Melanie Dente , LPCC, LMHC

Melanie Dente is a licensed counselor in Ohio with training in multiple evidence-based therapies. She holds LPCC and LMHC credentials - LPCC stands for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and LMHC stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor - and maintains a focus on helping people recover from and cope with trauma.

With a lengthy history of working with trauma survivors, she helps clients manage symptoms of anxiety, examine and test unhelpful thoughts, and develop stronger emotional regulation and communication skills. Her approach emphasizes practical skill-building so clients can "fill their toolboxes" with strategies they can use independently to navigate challenges and stressful moments.

Throughout the counseling process she encourages clients to identify personal and professional supporters and to avoid unsafe behaviors. She challenges clients to pursue their goals and reach their potential, and she intentionally marks and celebrates progress as it occurs. Melanie brings a direct, skill-focused style that balances challenge with encouragement and a clear commitment to helping people move forward.

Evidence-Based Techniques and Online Care

Melanie uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and test unhelpful thoughts and develop practical strategies for managing symptoms. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, and many everyday challenges because it focuses on changing thinking patterns and behaviors. She also applies Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) when trauma symptoms are present; EMDR helps people process distressing memories and reduce the emotional intensity associated with them. In addition, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improved interpersonal effectiveness for those struggling with intense emotions or relationship conflicts.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Melanie collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit best with their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques as progress unfolds and circumstances change.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, allowing sessions to fit into busy schedules and different life situations. Working with licensed professionals this way can make consistent care more accessible and easier to maintain during periods of transition or stress.