Pine Grove uses Ancient Labyrinth Experience to Facilitate Modern Treatment

Pine Grove Behavioral Health, a service of Forrest General Hospital, is using innovative, yet ancient, methods to treat modern patients with modern problems, thanks to a new labyrinth.

Though this is a new addition to the treatments and experiences offered for Pine Grove patients, the practice of walking labyrinths has been used in many cultures for over 3,500 years. A labyrinth consists of a walking path, designated by a pattern set into or printed on the floor or constructed of stones or other materials. Though there are many kinds of labyrinths, all share the basic features of one entrance and exit, a single path and a center. Those who walk a labyrinth, including Pine Grove’s patients, may use it for prayer, reflection, or as an opportunity to center themselves for healing.

“A labyrinth is a wonderful therapeutic tool that allows patients to move away from some of the constant chatter in their heads to find a place of stillness,” said Peter Smeele, Director of Spiritual Services at Pine Grove. Smeele added that a labyrinth offers the opportunity for Pine Grove’s patients to remember and release, but also to receive and to learn to live with their hearts wide open.

A labyrinth walk mirrors a life journey in that no two people walk the labyrinth in the exact same way. The labyrinth can be walked alone or with others, silently or while singing or speaking, creating an experience that fosters reflection and enlightment, as well as a process of self-discovery. For patients at Pine Grove, who may be recovering from an addiction or eating disorder, or learning to live with a psychiatric disease, each step is an opportunity to simply reflect, or to celebrate the goals and accomplishments reached on the road to recovery.

The purchase of this portable labyrinth allows counselors and other Pine Grove staff to learn how to integrate it into treatment programs, in anticipation of construction of a permanent labyrinth, to be located within Pine Grove’s Spiritual Grounds. This area is designed to be a space that encourages healing for both patients and the community. The area for the ongoing Spiritual Grounds project is located on the Pine Grove campus, at the corner of Richburg Road and 28th Avenue Extension, and represents Pine Grove’s commitment to promote healing and positively affect patients, their families and community members far into the future.

The first element of Spiritual Grounds was dedicated last fall with the unveiling of the Paul McMullan Plaza and Circle of Healing Sculpture. Preparations are already underway for future elements, including a chapel, bell tower, meditation garden and the permanent labyrinth. This project is being supported and facilitated by Forrest General, Pine Grove and the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation, which is currently working to raise funds for future elements of the Spiritual Grounds area, as well as other future developments for the hospital.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is known as one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses. For over twenty five years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. Specialized services include the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, and professionals struggling with interpersonal difficulties. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Gentle Path Welcomes New Director

Pine Grove is pleased to welcome Dr. Susan Campling as the Director of Gentle Path.

Dr. Campling has been a Registered Nurse since 1982, received her Masters of Clinical Psychology in 1998, and her Doctor of Clinical Psychology in 2003. She comes to Pine Grove from Keystone Center Extended Care Unit in Chester, PA where she has served as Director of the Residential program since 2002.

Dr. Campling has worked in the field of addiction for over 20 years. She has served on the faculty of Widner University Doctoral Program, as well as Alvernia College Department of Nursing. She is Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist – Supervisor, Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, Certified Sexual Offender Therapist and Administrator of Abel Assessment of Sexual Interest.

She has presented extensively on the topic of sexual addiction and trauma. We are pleased to have Dr. Campling on the Pine Grove Team. We provide a safe and secure environment where patients work together through many different tracks, programs, and courses to insure patients find the results and recovery they need. Specialized tracks include Impaired Licensed and Legal Programs, Dual Diagnosis/Multiple Addictions, Healthy Sexuality, and a Family Care Program.

Gentle Path is a Pine Grove program for those suffering from sexual addiction, relationship addiction, and sexual anorexia. Developed by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., C.A.S., world-renowned speaker, and author on addiction. Dr. Carnes’ 30-task-model serves as the basic curriculum for treatment. The staff on-hand is multi-disciplinary and includes psychiatrists and addictionologists. The Gentle Path program consists of two components: A Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment and a Residential Treatment Program.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is known as one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses. For over twenty five years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. Specialized services include the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, and professionals struggling with interpersonal difficulties. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Dr. Patrick Carnes' Book Club

My love of books really started with meeting Peggy Vikingson, our new librarian in the fourth grade. She had me read Stephen Meader’s Guns for the Saratoga, an adventure story about revolutionary times. It was my first adult book and I was surprised at how I loved it. Soon the whole Meader series was read and my relationship with Mrs. Vikingson blossomed into a lifetime friendship. It was a relationship I desperately needed. She guided my reading—and my life—through the eighth grade.

Reading voraciously was not well appreciated at home and the butt of family jokes and concerns about “living in the real world.” Truly I was the poster child for that research we are all familiar with about kids raised in traumatic circumstances. Those who find deep attachment outside the family can find the resilience to overcome the obstacles mounted in front of them. Mrs. Vikingson was one of the relationships that saved me. And the vehicle we had was talking about books. Those conversations led to talking about everything else. Even today I have some self-consciousness about how much I love to read and think about the writing of others. Some times the twenty some books I will have written by the end of this year seem presumptuous. The idea of inhabiting the world of the written world at times still presents echoes of those family rules about being “too educated.”

