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Written by Theresa Hasting, LMHC I remember my first job out of graduate school, working in a psychiatric inpatient facility, and listening intently as nurses and doctors spoke about the patients with whom we were working.  A patient in particular sticks in my mind, a young adult female who had been in and out of …

Theresa Hasting received her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from McMurry University in 2003 and earned her Masters of Arts degree in Family Psychology from Hardin Simmons University in 2005. She is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Theresa has extensive training in trauma informed care; examining the …

Kumu Carrie’s 6th grade class gathered at 8am for their usual attendance, announcements, and oli to start off their Ho’okele class. However, today there was a change in scenery. The desks were pushed aside and in the middle of the room lay a tray of soil, bunches of mint and oregano cuttings, and an assortment …

When I was sent to Pacific Quest, I had to really accept that there is no fairy tale ending. A handsome prince won’t come take me a away and solve all my problems. Being bullied into isolation left me with only books, video games, and TV. All were perfect examples of an ideal world where …

Our son attended PQ from late 2017 through Spring of 2018. When we were first choosing a place for him we consulted with a specialist who was able to recommend several programs. As we did online research of the programs we noticed multiple conflicting reviews on the sites which hosted these reviews.  It was a challenge to get …

Researchers have been focusing on the tragedy of teenage suicide clusters specifically in Northern California.  One of the confusing variables in these clusters is that the students are originating from families of affluence and high academic backgrounds.  Many kids in these communities comment on the pressure they feel to be “successful”.  Not long ago affluent …

Prior to joining the clinical team at Pacific Quest, Dr. Konik worked as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Annapolis, Maryland. For 10 years at Spectrum Behavioral Health, he treated adolescents and young adults with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use/abuse, to learning differences, significant behavioral problems, and developmental disabilities. Dr. …

Kristen has served youth who have experienced concerns related to anxiety, depression, trauma/abuse, eating disorders, substance abuse/dependence, grief and loss and parent/child relationship difficulty. She considers vulnerability as a foundation for trust and teaching healthy communication patterns essential for working with families. Kristen implements an insight-oriented and strengths-based approach. Kristen encourages meaningful change and healing …

Dr. Bill Miller, expert in empathy, listening, and motivational interviewing, hosted a full-day workshop in Oahu this winter.  Six members of the Pacific Quest clinical team were able to attend. His presentation, titled “Listening Well: The Art of Empathic Listening,” focused on the interpersonal skill of accurate empathy, and captivated a sold-out audience at the …

Getting a student into wilderness therapy requires the effort of many dedicated and committed people. By the time students reach Pacific Quest, they’re in deep, open to at least giving it a try…until they don’t. Uncertainty and fear arise, and then questions emerge like, “Where will this journey lead me,” and the externalization we so often witness in the form of “Why are my parents …