Melissa Gibans

The human experience inevitably brings challenges—times of difficult decisions, transitions, and opportunities to explore our experiences and relationships in deeper ways. Reaching out for support during these moments takes strength and courage, and it can also mark the beginning of a powerful journey toward greater insight, healing, and fulfillment.

Hi, I’m Melissa Gibans (she/her), an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Colorado State University and my Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego.

I am passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families. My clinical experience includes working in reproductive mental health and with those experiencing moments of crisis.

Through those experiences, I have provided support for:

• Postpartum and Perinatal Distress
• Relationship and Marital Issues
• Trauma and Developmental Trauma
• Stress Management
• Grief and Loss
• Anxiety and Depression
• And more

Regardless of the challenge, I believe in moving one step at a time, in collaboration with my clients, and trusting the therapeutic process. Together, we determine which approaches may be most supportive. I am also dedicated to this work and to consistently learning. I have additional training in:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Gottman Couples Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
• Mindfulness/Meditation

I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and somatic perspectives. Because each person, couple, or family is unique, I work alongside my clients to tailor therapy to their needs.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked at a Fortune 10 company across the U.S. and U.K., leading global teams and programs, coaching and facilitating, and managing initiatives focused on equity and inclusion. Informed by these experiences, I am deeply passionate and committed to providing culturally responsive care. I have additional training in working with LGBTQ+ populations and strive to create a space where my clients feel safe to bring their full selves and diverse experiences.