Some years back I took the risk of recording my thoughts of books not directly related to clinical matters. And we published them. People seemed to enjoy the comments which resulted in letters and some friendships. The staff suggested a monthly book club built around my response to recent books and how they might inform clinicians and be helpful to recovering people. I have agreed to try this format and look forward to the venture. However, I may periodically have to banish some ghosts of the past into their appropriate corners of residence.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/dr-carnes-bookclub.html or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Sexual addiction or normal sexual behavior?

Problematic sexual behavior does not necessarily mean that you are a sex addict. There are many other conditions and problems which can cause sexual behavior to get out of control. You might wonder if you have a sexual addiction when you actually have normal behavior. It may take some soul searching and professional help to decide if sex addiction is really the problem.

Sexual addiction comes in many different forms. There is no single type of behavior or even amount of behavior that will indicate you are a sexual addict. The problem is much more complex than can be explained in a few words and if you have been living the life of a sex addict, you know how difficult it is to describe what you are experiencing.

Three basic things to consider when you define sexual addiction are:

- Do I have a sense that I have lost control over whether or not I engage in my specific out-of-control sexual behavior?

- Am I experiencing significant consequences because of my specific out-of-control sexual behavior?

- Do I feel like I am constantly thinking about my specific out-of-control sexual behavior, even when I don't want to?

It is these three "hallmarks" that help to define the boundaries of sexual addiction and compulsivity. The range of behaviors can include masturbation and pornography through sexual exploitation of others. If the three questions are answered "yes," then you may want to seek further help to begin to sort out the complexities of your sexual behavior and find out for certain if sexual addiction is the best descriptor of your problem.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

You may also visit http://www.sexhelp.com/addiction_tests.cfm for online assessments.

Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is known as one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses. For over twenty five years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. Specialized services include the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, and professionals struggling with interpersonal difficulties. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Sexual Addiction Risk Assessment (SARA)

The Sexual Addiction Risk Assessment has been developed to help you better understand your behaviors. The assessment consists of 88 questions, which will take approximately 25 minutes to finish. You can then print out your results immediately. You will be provided with a detailed, personalized 23-page report to help you determine the best course of action for you.

Visit www.sexhelp.com to begin the SAST assessment.

Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is known as one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses. For over twenty five years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. Specialized services include the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, and professionals struggling with interpersonal difficulties. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Healing for Partners of Sex Addicts

Healing Damaged Love is a five-day workshop designed to empower individuals from addictive family systems to release themselves from the bonds of co-dependency. Participants examine how childhood wounds interfere with intimacy, and selecting and maintaining healthy functional relationships. This intensive therapy experience is designed to reveal how painful life experiences hamper our growth, our ability to be honest and nurturing to ourselves, and be authentic in our relationships with others. This workshop is ideal for spouses or adult children of addicts.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is known as one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses. For over twenty five years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. Specialized services include the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, and professionals struggling with interpersonal difficulties. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Gentle Path: Sexual Addiction Treatment

Gentle Path is a six week intensive program designed to treat sexual addiction, sexual anorexia, relationship addiction and sexual trauma. It is offered in a community setting and provides extended care through Pine Grove Behavioral Health Services, one of the South's leading treatment facilities.

The Gentle Path Program offers gender specific treatment to aid men and women in regaining their freedom from the disease of sexual addiction. Most patients are simultaneously treated for mood disturbance, anxiety or other addictions, such as chemical dependency. The Gentle Path Program has a special focus on working through past trauma and family problems. The program is designed to help men and women regain freedom from compulsive behaviors and develop a sense of healthy sexuality.

It's our mission to offer quality cost-effective care while at the same time offering a comprehensive level of treatment and services.

We provide a safe and secure environment where patients can work together under the supervision of professional, caring and effective staff members. Patients live in a community setting where meals are provided for them.

The Gentle Path Program is based on the groundbreaking work of Dr. Patrick Carnes who developed the curriculum for the Gentle Path Program. The curriculum is based on Dr. Carnes' thirty task model which has been empirically validated to be an effective form of treatment of sexually compulsive behavior. Patients receive individualized attention as well as being incorporated into a group process. This cutting-edge program was designed to provide patients with the most progressive and well researched treatment available.

Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is known as one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses. For over twenty five years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. Specialized services include the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, and professionals struggling with interpersonal difficulties. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Online Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)

The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) is designed to assist in the assessment of sexually compulsive behavior which may indicate the presence of sex addiction. Developed in cooperation with hospitals, treatment programs, private therapists, and community groups, the SAST provides a profile of responses which help to discriminate between addictive and non-addictive behavior.

Visit http://www.sexhelp.com/sast.cfm to begin the SAST assessment.

Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is known as one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses. For over twenty five years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. Specialized services include the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, and professionals struggling with interpersonal difficulties. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

What is Sexual Addiction?

Sexual addiction is defined as any sexually-related, compulsive behavior which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and one's work environment.

