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Teens—they’re stuck in between being a child and young adult, and just now beginning to explore their individuality. They know what they do and don’t like, and they know they’re always right, especially when it comes to their clothing choices. It can be difficult to find the balance between allowing your teen to express themselves …

Mike Sullivan, M.A., LMHC Family & Alumni Services Director It was mile 16 of the final leg of the Kona Ironman World Championship that I hit the proverbial “wall.” My running pace slowed dramatically as my feet began to feel like cement blocks. My hips ached and my stride weakened.  My right calf muscle seized …

With the legalization of recreational marijuana use in Colorado, Washington and Oregon, a growing number of teens believe marijuana use is harmless. Widespread news coverage focused on medical marijuana and the substance’s potential therapeutic effects also could add to this sentiment. But what solid research has been conducted to really look at the effects of …

The phrase “silver lining” has become the go-to cliche in the midst of difficulty. Success in finding silver linings when things go wrong means leaving shyness behind, shifting focus and learning to live what you love. It’s dwelling in the beauty vs. dwelling in the ugly. It’s leveraging every experience in a positive light. And …

Deborah Givens, BA YA Program Supervisor Deborah is a Program Supervisor at our Young Adult program.  Her primary responsibilities are risk management for the program and providing field support for the students and guides during daily field operations.  Program Supervisors are the first line of support for the Program Guides. The position is a residential …

Mike Sullivan, M.A., LMHC Family & Alumni Services Director The air in Kona is electrified!  It is World Championship Ironman race week and the world’s most elite athletes are pouring into town. The streets are packed with sinewy triathletes clad in neon triathlon suits acclimating to Kona humidity and sweltering temperatures.  They pedal machines that …

Hundreds of different synthetic designer drugs have poured into the United States in the past four years, with teens becoming one of the largest user groups. Oftentimes teens turn to synthetic designer drugs because they feel it is less scary or dangerous than interacting with drug dealers. “These drugs are being marketed and sold as …

On Saturday, September 19th, approximately 18 Pacific Quest employees participated in the 2nd Annual Ka’u Coffee Trail Run–The Southernmost Coffee Trail Run in the USA!  The goal of this event was to help raise money for the economically depressed community, via the non-profit organization O Ka’u Kakou.  All funds raised went to O Ka’u Kakou …

Working with some of the nation’s brightest young adults at Stanford University, and being a parent of two teenagers herself, Julie Lythcott-Haims has the unique experience of being able to see parenting from a variety of angles and give parents of teens helpful advice. During her 10 years as Stanford’s Dean of Freshmen and Undergraduate …

By Genell Howell, MA, CSAC Primary Therapist When we hear the word trauma we often associate it with endangering events. According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is an emotional response to a detrimental event such as an accident, rape or natural disaster. While trauma is commonly associated with major life events, it may also include …