Therapy Philosophy

The following philosophies describe my commitment to helping children, adolescents, adults, and families recover from the pain, stress, and dysfunction in their present lives. I help my clients develop skills, learning strategies, and positive productive coping mechanisms.

Therapy is goal-oriented, humanistic, and respectful.
I believe in listening carefully to my clients, helping them to identify problems, and developing a personal plan of recovery.
Clients are helped to recognize and develop their positive skills, while understanding and letting go of negative behavior patterns.
Clients deserve respectful treatment from their therapist and others in their lives.
Therapists deserve respectful behavior and language from their clients.
Clients know when they are ready to make changes. A therapist's job is to support an individual's personal growth through respect, encouragement, and professional skill.
When the exploration of family-of-origin issues is a primary goal, it is often very helpful to invite family members into therapy. If this is not possible, appropriate, or dangerous, there are a variety of techniques to assist clients in facing their family issues.
It is not unusual for people to experience a variety of feelings as well as changes in actions and behaviors when in therapy. As a person talks about painful issues either in the past, present, or into the future, feelings of sadness, grief, depression, anxiety, joy, relief, happiness etc…are all common and normal reactions. I ask my clients to be as patient with themselves as I will be; as they walk through the process of therapy and reclaiming their lives.
I observe my clients carefully to evaluate if another professional should be part of their recovery plan. Appropriate referrals will be made if, for instance, a medical doctor or a program in the community would be helpful. I may also request medical or mental health records if it is deemed necessary in order to provide the best treatment possible. If I believe that you are in a crisis or a dangerous situation, it may be in your best interests for me to contact a doctor, hospital or with your permission a nearest relative. Please see the new guidelines for privacy practices at the end of this informed consent.
I encourage my clients to talk freely with me about any concerns or questions they may have about our therapy work or myself. If we cannot resolve a serious complaint, then clients are able to contact the Board of Psychology at 617-2230.
When I work in the role of a Parenting Consultant my client is always the child.

If you or someone you know is seeking therapy in Minnesota contact Terri Romanoff-Newman, PhD, LP. Terri is an experienced and caring Licensed Pyschologist, serving Minnetonka, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Apple Valley, and the surrounding Twin Cities area. Feel free to call and discuss your needs.