As parents, we were really at a point (like many families) where we had exhausted what few resources we had available to us. Our son has learning differences but had never been diagnosed on the spectrum. We had always thought wilderness programs were for kids who were out of control, bad behavior, drugs and alcohol. …
Some teens might always be on the move while others may be parked on a living room couch – but all teens need physical exercise. The effects of exercise and physical activities on both teen’s bodies and mental wellness have been proven time again through a variety of scientific studies. However, as youth age, the …
Dear Pacific Quest Community- with a special shout out to Bridger and Jennifer (you two rock!), Mike Sullivan (Family Program Director extraordinaire!) and Lindsey (Buffalo gals!), What a great team. Mahalo a million times. Thank you for getting a true smile, sparkle, and enthusiasm into the moment and into the future. PQ has laid a foundation for our child. Our …
John Souza Jr., D.MFT Primary Therapist – Pacific Quest Several weeks ago my niece and nephew were visiting from Minnesota. I was so excited to show them all that Hawai’i had to offer. One day we decided to visit downtown Hilo, pulling into a parking stall in the packed lot of the bustling business district and excitedly gathered in …
Travis Slagle, M.A. Horticultural Therapy Director, Pacific Quest National Geographic recently published the article Gardens: The World’s Oldest Therapist, which describes the scientific inquiry behind nature informed treatment, and how the oldest therapists of the world are poised to become the newest ally in outdoor therapy. No matter how much the urban shuffle distracts us, …
Let’s call a spade a spade: For many teens, their bedroom is their sanctuary. It’s a place where dreams and ambitions may take shape. It’s their “personal” space, and part of establishing ownership in their surroundings and future independence. But if your teen is spending all of her time cooped up in her room, and …
The adolescent years are a critical window of vulnerability for alcohol and drug abuse. Experimentation is common. Unfortunately, often teens don’t see the link between their actions today and the consequences tomorrow. Did you know that by the time teens reach their senior year in high school, almost 70 percent will have tried alcohol, half …
Rebellion, non-conformity, waywardness or impulsive behavior—whatever you call it, it is often normal (and expected) behavior in adolescents during their teenage years. But if you’re confused about what happened to your once-sweet child who now acts out in a rebellious fashion, you are not alone. Adolescent brains process information differently than adult brains, which translates …
Never underestimate the power of the wilderness. It tenders a commanding, yet holistic, backdrop to the therapeutic process for troubled teens and young adults. At Pacific Quest, our Wilderness Therapy Program supports students in a peaceful environment, empowering them to make both dynamic and compelling changes to their lives. With the absence of technology, substances …
Teen bullying can conjure serious and longstanding consequences in an adolescent’s life. By definition, bullying is described as unwanted and aggressive behavior acted out among school-age adolescents that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It also encompasses another important component ─ a pattern of behavior that is repeated over time. No single factor puts …