Melissa Gibans, AMFT

Melissa is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT, with a passion for helping couples build more resilient, enriching relationships. With an appreciation for the uniqueness of every partnership, she tailors her approach to meet each couple’s specific needs.

Whether a couple is in the early stages of their relationship, uncertain about their future, or navigating the aftermath of a significant loss or event, Melissa believes in taking things one step at a time while developing sustainable skills and tools to move through the current moment. 

Melissa earned her Master’s degree from the University of San Diego. During her training, she worked with individuals and couples during the perinatal period at the University of California San Diego. She has additional training in evidence-based approaches, including the Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She also frequently incorporates mindfulness and somatic awareness into her work. 

She is deeply committed to providing culturally responsive care. With additional training in working with LGBTQ+ populations, Melissa strives to create a space where clients feel safe bringing their full selves and diverse experiences.

Before becoming a therapist, Melissa worked at a Fortune 10 company across the U.S. and U.K., where she led global teams and programs. Since relocating to San Diego, she enjoys the simple things–time at the beach, cooking, playing tennis with her husband, and fostering local community.