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By Tom Jameson, MS, NCC Primary Therapist The Father of Attachment Theory, John Bowlby, described attachment as the “lasting psychological connections between human beings.” The way in which humans attach to others has been proven influential in terms of how individuals relate to others, themselves, and the world. Research has found that a person’s attachment …

Adolescent and teen years are crucial for developing the skills we need to cope with difficult times in our adult lives. Studies have shown 75 percent of lifetime mental disorders first show signs before the typical college age range of 18-24. Being watchful of the early signs before your child or teen reaches this age …

Janna earned her Master of Science in Special Education through the New York City Teaching Fellows Program at Pace University, as well as her MA in English from Texas Christian University. Before coming to Pacific Quest, Janna taught English at a high school for students with severe emotional issues in the Bronx. She also taught …

There is no easy way to know if your teen is using drugs, or if they are simply displaying typical age-related behavior. However, if you are a parent who simply suspects your teen may be abusing either prescription or recreational drugs, than you probably know more than you think. Never underestimate the innate feeling something …

Using social media is a routine activity that research shows can benefit teens and adolescents by boosting their communication skills, elevating their connection to their community and even increasing their technical expertise. But how much social media is too much? And what is the fallout if your teen is obsessed with, or dependent upon, being …

By Clementine Wilson, Field Manager Anyone who has worked as a wilderness therapy guide has probably struggled to answer the question: “what do you do for a living” or “what’s your job like?” As a former guide, I’ve certainly struggled to find the words to explain the incredibly unique and challenging role of the professional …

Parenting one child who is having a hard time adapting to life’s ups and downs is difficult as it is, but when a second child is added into the equation it can become a challenge to balance the needs of the struggling child while keeping the rest of your family emotionally stable. By the time …

Mike Sullivan, M.A., LMHC Family & Alumni Services Director With the race approaching in less than a month, Ironman training is in full swing!  Training has ramped up to 20+ hours per week, including relentless swimming drills, 100+ mile bike rides on the Kona coast, and jungle runs. This has been an epic “El Nino” …

“No matter how old my daughter gets, she’ll always be my baby girl.” Does this phrase sound familiar? Is it one you’ve said yourself? Do you have the loving impulses to do everything for your teen to help him or her grow into strong, independent, responsible adults? We love our children dearly, and the desires …

The pressure to be the best in life is impressed upon our teens from a young age as our culture continually strives to avoid failure at all costs. But is that really the best way to parent? What if teens were placed in a comfortable environment that also presents teens challenges to help them master …