Blog

In her book Letters to a Young Therapist, Mary Pipher shares volumes of insight into the process of therapy.  Toward the end of the book Pipher points to the importance of helping clients develop a “new story.”  She says “We therapists are primarily storytellers.  Most clients need stories that allow them to view the world …

The poem below was written by a PQ student.  Inspiration may have come from the weekly wellness lessons that the students receive from our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Zimmer.  Here it is: Wellness Poem In your brain is where it starts then 30 ft to where you fart Chewing and saliva breaks down food what you …

An article detailing PQ’s “nurturing, supportive, green therapy” approach to helping struggling teens was recently published.  The article can be found in the Orange County Register, a local newspaper. Mark Agosto is leading PQ’s outreach in the area.  As a father and active community member, Mark is dedicated to the improving the welfare of the …

The group was able to visit Green Sands Beach. This was one of those days that makes living in Hawaii so worth it! We started out the day by driving down to South Point. Along the way the group discussed local history, and in particular how the area was probably the first in Hawaii to …

I recently read Gary Ferguson’s Shouting at the Sky.  While the book was originally published in 1999, I got my hands on Hilary’s 2009 copy, a signed copy replete with a new foreword and afterword.  Ferguson’s insights are incredible, as his words convey his personal experience working with teens in a wilderness therapy program.  His …

Punalu’u Outing guided and posting authored by Martha Bouchard. Punalu’u is an area steeped in cultural significance, just minutes from Pacific Quest; some people even claim it may be the real site of the first Polynesian arrival to the island (most often thought to be Ka Lae, South Point). This area is the perfect backdrop …

In Dr. Zimmer’s weekly wellness lesson, the group discussed digestion, nutrition- how food is digested, vitamins absorbed, what creates digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain. The group shared their assignments from the previous week.  They made a menu plan including healthy food with well balanced protein, fat and carbs in each meal. They …

The weather was a bit voggy (an island term used to describe volcanic emissions – like fog) but the sky was clear and sunny.  On the drive, the group discussed volcanes, volcano formation and  unique stories about previous eruptions in recent history. We first stopped at the tree molds so everyone could get an idea …

Therapeutic approaches with at-risk youth need to be creative.  The population demands it.  At-risk youth are rarely going to swing by the therapists office after school for an hour a week and unpack their problems.  Many deny that problems exist and are content with their risky behaviors.  This population requires varied approaches to complex emotional/behavioral …

The group experienced excellent weather for snorkeling.  The sun was shinning and the water was glassy and clear.  The day started by heading down to the City of Refuge.  All the kids were eager and excited.  The snorkeling was good, however by Hawaii standards it was not ideal.  The water was cloudy in places but …