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“One’s destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things.” -Henry Miller, Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch No matter the paths we take, it’s the power of the small wins that count. All too often, this realization hits nearer the end, when one’s path is running out …

The seasons are a powerful force; they affect all human beings—our behaviors, choices and even moods. The reasons behind this are science-based; greater exposure to sunlight, has been found to decrease melatonin production and increase dopamine release, lessening our urge to sleep and brightening our outlook on life. “The beautiful spring came; and when Nature …

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 …

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 …

If you are struggling with the right way to discipline your teenager, you are not alone. The teen years are particularly challenging for parents, especially if you have a strong-willed child. If you are too strict or harsh, you can count on rebellion. If you come down on the rebellion instead of listening to your …

By Mike Sullivan, Alumni & Family Services Director Pacific Quest alumni gathered at Torrey Pines State Beach this past Saturday to reconnect and contribute to a larger effort at protecting our ocean ecosystem.  Together with volunteers from the Surfrider Foundation, we combed the beach in hunt of marine debris littering the shores and posing environmental threats. …

Successful teen recovery starts with an understanding of the things parents can do to help. The foremost of support groups, parental aid revolves around recognizing not only the things that cause trouble for teens, but identifying what parents themselves can improve on, and various paths we can take to help our teens recover. Below are …

Who killed Wellington, the neighborhood’s beloved poodle? That’s the question Christopher John Francis Boone, a 15-year-old autistic teen decides he must answer in Mark Haddon’s book “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.” The hunt for the truth takes him on a journey full of struggles, questions and triumphs in this coming-of-age tale …

From mSpy to MamaBear, there are more than a handful of apps to assist you in spying on your teen and their personal activities, upping the temptation quotient ten-fold. While the creations of these technologies are mainly a result of concerned, well-intending parents, they aren’t always necessary. This is why it’s important you don’t get …

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 …