- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions support
- Trauma-informed care
About Melissa
Melissa Geiger-Dugandzic is a licensed independent social worker (LISW) in Ohio with eight years of professional experience. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and addictions, and offers supportive care for trauma and self-esteem struggles. Her approach is grounded in respect and compassion, and she tailors conversations and plans to each person's needs.
Melissa draws on practical tools to help people build motivation and confidence. She has worked with first responders and veterans and has experience supporting adults with gambling and substance concerns. She focuses on clear, achievable steps so progress feels understandable.
Sessions center on listening first, then picking techniques that fit the person's goals. Melissa uses evidence-informed approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness to address symptoms and daily challenges. She also brings client-centered and dialectical skills into sessions to help people manage emotions and make steady changes.
When trauma is part of the story, Melissa integrates trauma-focused work to reduce distress and improve coping. She aims to create a pace that feels manageable, helping people move through painful memories without being overwhelmed. She emphasizes skills that people can use between sessions.
People who come to Melissa often want practical ways to reduce anxiety, change patterns around substance or gambling use, or rebuild confidence after loss or trauma. She works collaboratively to set clear goals and supports people as they take steps toward a more stable daily life.
Approaches that guide online work
Melissa uses client-centered methods to make space for each person's story, focusing on listening and shaping sessions around what matters most to the client. This approach helps people feel heard and involved in planning their next steps.She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns and replace them with practical strategies. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and problems that show up in day-to-day behavior. Dialectical behavior therapy skills are another component, offering tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships when emotions run high.
Choosing the right approach is a shared process. Melissa works together with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences. Plans are adjusted over time as progress and priorities change.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also help people keep consistent momentum between sessions by practicing tools in daily life.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Melissa address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and addictions. Other focuses include trauma and abuse, self-esteem, grief, anger, and money and financial issues.
How would she describe her therapy style?
Her style is respectful, sensitive, and practical. Sessions emphasize listening first, then using concrete tools tailored to each person's goals.
What is her professional background?
She is a licensed independent social worker with eight years of professional experience working with adults, including first responders and veterans.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
Melissa holds an Ohio LISW credential and practices in Ohio.
Does she offer sessions in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions structured and what do they cost?
Session formats should be confirmed before booking. Costs vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Melissa?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.