John Souza, DMFT, and Mike Sullivan, LMHC recently presented at the Young Adult Transition Association (YATA) conference in Coeur d’Alene Idaho, speaking to the “Myth of Independence” within emerging adulthood and the need for relationship. After dispelling the common perception that young adults (and the rest of humankind really) are independent entities, and highlighting some …
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The (Potentially Dangerous) Myth of Independence
John Souza, DMFT, and Mike Sullivan, LMHC recently presented at the Young Adult Transition Association (YATA) conference in Coeur d’Alene Idaho, speaking to the “Myth of Independence” within emerging adulthood and the need for relationship. After dispelling the common perception that young adults (and the rest of humankind really) are independent entities, and highlighting some …
Top Notch Testimonial
Mahalo for this wonderful parent testimonial: “Transformative and life-saving are just two of the many positive adjectives that describe our family’s experience with PQ. If your child is in need, and you are fortunate enough to be able send your child, just do it. Theresa and Camille, just two of the many gifted and caring …
Staff Training at the Farm!
Last week Pacific Quest staff members participated in a company-wide training focused on Horticultural Therapy and Rites of Passage. It was a great opportunity for the team to come together on our new farm property and have time to connect while learning new skills and strategies to work with our students. The training began with …
Happy Tears
My Little Bean
Last week I was contacted by PQ to check in with my family; it has been about six months since my son finished the program. They asked if I had news or photos to share. I didn’t have any photos. I only saw him for a couple hours when I picked him up at the …
Hiking in the Ka’u Desert
Getting off the farm and out to explore the island is a big hit amongst PQ students. This past weekend, students of the young adult program travelled mauka to the Ka’u Desert, situated on flanks of Mauna Loa. The students enjoyed a great lunch, punctuated with views of the ocean, volcanoes, and indigenous plants and …
Sustainable Growth! A must read alumna testimony!
Three years ago I was known for running away from Pacific Quest on several occasions. Now I look back and see how far I’ve come. I attended Pacific Quest at a very rough point in my life. I was suffering with several mental health issues as well as the aftermath of severe emotional trauma from …
Going for the Gold!
Written by: Ashley Cipponeri We are celebrating another year as a Gold Status Research Designated Program! The Pacific Quest team is dedicated to ongoing research efforts put forth by the University of New Hampshire and the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP). Gold Status is the highest status granted by the NATSAP research …
The Corrective Relational Experience: Improving Family Functioning with Emerging Adults
Dr. John Souza, Jr., LMFT, DMFT Introduction Outcomes studies on wilderness therapy/outdoor behavioral healthcare (WT/OBH) programs serving youth ages 12-17 have demonstrated that family involvement in treatment increases the likelihood of long-term maintenance of individual students’ gains from such programs. This same body of research has linked caregiver participation in family activities to an increase …
Keep Planting
I love the idea of “Farm to Table. ” Eating at restaurants that take this approach is so satisfying – food right from the garden, even better when the food is organic. There is nothing quite like the crunch from a raw green bean that has been harvested that morning! While this dining option appears to …