By Haley Brink, Therapist It’s not easy to be away from the ones you love during the holidays, there’s no way around that. This year marked the first Thanksgiving that I have spent away from my immediate family since my husband and I moved to the Big Island this past Spring. That’s part of being …
By Kelly Weld, Therapist The holiday season is a significant time for many of us. It is a time to gather family and send love to those far away. It is a time to appreciate spirit and acknowledge the sacred within and among us. It is a time to consider the year that has past, …
Pacific Quest Horticultural Therapy Director Travis Slagle was recently a guest speaker on the Progressive Radio Network “iEat Green with Bhavani” radio show discussing success stories from Pacific Quest outdoor therapy program. During the interview, Travis provided examples of how working in a garden has helped the students referred to Pacific Quest to develop healthier …
By Dr. Jessica Romeyn Last week I had the opportunity to visit Pacific Quest in lovely Hawaii. Located on the Big Island in Hilo, Pacific Quest (PQ) is not your average wilderness program. Created by Mike and Suzanne McKinney, PQ has 2 programs; one for adolescents and the other, young adults. The model for the programs …
Below, is a college essay from a former student at Pacific Quest…we are always grateful to hear from past students as they continue on their journey. I was fourteen years old and terrified. I had traveled eight hours by plane to Hawaii, driven three hours up and around the Kilauea volcano with a stranger, and …
Check out this interesting article! https://www.omglobe.com/2013/03/28/wilderness-therapy-programs-less-risky-than-daily-life/
By Rob Jarrett, Admissions & Parent Communication Director It’s a Thursday afternoon at 2PM PST and my blog article is due tomorrow. I know I’m taking it all way too seriously, but I just reread and deleted the rough draft that I have been working on for the last couple of weeks. As tempted as …
The following article by Diana Ballon was featured in Cross Currents-The Journal of Addiction and Mental Health Autumn 2012 | Vol 16 No 1. A Growing Concern Horticulture therapy offers potent opportunities for healing and growth By Diana Ballon Work in the garden “takes priority over interacting with my symptoms,” says Toshio Ushiroguchi-Pigott. “It’s …
By Chris McConnell, Program Supervisor Reeds Bay Aloha, my name is Chris and I have worked with Pacific Quest for a little over two years. During this time, I have seen this company go through enormous transformation, and have watched it grow into one of the most progressive therapy programs in the country. I am …
By JD Daubs, Admissions Director I’ve had the opportunity to work in our industry for 10 years and have seen wilderness programs adapt, change and respond to the growing therapeutic and clinical needs of students and families. In my opinion, there’s not a better treatment option for families that have exhausted most or even at …