Tessa

Ms Tessa Gittleman, MA

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“I decided to become a therapist and supervisor because I was so disappointed in the care I received as a consumer. My style is transparent, funny, collaborative, and experiential. I borrow from Motivational Interviewing, Somatic-Experiential, ACT, and IFS. I tailor my approach to you and your unique needs.”

About Me

I understand the frustration of seeking support and not feeling truly heard. My aim is to offer the thoughtful, effective care I wish I had received as a client. I foster a transparent, collaborative space where we explore challenges with humour and practical tools. We might integrate techniques like Motivational Interviewing or experiential exercises. This tailored approach helps you navigate your unique needs, finding clearer paths forward to build lasting change.

Approach

Because I experienced what poor care feels like, I run sessions that are candid, lightly humorous, and hands-on so you feel steady and seen as we try things out together. In my Minneapolis office or via secure online sessions in English, we'll check in on what shifts between meetings and use short experiments—breathwork, values-based choices, and parts work—to notice stuck patterns and small, doable moves. I keep the pacing practical and adjustable so you don’t feel overwhelmed. People facing transitions, family strain, or relationship knots often find this helpful.
Contact Tessa

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services Offered:

  • ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)

    A form of therapy that teaches acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while guiding action aligned with personal values.

    Learn more about ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
  • Clinical Supervision

    Professional oversight and reflective practice for clinical practitioners, ensuring quality of care and supporting ongoing development.

  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Outpatient Services

    Mental health treatment attended during the day without hospital admission, including therapy sessions and psychiatric appointments.

  • Individual Therapy

    One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.

    Learn more about Individual Therapy

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • Family Issues

    Difficulties within the family system, including conflict, communication breakdown, blended family tensions, or intergenerational patterns, that affect individual and collective well-being.

  • Personal Development

    The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.

  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • Parenting Support

    Guidance for the psychological challenges of raising children, including discipline, communication, co-parenting, and managing the emotional demands of parenthood.

  • Self-Esteem

    A person's overall sense of their own worth and value. When chronically low, it can drive self-doubt, avoidance, and difficulty in relationships.

    Learn more about Self-Esteem

Professional Title:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

    A therapist licensed to work with couples and families on relationship difficulties, communication, and family dynamics.

Credentials

Registrations

Mn Board of Marriage And Family Therapy

LMFT

Qualifications

Master of Arts (MA)

St. Mary's University, Twin Cities

Service Areas

Bassett Creek Medical Buildting

In-person & Online

Minneapolis, Minnesota

United States

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Minneapolis, United States