"Expressing Feelings Appropriately"
Written by Ted Crawford, LMFT
Clinical Therapist for Pine Grove
What would 2022 be like for you if you could actually tell people how you feel? I’m not talking about popping off at them. I’m talking about actually getting your thoughts and feelings across without having to regret the way you do it. Many of us simply use this classic cycle: stuff it… eat it… stuff it some more… don’t cause trouble – BOOM!

Then, after a cool down period, return to the fakey chit-chat like nothing happened, and start a new cycle. Then there are those who have mastered the art of suppressing feelings and rarely, if ever, lose it. BUT, ask them about their migraines, their gastrointestinal troubles, their addictions, their panic attacks, their feelings of emptiness when they get quiet and still, etc.

Let’s try something different. First, know that a feeling isn’t good or bad; it’s just a fact, like having to use the restroom. During potty-training, most parents did a pretty good job of teaching us how to add some parameters to our “elimination” routine. But most of us didn’t get the same instruction regarding the expression of our hurt, anger and other disturbing feelings. We were told instead, in various ways, that it’s unacceptable to have or express these feelings; that they’re just hurtful and may make people “unfollow” you one day (no wonder we often settle for phony intimacy).

Of course, there are times when keeping a lid on is a good thing, as well as situations where a sudden unleashing of your emotion is necessary, like when you or another is in immediate danger. But stuffing feelings altogether is akin to avoiding the restroom when you need it, just as spewing “unfiltered” emotion is about as appropriate as soiling yourself. The middle ground is in not letting feelings accumulate...

Join us at the 14th Annual Mississippi Addiction Conference

"Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT)"
Presented by:

Dr. Charles Richardson
Psychiatrist for Pine Grove's MAT Program

Wednesday, February 16, 2022
"Ethics Fruit Salsa: Overview of Confidentiality, Dual Relationships,
Professional Boundaries, and Technology with Considerations of the
Impact of Covid-19"
Presented by:

Sally Moody, LCSW
Clinical Director, Professional Enhancement Program

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

For more information please visit
Upcoming Conferences & Events
Pine Grove is proud to attend and support these upcoming conferences.
Gulf Coast Social Work Conference
January 27-28, 2022
IP Casino Resort Spa
Biloxi, MS

21st Annual CAPTASA Conference
January 28-29, 2022
Embassy Suites Hotel
Lexington, KY

Annual Pine Belt Women's Expo
February 5, 2022
Lake Terrace Convention Center
Hattiesburg, MS

Employment Opportunities at Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services

Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, one of the nation's most comprehensive treatment campuses, is currently hiring qualified Psychiatrists, Nurses, Clinical Assistants, Outreach Coordinators, Licensed Therapists, and other professional opportunities are available as well. Pine Grove is looking for candidates who are passionate about treating and helping patients find hope and healing. Pine Grove also encourages other qualified professionals to review our other available employment opportunities.

Pine Grove is the behavioral health care extension of Forrest General Hospital, a non-profit, 547-bed medical center offering specialties found at most major medical facilities.

To apply and read the full job descriptions for Pine Grove's available positions, please visit www.forresthealth.org/careers-volunteers or contact Angela M. Mucha-Brooks, Employment Manager, at 601-288-1370 with any questions. For more information about Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, please visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com.
Upcoming Intensive Workshops

Pine Grove offers a variety of Intensive Workshops that take participants on a positive and reflective journey of self-discovery. These workshops help people learn the root causes of destructive behaviors and teaches them the tools to make productive decisions. Our Intensive Workshops provide a powerful and life changing experience.

Christian Personal Freedom for Women | February 28-March 4

Christian Personal Freedom for Men | March 14-18

Partners Three-Day Intensive Workshop | March 25-27
Facilitated by Caroline Smith, MA, LPC, CSAT-S, CMAT-S, Director of Pine Grove's Intensive Workshops and Rev. Bill Rap, MRE, P-SAP, Co-Facilitator of Pine Grove's Christian Personal Freedom Workshop
For more information call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) or visit