Meet Pia Johnson | Owner and Therapist at Transformation Counseling Services

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pia Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pia, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At Transformation Counseling Services, our commitment to social impact is deeply rooted in our mission to provide affordable and accessible counseling services, particularly to individuals from historically marginalized communities. We recognize the profound disparities in mental health access and outcomes for these groups.

Our approach is twofold. Firstly, we offer culturally responsive counseling. This means that our therapists are not only well-versed in various cultural backgrounds but also understand the nuances of intersectionality in mental health. By acknowledging and incorporating cultural contexts in therapy, we create a more inclusive and understanding environment for our clients. This approach helps in breaking down the barriers of stigma and mistrust that often exist in these communities towards mental health services.

Secondly, we prioritize decolonized counseling spaces. Traditional psychotherapy models often overlook or inadequately address the unique experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including their histories, traumas, and societal challenges. Our therapists challenge these conventional norms, creating a space where clients can explore their identities and experiences without the constraints of dominant cultural narratives. This is especially empowering for clients who have felt marginalized or misunderstood in other therapeutic settings.

By doing so, we are not only aiding individual clients but also contributing to a broader societal change. We are part of a movement that recognizes the importance of mental health care for all, irrespective of their background. Our work promotes mental well-being, encourages emotional resilience, and fosters a greater understanding of diverse cultural experiences. In doing so, we believe we are making a meaningful contribution to the community and the world, helping to create a more empathetic, inclusive, and mentally healthy society.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Transformation Counseling Services, a venture I proudly founded, stands apart in its commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive mental health care. What truly distinguishes us is our dedication to serving historically marginalized communities through decolonized counseling spaces. This approach not only addresses mental health needs but also deeply respects the cultural and social factors influencing our clients’ well-being.

I embarked on this journey with a BA in Psychology from SUNY Empire State College and an MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work. My extensive experience spanning over two decades in diverse clinical settings laid the foundation for Transformation Counseling Services. Our practice is a culmination of years of dedication to understanding and meeting the mental health needs of varied populations, including those with serious mental illnesses, substance use disorders, LGBTQ individuals, and people struggling with chronic illnesses.

The path to establishing and growing this practice was not easy. The biggest challenge was creating a space that genuinely understands and addresses the complexities of mental health in a culturally sensitive manner. We overcame this by staying true to our mission, constantly learning, and adapting our approaches to be as inclusive and effective as possible.

One aspect I am particularly proud of is our expansion into offering therapeutic workshops for companies. These workshops, tailored and evidence-based, focus on improving workplace mental health. They’re designed to be interactive and engaging, increasing awareness about mental health and providing practical skills for leaders to create a supportive work environment. This initiative reflects our commitment to extending mental health awareness beyond the therapy room and into everyday life scenarios.

The journey taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, the power of empathy, and the importance of a strength-based approach in therapy. These lessons have been integral to our practice, shaping how we interact with clients and each other as a team.

What I want the world to know about Transformation Counseling Services is that we are more than a psychotherapy practice. We are a beacon of hope and understanding for those who often feel marginalized in their mental health needs. Our story is one of unwavering commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and empowerment in mental health care. We continue to grow with the belief that mental well-being is a right for all, and our practice is a testament to that belief.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to recognize those who have played a pivotal role in my journey. First and foremost, I must dedicate my shoutout to my family elders. Their profound influence cannot be overstated. They instilled in me the values of hard work, respect, empathy, and a deep-seated love for our community. These values have not only shaped me as an individual but also fundamentally influenced the ethos of Transformation Counseling Services. Their teachings have been a guiding light in my professional journey, reminding me always to prioritize compassion and understanding in every interaction.

Additionally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my incredible staff at Transformation Counseling Services. Their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our clients and the company are truly the backbone of our success. Each day, they embody the spirit of our mission, providing culturally responsive and empathetic care to those who need it the most. Their passion for mental health advocacy and their relentless pursuit of excellence in counseling have been instrumental in creating a positive and lasting impact in the lives of our clients.

Both my family elders and my dedicated staff have been integral to our story, and it is only fitting that they receive recognition and appreciation for their invaluable contributions. They have not only supported me but have also been a source of inspiration and strength, driving the success of Transformation Counseling Services.

Website: https://transformcounselingservices.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformationcounselingsvcs/

Image Credits
Jodi Jones Studio