Blog

The more teens want to have freedom, the more routine and structure is necessary to help them navigate it with responsibility. Although few will likely admit to it, what adolescents need more than anything else is consistency and a sense of structure within the family. Unfortunately, the very nature of parenting can make this seemingly …

Jeremy Nunnelley, LPC, NCC PQ Therapist Anxiety is an increasingly common problem for adolescents and young adults. The worry and fear associated with anxiety disorders can result in self-doubt, irritability, difficulty focusing, and feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks. In addition to these primary symptoms, other issues can worsen and be made more resistant to treatment …

You’ve seen it before—a group of teens, a couple or a family at a restaurant sitting together but not being together because everyone is checking their phones? More and more, technology is ever present in our lives, and we are all at danger of succumbing to overuse. The millennial generation is known for being the …

It’s not always easy to understand the difference between adolescent moodiness and a more serious struggle with depression. In fact, one in every 33 children can show signs of depression and in teens, that number is as high as one in eight. If you’ve noticed a depressive state for weeks, months or even longer it …

Welcome to the Aloha state—where people live longer, relax more and breathe easier. Considered one of the top vacation spots in the world, Hawaii is indeed made up of a chain of breathtaking islands. However, don’t think Hawaii is just resorts and hula huts. It’s also home to Pacific Quest! Hawaiian Culture You may know …

Pacific Quest offers hope to families if traditional therapy fails their loved ones. Adolescents and young adults attend Pacific Quest for a multitude of reasons, but overall, the end goal is to improve their mental well-being. For whatever personal reasons they attend, we find that the Pacific Quest approach works for these students for a …

The transition from high school to college life is an exciting one for many young adults. But as with every transition, it is one full of change and stress.

  Tom Jameson, MS, NCC PQ Therapist Many of the students who come to PQ present with anxiety, depression, impulsivity, emotional regulation issues, and may have difficulty distinguishing between thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness practices teach students to begin to slow down their busy minds, see the difference between thoughts and emotions, and pause before reacting …

Technology is changing the world we live in, forcing an evolution in how all of us communicate. Smartphones are altering the way we interact with friends and loved ones, how we receive our news, and how we access entertainment. It’s powerful, ubiquitous, and unfortunately highly addicting for some individuals. Before the widespread use of cell …

Teenagers are known for staying up late and oversleeping in the morning. Ask almost any parent about their teen’s sleep habits, and they’ll likely describe them as erratic, at best. Sleeping too much or during odd hours is indeed often perceived as normalcy for American teenagers. According to a recent article published by Psychology Today, …