Melissa Portan (she/her) is a licensed sexologist and social worker with dual master’s degrees from Widener University in Human Sexuality and Social Work. Melissa is currently pursuing her PhD in East-West Psychology at the California Institute of Integrative Studies where she studies the sacred dance between sexuality, spirituality, and psychology. She is also a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT).

Melissa provides integrative, trauma-informed care for individuals and couples navigating the intersections of sexuality, identity, and relational healing. She occasionally facilitates psychoeducational groups focused on neurodivergence and sexuality topics.

Her clinical specialties include sex therapy and neurodivergence (ADHD, ASD) with treatment areas spanning sexual dysfunction (sexual/genital pain, low arousal, erectile concerns, porn/sex addiction), sexual trauma, intimate partner violence recovery, narcissistic abuse recovery, and childhood trauma. She also supports clients facing relational challenges such as low self-esteem and social anxiety and provides gender-affirming care for identity exploration—including kink, BDSM, gender expression, and LGBTQIA+ relationships.

Her therapeutic approach blends Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, mindfulness, psychodynamic, psychoeducation, and attachment-based relational work. Melissa also draws from various spiritual traditions—including yoga and Tantra—and may incorporate Tarot or Oracle cards as tools for reflection and inspiration. She meets sensitive topics with deep respect, honoring each client’s chosen path and lived experience.

Melissa views therapy as a collaborative, exploratory process that is challenging and deeply rewarding. Her integrative, strengths-based approach invites clients to reconnect with their inner wisdom, rewrite limiting narratives, and move toward embodied, integrative healing.