Pacific Quest

6 Practical Things Every Young Adult Should Know As They Enter Adulthood

Throughout their high school years, teenagers learn many things: the principles behind the Pythagorean theorem, morals hidden within “The Grapes of Wrath” and the way osmosis works. It’s true, most traditional schooling leans more heavily on analytical lessons rather than practical intelligence. But life skills are equally important and serve as guide markers for teens

3 Reasons Troubled Teens Resist Treatment (And What You Can Do About It)

Though issues in troubled teens today are very real and treatable, many refuse to engage, to participate, or even communicate with counselors. Here are some reasons why they may be unwilling to become involved in treatment: Misconceptions About Therapy Sometimes our teens and young adults resist the opportunity to open up and fully dive into

Dr. Freedle Will Co-Present at NATSAP – La Jolla, CA

Pacific Quest’s Clinical Director, Lorraine Freedle, Ph.D., ABPdN will be co-presenting at the 2016 NATSAP Conference.  The back-to-back presentation entitled, “From Super Power to Darkest Hour: Giftedness… Why Does it Matter?” will take place on Thursday, February 11th from 1:45- 3:15 pm (Part I) and 3:30- 5:00 pm (Part II). Dr. Freedle and Daniel Peters,

Plant Seeds of Recovery, Reap the Benefits of Therapeutic Gardening

Horticultural therapy has a strong metaphorical tie when it comes to nursing something to life. In short, the mentality associated with helping something to grow counteracts the negative thoughts associated with depression and anxiety. The act of growing a plant or vegetable from a seed mirrors the steps and development in a student’s personal journey.

Examining the First Pillar of Health: Nutrition

At Pacific Quest, students learn that what you put in your body directly affects how you feel. The Pacific Quest diet has been developed to provide balanced and vital nutrition. We take advantage of locally grown foods in Hawaii so that food is always fresh and healthy. We are fortunate to have an incredible local

A Letter of Gratitude: My Son’s Journey

As many of you know, I don’t post much on FB and when I do, it’s rarely personal.  This is a long one and many will not finish.  I’m not posting it for sympathy or kudos.  I’m posting it for a few reasons – to let others know they are not alone, to thank a

Lessons From La Jolla

By Mike Sullivan, MA, LMHC I dawned my running shoes and am back running the single lane jungle roads of Hilo, Hawaii. Having just spent the last week in La Jolla, California at a professional conference, I have a lot to reflect on. I do some of my best thinking while running. I traveled to

Pacific Quest Welcomes Sharon Findlay to the Admissions Team

Pacific Quest is excited to welcome Sharon Findlay to our team! Sharon comes to Pacific Quest with extensive experience working with families and professionals in the therapeutic education field. Sharon joins Erin Levine, JD Daubs, and Kellyn Symthe as part of the PQ Admissions Team and will also work closely with the Outreach and Communications

Successful Horticultural Therapy Training at PQ

Horticultural Therapy is one of the cornerstones of Pacific Quest’s integrative, holistic approach. Recently, over sixty Pacific Quest employees participated in an all day training in horticultural therapy. Therapists and direct care staff worked side-by-side utilizing creative interventions, combining evidence-based practices with mind-body techniques. Horticulture Therapy Training One of the main goals of this training

PQ Staff Spotlight: Mike Sullivan on Mindfulness and Marathon Preparation

Pacific Quest is supporting Mike Sullivan on his “2016 Road to Kona.” Yes, you heard correctly, Mike is taking another stab at the World Championship Ironman, assuming he is selected to participate through the Hawaii Resident Lottery on May 5, 2016. Mike will share insights and perspectives throughout his 2016 races and training, and drawing