you might have thought of bubble baths and chocolate cake, but true self-care involves SO much more.

If we want to be healthier people, we have to address every area of our beings. This includes our Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual health.

If you don't know where to start, that's okay! Swipe over to see easy ways to practice holistic self-care 👉

Remember to take care of yourself you amazing human 🌻🖤

Today is the final of Social Work Month! To finish out the month, here is the second part to the Social Work Code of Ethics.

Importance of Human Relationships
Integrity
Competence

Each of these principles helps guide social workers in the work they do every day!

To be a social worker is to uphold these standards to the highest degree. We care for people with conviction and work to create healthier systems in communities and families.

Be on the lookout for a few more fun facts about social work before this month is over!

This week is part one of a two-part !

As social workers, we are held to a set of professional standards known as the Code of Ethics. This code is established by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and social workers are expected to carry out these principles in daily work.

I couldn't let Social Work Month go by without sharing the guidelines that help make this profession stay true to its mission!

To read more in-depth about the Social Work Code of Ethics, you can visit the website here:
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics

Stay tuned for part two next week! 🖤🌻

Special Report on DSM-5-TR—What Social Workers Need To Know On March 18, 2022, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) published the text revision of DSM-5, known as DSM-5-TR. This special report highlights some of the key changes in DSM-5-TR that social workers need to know.

Advocate for the things you can, and support those who advocate for the rest.
You can’t do everything.
Give yourself a break. You’re doing the best you can 🖤🌻