Melissa Geiger-Dugandzic, LISW

Melissa Geiger-Dugandzic is a licensed independent social worker who practices in Ohio. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, and struggles with self-esteem. Melissa aims to create a respectful and compassionate space for people to talk through difficult moments and work toward clearer goals.

She tailors conversations and plans to each person’s needs instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. Melissa has eight years of experience in clinical settings and has worked with adults facing gambling and substance-related problems. She also brings experience supporting first responders and veterans dealing with job-related stress and trauma.

Her work includes practical skills for coping and building motivation. That can mean looking at everyday thoughts and habits, trying new ways to handle cravings or urges, and practicing grounding tools after hard experiences. Sessions typically focus on what is useful in daily life and on steady steps forward.

Melissa uses a mix of familiar therapy methods to guide sessions rather than promising any single solution. She emphasizes partnership in the room and aims to empower clients to make changes that matter to them. If someone wants help managing mood, grief, or relationship patterns tied to control or codependency, she frames support around clear, achievable steps.

People who choose her can expect straightforward, practical work and a calm, nonjudgmental approach. She invites prospective clients to consider small changes first and build from there.

How Melissa's approaches translate to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's goals. In online sessions this means the therapist follows the client's lead and helps set achievable targets for change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, mood challenges, and everyday thinking habits. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes skills for managing strong emotions and improving how people cope in tense moments and relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which methods make sense based on needs, goals, and personal preferences. That choice can change over time as progress is made and priorities shift.

Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, shorten commutes, and allow brief check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also let people use strategies and homework right where they live, helping bridge session work to everyday routines.