About Terri Rommel-Ruiz, MSW, LCSW

You’ll feel accepted, respected, and affirmed when you work with Terri to explore the challenges that bring you to therapy. You’ll feel validated and supported by Terri’s investment in learning how you experience (or are impacted by) various aspects of your culture, including your stage of life, family structure, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, abilities, nation of origin, and socioeconomic status.

Terri’s clients can develop confidence in their ability to identify, describe, and interrupt intrusive feelings, and difficult or unwanted behaviors. Her clients also can learn to use coping techniques for challenges associated with depressive disorders, anxieties, attention deficits, trauma responses, and more.

When working with clients, Terri often uses active and reflective listening. When appropriate, she provides relevant psychoeducational materials, and will explore the use of self-care and mindfulness techniques. Her approach to therapy is grounded in relational and developmental theories, including attachment theory, complex and developmental trauma and an understanding of the impact of Adverse Childhood Events (complex/developmental trauma). Modalities she draws from include motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and interpersonal and dyadic therapy.

When families are responding to new or evolving information about a member’s gender identity or sexual orientation, Terri will meet each family member wherever they are, providing educational and relational supports that will promote the best possible outcomes for everyone.

Terri completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UC Berkeley, and one year of graduate studies in Early Childhood Education at Mills College before earning a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Her experience includes working with children, youth and families involved with the child welfare system.