Dr. Linda Tessler is a licensed psychologist who has earned national recognition for her pioneer work in raising awareness in the treatment of learning disabilities. Severely dyslexic herself, and undiagnosed until age 33, Dr. Tessler specializes in helping patients understand and use life-long accommodation techniques to reach their fullest potential. In her active private practice, she also helps patients overcome a variety of emotional difficulties including self-esteem issues, traumatic experience and relationship concerns. Tessler's practice is distinctive for the blend of professional expertise and life experience she offers patients.

In 1988, Dr. Tessler earned a doctorate in psychology from Temple University, where she prepared her dissertation on "Descriptions of Characteristics and Coping Strategies of Nine Famous Self-Perceived Dyslexics," for which she interviewed prominent individuals from all walks of life who struggle with learning disabilities. She spent two years engaged in post-doctoral study of techniques to heal the wounds of past traumatic experiences in patients. This study culminated in her certification as a Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, which embodies this type of healing process. Other trainings in healing process include David Groves Healing the Child Within, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing).

Throughout her professional studies, Dr. Tessler relied tremendously on the recorded word and became an advocate for increased availability of recordings for dyslexic audiences of all ages. In particular, she worked closely with Recording for the Blind (RFB), educating the organization about the special needs of the dyslexic population. On behalf of RFB, Dr. Tessler testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriation Committee in 1992 to explain and advocate for the use of audio assistance for individuals with dyslexia. She has held several leadership positions of the organization now called RFB&D (Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic), including having served on the National Advisory Council, a board member emeritus of RFB&D's Philadelphia Unit. She is also a past board member of IDA (International Dyslexia Association), Philadelphia Branch.

Dr. Tessler is a frequent speaker at academic institutions and civic organizations, and has often presented at local and national conferences on dyslexia, including the International Dyslexia Association's conferences. In addition to numerous radio and television appearances, she has been published in newsletters and journals and is regularly interviewed for articles on learning disabilities and related concerns.

In 1977, Ms. Tessler received a master's degree from Villanova University, where she earned academic honors for her 4.0 grade point average. She received a bachelor's degree from Mills College as well as certification in Teaching Assertive Relationships with Children (ARC) and in teaching Parent Effectiveness Training (PET).

Dr. Tessler is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Philadelphia Society of Clinical Psychologists, the International Dyslexia Association, the Learning Disabilities Association of America and is a fellow of the American Pennsylvania Psychological Association. She was also selected for membership in Who's Who in American Education and in Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Linda G. Tessler, Ph.D.
341 North Ithan Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010