Melissa Geiger-Dugandzic

Compassionate evidence-informed care for complex concerns

LISW Ohio

Experience: 8 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Melissa

Melissa Geiger-Dugandzic is an Ohio-licensed social worker (LISW) with eight years of professional clinical experience. She focuses on practical strategies to help people manage stress, anxiety, mood disorders, and addictions while addressing trauma, grief, and self-esteem concerns.

Background and approach

Her background includes work with first responders and veterans, and she brings particular attention to issues such as codependency, dissociation, compulsive behaviors, and financial or gambling-related problems. Her approach blends evidence-informed methods with a person-centered attitude, adapting conversations and treatment plans to each individual's needs.

Melissa draws on cognitive behavioral methods to identify and shift unhelpful thinking, and she uses skills from dialectical behavior therapy and trauma-focused techniques when appropriate. Clients can expect a collaborative, respectful process aimed at building motivation, coping skills, and lasting change.

Melissa emphasizes support and empowerment as clients take steps toward greater wellbeing. She frames progress as a courageous process and works alongside people to set achievable goals, reduce symptoms, and strengthen self-compassion.

Using CBT and Trauma-Informed Skills in Online Care

Melissa frequently integrates cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients notice and change unhelpful thought patterns, which can reduce anxiety and improve mood through practical exercises and behavioral experiments. She also draws on client-centered principles that emphasize empathy, respect, and tailoring the work to each person's values and strengths so clients feel heard and understood.

Dialectical behavior therapy skills are another part of her toolkit, offering concrete tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness when intense feelings or impulsivity are present. These approaches are selected collaboratively, and Melissa works with clients to determine which methods best match their goals, preferences, and life circumstances rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all plan.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for people with busy schedules or limited local options. These formats make it easier to attend regularly, practice skills between meetings, and maintain continuity of care while balancing other responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Melissa help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, mood disorders, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, and related concerns listed in her specialty areas.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is client-centered and collaborative, blending cognitive behavioral techniques with DBT and trauma-focused methods as appropriate to each person's needs.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Melissa has eight years of professional experience providing behavioral health services in Ohio settings.

What credentials and location should I know about?

She holds an LISW credential and is licensed in Ohio with the designation OH LISW I.2304951-SUPV.

Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are conducted in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available?

Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and availability.

How are costs handled for sessions?

Fees vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What do I need to do to get started?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression

Also works with

LGBTGriefAnger managementBipolar disorder

Additional focus areas

CodependencyControl issuesDissociationDrug and alcohol addictionFirst responder issuesGuilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / lonelinessVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Post-traumatic stress Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

8+ years

Licensed

Ohio

Languages

English