Sexual addiction has been called sexual dependency and sexual compulsivity. By any name, it is a compulsive behavior that completely dominates the addict's life. Sexual addicts make sex a priority more important than family, friends, and work. Sex becomes the organizing principle of addict's lives. They are willing to sacrifice what they cherish most in order to preserve and continue their unhealthy behavior.

If you are concerned about your sexual behaviors or attitudes, or even a friend or family members, consider professional help.

Pine Grove’s Gentle Path is a program for those suffering from sexual addiction, relationship addiction and sexual anorexia. It is under the direction of Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., C.A.S., world-renowned speaker, and author on addiction. Dr. Carnes’ 30-task-model serves as the basic curriculum for treatment.

For over twenty five years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)

Sexual addiction is characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Like all addictions, the addict usually has to intensify the addictive behavior to achieve the same results.

The Sexual Addiction Screening Test is designed to assist in the assessment of sexually compulsive behavior which may indicate the presence of sex addiction. Developed in cooperation with hospitals, treatment programs, private therapists, and community groups, the SAST provides a profile of responses which help to discriminate between addictive and non-addictive behavior.

Visit http://www.sexhelp.com/sast.cfm/ to begin The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST).

If you are concerned about your sexual behaviors or attitudes, or even a friend or family members, consider professional help.

Pine Grove’s Gentle Path is a program for those suffering from sexual addiction, relationship addiction and sexual anorexia. It is under the direction of Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., C.A.S., world-renowned speaker, and author on addiction. Dr. Carnes’ 30-task-model serves as the basic curriculum for treatment.

For over twenty five years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

The Brain Fix: Understanding Process and Cross Addictions

Ralph E. Carson, PhD, RD

The foundation of healing and health maintenance is homeostasis or balance. Moderation and balance wears thin in the minds of those who suffer from addiction because they are driven towards instant gratification and if something works, more is better. Yet the human body does not operate on extremes. There is neither good (HDL) nor bad (LDL) cholesterol, both serve a useful purpose. Antioxidants are beneficial, but pro-oxidants also are beneficial. We quickly reach for anti-inflammatories, but we would not heal if there were not an inflammatory process. The brain too operates on the principle of balance referred to as allostasis. Mankind is wired to avoid pain and seek pleasure. Our drives are such that if we have an unpleasant experience we instinctively seek out a pleasurable one. If we are overwhelmed with stress, anxiety or depression, the brain may seek self-medication and relief with alcohol and drugs.

Abstain from the drug and humans will cross addict, seeking alternatives to compensate for the void. Few addicts (13%) indicate that they have only one addiction present. Addictions coexist, interact, reinforce and become part of one another. Sustained recovery effectively addresses all the addictions present. The universal substitutes that many recovering addicts revert to are food and sex. These are basic human drives necessary for survival. Yet, they can also develop into destructive behaviors that fit the criteria of addiction and abuse.

There is a great deal of confusion in treatment programs over the concept of a food or sex addiction. Many emotions and behaviors are tied into an addict’s relationship with these. While there is little scientific evidence that one is addicted to sugar or white flour, the possibility of addiction to the sensory aspects can be explored.

Ralph Carson, R.D. B.S., B.H.S., Ph.D., is a nationally recognized clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Dr. Carson is a frequently requested speaker on a variety of nutritional topics for medical groups, pharmaceutical companies, universities, athletic training camps and corporations. He has a successful clinical practice as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Huntsville for over 20 years. Dr. Carson is also a nutritional advisor to numerous university athletic departments including the University of Tennessee National Basketball Champion Lady Volunteers. Dr. Carson received his B.S. from Duke University, his B.H.S. in pathology (Cum Laude) from Duke University Medical School, and his Ph.D. in nutrition (Phi Kappa Phi) from Auburn University. Dr. Carson currently manages Oprah Winfrey’s web page on eating disorders and is the consultant for Pine Grove’s eating disorder program, The Women’s Center.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

Sexual Addiction Screening

Sexual addiction is characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Like all addictions, the addict usually has to intensify the addictive behavior to achieve the same results.

If you have concerns about sexual behaviors then ask yourself these questions:

- Have you had difficulty resisting impulses to engage in sexual behaviors?
- Have you tried to stop, control, or reduce these behaviors?
- Have you thought of killing yourself because of your sexual behaviors?
- Have you experienced legal consequences due to your sexual behaviors?
- Do you spend large amounts of time trying to get or recover from sex?
- Do you feel anxious or irritable if unable to engage in sexual behaviors?
- Do you worry that others will find out about your sexual activities?
- Do you often find yourself preoccupied with sexual thoughts?
- Do you feel that your sexual behavior is not normal?
- Are you experiencing family problems as a result of your behaviors?

If you are concerned about your sexual behaviors or attitudes, or even a friend or family members, consider professional help.

Pine Grove’s Gentle Path is a program for those suffering from sexual addiction, relationship addiction and sexual anorexia. It is under the direction of Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., C.A.S., world-renowned speaker, and author on addiction. Dr. Carnes’ 30-task-model serves as the basic curriculum for treatment.

For over twenty five years Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment for adults, children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric and addictive diseases. The Pine Grove Mission is to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.

Visit http://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/ or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.