Tessa Gittleman, MA, LMFT

When Tessa speaks on a given topic, each talk is designed and tailored to resonate with the audience, their background, and the context of the presentation in mind. Whether addressing mental health professionals, community leaders, educators, or the general public, she breaks down complex psychological concepts into clear, relatable, and impactful messages. Her ability to connect deeply with her audience ensures they leave with valuable tools and a greater understanding of the topics at hand.

Audiences leave Tessa’s talks not only informed, but also motivated to take action—whether in their professional roles, personal relationships, the community at large, or the self within, it's hard to leave at the same level of momentum that you entered with. Tess' talks help bridge gaps in understanding and expectations, inspires growth, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to healthy selves, sanity in relationships, and sustainability in the systems we exist in.

Tess' presentations are often a mix of lecture, large group discussions, small group discussions, and experiential activities.

In short, seeing Tessa Gittleman speak is an opportunity to gain deep knowledge, connect with a compassionate expert, and leave equipped to make meaningful changes in mental health and leadership spaces.

Tessa Gittleman is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, speaker, and educator based in the Twin Cities. With over 10 years of experience, she brings unparalleled expertise to her private practice, where she specializes in working with Twice Exceptional (2E) and Gifted individuals, Inter-cultural and Inter-generational Relationships, and is one of the nation's few specialists in Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) in the country. Tessa is also a licensed therapist in both Minnesota and Florida and provides clinical supervision for LMFTs/LPCCs in Minnesota, shaping the next generation of mental health professionals.

As a dedicated educator and leader in her field, Tessa is a contracting supervisor at local agencies, has taught graduate courses, and offers CEUs and Community Education programs on a range of specialized topics. She proudly serves as the Treasurer of the Minnesota Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, where she advocates for advancing mental health care, insurance advocacy and pay parity, and innovation in graduate education. She is also a

Tessa’s dynamic speaking style, interactive engagement, and thought leadership have made her a sought-after presenter at conferences, workshops, and educational events. Her speaking topics include:

-Ambivalence and Polarity Management: Why Our Values are Burning Us Out and Causing Us Moral Injury
-Leading Through Broken Systems: Strategies for Resilient Leadership in Turbulent Times
-The Other Compulsive Disorder: Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
-Relationship Contracting: From Parenting to Polyamory, a Relational and Consent-Based Approach to Boundaries

With a passion for empowering others and a commitment to creating systemic change, Tessa Gittleman leaves audiences with a common sense understanding of clinical concepts, a surprising amount of empathy and connection, and new ideas they can incorporate into their daily lives to try to make whats feeling Sisyphean a bit more sane again.

A microphone, TV/Projector/Sound System, adapters to your TV/Projector setup, and warning if large amounts of balloons will be on-site (due to latex allergy) or if the audience has any specialty needs (such as cultural sensitivities or relevant considerations to be mindful of).