Melissa Geiger-Dugandzic, LISW
Ohio · 8 years in practice
Melissa Geiger-Dugandzic is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) practicing in Ohio.
License and registration
- LISW, Ohio
- I.2304951-SUPV · expires November 2027
- NPI
- 1427513423 · national provider identifier
- Years in practice
- 8
- Languages
- English
Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.
About Melissa
Melissa Geiger-Dugandzic is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) practicing in Ohio. She brings eight years of clinical experience and focuses on helping adults manage stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, and mood challenges. She aims to create a respectful and compassionate space for people who want change.
She works with concerns such as depression, bipolar symptoms, grief, anger, and self-esteem struggles. Melissa also supports people coping with obsessive-compulsive behaviors, dissociation, and self-harm urges.
Background and approach
She has experience addressing issues related to first responder and veteran life and gambling and substance use problems. Her style centers on listening first, then tailoring an approach to each person. Sessions are collaborative and goal-oriented.
She uses client-centered methods alongside practical tools drawn from cognitive behavioral strategies and dialectical behavior ideas to help people notice patterns and build new skills. Melissa also incorporates mindfulness practices and EMDR techniques when appropriate to address traumatic memories and intense emotional reactions. She helps people develop grounding skills, emotion regulation strategies, and steps to reduce impulsive or harmful behaviors.
People who reach out can expect a straightforward plan with measurable steps and space to talk through hard things. Melissa emphasizes motivation and self-compassion while helping clients work toward clearer routines, healthier habits, and more dependable coping skills.
Focus areas and approaches
Everything Melissa lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
- Depression
- LGBT
- Grief
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Codependency
- Control issues
- Dissociation
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- First responder issues
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sex addiction
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Social anxiety and phobia
Approaches Melissa names
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.
Online support
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Melissa uses client-centered methods that prioritize the person and their goals, offering a listening space where the conversation guides the focus and pace. Client-centered work helps clarify what you want to change and builds on your strengths.She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect and teaches concrete skills to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is useful for anxiety, mood challenges, and compulsive behaviors. Melissa incorporates EMDR-informed techniques to address traumatic memories and strong emotional reactions when those approaches fit the situation.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist and client discuss goals, try methods, and adjust the plan over time. Melissa helps people choose techniques that match their needs, preferences, and pace rather than delivering one fixed model.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text messaging. Video is helpful for face-to-face conversation and guided exercises. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is preferred. Live chat and text messaging allow for brief check-ins, journaling-style exchanges, and flexible communication between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or busy schedules while keeping the focus on practical coping skills and steady progress.
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Questions people ask
What kinds of concerns does Melissa address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, bipolar issues, grief, anger, self-esteem, and LGBT-related concerns, along with related problems like codependency, dissociation, and compulsive behaviors.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her sessions begin with listening and respect, then move to a tailored plan. She blends client-centered conversation with practical skills from CBT and DBT.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has eight years of professional experience working in clinical settings and with adults facing addiction, trauma, and first responder or veteran-related stress.
What are her credentials and where is she licensed?
She holds the LISW credential and is licensed in Ohio.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How do I begin therapy with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a time based on therapist availability.
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