Blog

By Anthony Florig Today we had three young adult students attend a record-breaking outing to the various beach parks of Keaukaha in Hilo. Never before on an outing have we had so many turtle sightings; 15 in all! The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, or honu, is the largest hard-shelled turtle in the world. They grow …

With motivation “to have a voice and participate in our civic duty” Pacific Quest students successfully cast their votes in this year’s election. With the support of therapist Sarah Blechman, students actively explored what voting means to them and learned how to obtain and properly complete their mail-in ballots. Using Vote 4-11, students explored the …

We’re all facing a scary reality that requires a fresh perspective. Are you, like so many, finding it challenging to keep your internal cool these days and flow with life’s challenges? Fear can be a barrier to experiencing flow. What interrupts your flow? Do your fears take you out of the present and take you into catastrophic thinking?

As the global public follows guidelines to “social distance,” people are feeling more anxious and depressed.  Many are glued to internet news, fueling a sense of doom. While it is important to stay informed from reputable news sources, and practice health measures to mitigate the impact of the virus,  it is also important to stay …

The Pacific Quest team is made up of incredibly talented individuals who are passionate about working with our students and providing a safe and structured environment for them to learn and grow.  This month we want to highlight our Adolescent Program Manager, Nick Vejvoda. Nick’s early years found him in the Czech Republic where he attended …

An important aspect of the PQ model is staff development and the opportunity to learn and grow alongside our students.  Staff members recently 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 …

The Pacific Quest team is made up of incredibly talented individuals who are passionate about working with our students and providing a safe and structured environment for them to learn and grow.  This month we want to highlight our Young Adult Program Manager, Anthony Florig. Anthony worked at Pacific Quest from 2012-2016, starting as a …

Pacific Quest Young Adult students recently visited OK Farms in Hilo, where they assisted in transplanting Mamaki and coffee plants.  The historic OK Farms is over 1,000 acres and is home to amazing waterfalls and exotic fruit varieties.  After lending a helping hand on the farm, students enjoyed lunch by a scenic waterfall and then returned to …

Dr. Lorraine Freedle Travels to Taiwan Pacific Quest’s Clinical Director, Dr. Lorraine Freedle was recently invited to speak for the Taiwanese Society of Wilderness in Taipei.  Dr. Chun-lin Cheng, a Psychiatrist, Jungian Analyst and officer of the Taiwanese Society of Wilderness (SOW) learned that Dr. Freedle was visiting Taiwan to teach sandplay therapy workshops and …

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 …