Innovative Therapy for Today’s World
Therapy often invokes images of a Freudian modality. Maybe a patient on the couch going on and on about their problems, sometimes the same problems for years and the therapist, complete with sweater vest nodding and listening behind his behemoth wooden desk, in the backdrop there is a vast library with many books – occasional said old-school therapist will take notes.
When this concept was brought up to Harriette Rovner Ferguson of LCSW of Transformations Counseling of Smithtown she laughed quite heartedly. “I assure you we have no couches, where are clients lay down and therapy has changed so much,” she explained. It seems to taken a pivotal turn into one part therapy and one part life coach which have become very popular over the years.
Transformations Counseling doesn’t refer to one technique, and there’s no one credential that makes a person a transformations counselor. “Therapists use the term because of their philosophies, the people who have influenced them,” she continued. She says that often transformational counseling is about learning to recognize limiting beliefs and step beyond them. “The counselor may emphasize that a person’s thoughts and attitudes are instrumental for shaping their reality – most people have heard the saying that it’s not about one’s experiences, but their responses to them,” she shared. She says transformational counselors help them put the belief into action. “Most importantly they may emphasize the human need for creativity and authenticity and the importance of following one’s own path,” said Ferguson.
At Transformations Counseling of Smithtown they offer marriage counseling, help for Trauma Victims, parents who kids are using or addicted to drugs, counseling for infertility, a support system for young cancer patients and their families, help for gay and lesbian youth and even coordinate with School Counselors.
School Counseling and therapy generally do not come to mind simultaneously. However at Transformations Counseling – they offer special help to young people with what can sometimes be a daunting task, choosing a career path and putting together an academic and vocational road map. “We find out where a child’s strengths lay and what environment that individual is most likely to be successful,” Ferguson explained. She said they even offer workshops for teens.
Another support offered to teens and particularly special bonus at Transformations Counseling is their dog Butch. He is a three year-old French Bulldog who is a certified Emotional Support Animal (ESA). “Listen if you had teens or know teens, you know it can be hard to get them to open up and talk but Butch has a way of removing that obstacle… the kids love him,” she said.
So Butch is a member of the Team – and Ferguson says it’s all about their team. “Each case is discussed with five other therapists, the client has the expertise of the team… it’s great,” she added. She said they do a lot of marriage counseling and what’s good is that if a kid has issues due to parental struggles, they can also treat them.
“We also coordinate with all medical professionals, doctors etc. If a child is anorexic, we are in communication with her doctor, her school, her psychiatrist,” she explained.
Not far from Freud – Transformations Counselors do indeed employ talk therapy. However, their modality is entirely interactive. “They may also utilize other techniques like mindfulness or body-centered therapies,” said Ferguson. She said therapists often use the arts as transformational keys to letting go of traumas from the past and embracing new life stages.
Transformations counselors are mental health therapists. however, they often work with individuals who are both mentally and physically healthy, whom are going through a trying time.
LIVE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS
At Transformations Counseling Group our goal is to create a safe environment for clients to talk about and deal with the issues that have stopped them from living the life they want and achieve the happiness that they deserve. Comprised of experienced therapists who pride themselves on being professional, non-judgmental and interactive. Rooted in the belief that clients will be best helped by their ability to offer insights and honest feedback. Experience, stemming from working with hundreds of individuals and couples reach the goals that they desire for themselves and their relationships, we understand the many obstacles that interfere with leading a healthy and satisfying life.
“Because of the recent epidemic of drug abuse on Long Island and the many families who have been under constant and unrelenting stress from the addict, Transformations Counseling will now be offering a professionally led, ten week support group for Parents of Addicts. In addition, Transformations Counseling plans to run a group for siblings of addicts, who are often overlooked.” Ferguson shared. According to the national council on drug addiction, addiction is a family disease that stresses the family to the breaking point. It impacts the stability of the home, the family’s unity, mental health, physical health, finances, and overall family dynamics. Without help, active addiction can totally disrupt family life and cause harmful effects that can last a lifetime. Regrettably, no family is born with the knowledge of how to deal effectively with addiction. It is a skill that must be learned and practiced daily. Ways to keep families together during these difficult times and maintain communication between partners and other children will be addressed.
In addition to our individual and relationship counseling, we are forming groups for couples who are struggling and adolescents who are at risk. We are also offering ways to decrease anxiety through mindfulness training. We work closely with other professionals including nurse practitioners, MDs. and alternative healers.
Transformations Counseling Group is located at 269 Middle Country Rd, Smithtown, NY – Contact Phone Number : (631) 257-5900