Melanie Dente, LPCC, LMHC

Melanie Dente is a licensed counselor in the state of Ohio who brings focused training in EMDR, CBT, and DBT to her clinical work. She has extensive experience supporting survivors of trauma and helps people reduce symptoms of anxiety while testing the accuracy of unhelpful thoughts. Melanie works with clients to strengthen emotional regulation, improve communication, and build healthier ways of coping with difficult circumstances.

In session she encourages clients to identify trusted personal and professional supporters and to avoid unsafe behaviors as part of recovery and growth. Melanie emphasizes practical skill-building, inviting clients to "fill their toolboxes" with techniques they can use independently to manage symptoms and overcome obstacles. She sets clear expectations that change requires effort, and she challenges clients to pursue meaningful gains while also pausing to acknowledge progress along the way.

Melanie uses structured, evidence-based methods to tailor care to each person she sees. Her approach combines skill development, trauma-informed interventions, and collaborative problem solving so clients can increase resilience and move toward the goals they set together with their therapist. She looks forward to working with individuals who are ready to do the work of change.

Evidence-Based Approaches Adapted for Online Care

Melanie uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and test unhelpful thoughts and to develop practical strategies for managing symptoms like anxiety and low mood. This approach focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors to improve daily functioning.

She also incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT techniques are useful for people who want concrete tools to manage strong emotions and improve their relationships.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is part of her trauma-focused toolkit and is used to help people process distressing memories and reduce their intensity, often alongside other therapeutic supports.

Choosing the right method is a collaborative process. Melanie works with each client to explore which approaches fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress is made. Clients and therapist decide together which techniques to prioritize.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how sessions happen, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make regular care more accessible for people with busy schedules, transportation limits, or those who prefer remote sessions while still working with licensed professionals.