Melissa Emery MSSA, LSW

Co-Owner, Licensed Social Worker, Clinical Therapist

  • Melissa Emery is the co-owner of The Counselor's Couch Therapy and a Licensed Social Worker). For more than two decades, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families through life's most difficult challenges with compassion, empathy, and respect.

    While completing her graduate education at Case Western Reserve University, Melissa specialized in adult mental health and addiction treatment. Her clinical experience includes working at Glenbeigh and Neil Kennedy Adult Addiction Recovery Centers, where she developed a passion for helping individuals navigate addiction, recovery, and lasting personal growth. These experiences continue to shape her therapeutic approach, which emphasizes meaningful connection, individualized care, and empowering clients to build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

  • Bachelor’s Degree:
    Youngstown State University-
    Bachelor’s in Social Work 

    Master’s Degree:
    Case Western Reserve University-
    Master’s in Social Service Administration

    Licensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio

    • Adults with Addiction in Recovery

    • Children (5-18)

    • Families

    • Adults (Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders)

    • Couples

    • Veterans

    • Trauma Exposure/History

    • LGBTQ Community Support 

Madeline Smith MSSA,LISW

Co-Owner,Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Therapist

  • Madeline Emery is the co-owner of The Counselor's Couch Therapy and a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation (LISW-S). She is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where children, adolescents, adults, and families feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

    Her background in foster care and trauma-informed care continues to shape her approach, emphasizing compassion, meaningful connection, and meeting clients where they are. In addition to providing therapy, Madeline enjoys mentoring fellow social workers through clinical supervision and supporting the continued growth of the profession.

  • Bachelor's Degree:
    Youngstown State University-
    Bachelor’s in Social Work

    Master’s Degree:

    Case Western University-
    Master’s in Social Service Administration

    Licensed Independent Social Worker in the State of Ohio.

    • Children (3-18 years of age)

    • Families

    • Adults (Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders)

    • Couples

    • Caregiver Support

    • Physical Health Complications

    • Trauma Exposure/History

    • LGBTQ Community Support 

Samara Brooks MSW,LSW

Licensed Therapist & Social Worker

  • Samara earned her Master's degree in Social Work from Grand Canyon University and is a Licensed Social Worker. Her experience with Mahoning County Children Services strengthened her passion for helping children, families, and individuals heal from trauma while fostering resilience and hope.

    She is especially passionate about supporting individuals navigating the emotional impact of cancer and other significant life challenges. Samara strives to create a warm, compassionate environment where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered as they move toward healing.

  • Bachelor's Degree:
    Youngstown State University

    Masters Degree:

    Grand Canyon University- Social Work

    Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio.

    • Children: 3-18

    • Adults: (Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders)

    • Families

    • Couples

    • Caregiver Support

    • Individuals navigating cancer survivorship or other life-altering medical events

    • Individuals facing the emotional and physical challenges of Cancer or other life-altering

    • Medical events

    • Birth Trauma/ Postpartum

Celisa Hardesty LISW-S

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker & Designated Supervisor

  • Celisa believes therapy should reflect the unique needs, experiences, and goals of each individual. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

    With experience supporting individuals facing trauma, addiction, psychosis, and other complex mental health concerns, Celisa works collaboratively with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families to provide compassionate, individualized care. Outside of the office, she enjoys fostering animals, music, horror movies, and the Harry Potter series.

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
    The Ohio State University
    Minor in Criminology

    Master’s Degree in Social Work
    The Ohio State University
    Focus in co-occurring disorders

    Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisor Designation in the State of Ohio.

  • Treatment Modalities

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy

    • Motivational Interviewing

    • Client-Centered Therapy

    • Talk Therapy

    Populations Served

    • Children and adolescents

    • Adults

    • Couples

    • Families

    Areas of Focus

    • Anxiety and depression

    • Trauma and PTSD

    • ADHD and autism

    • OCD

    • Grief and loss

    • Self-esteem

    • Family conflict and parent-child concerns

    • Divorce and family separation

    • Addiction and recovery

    • Self-harm and suicidal ideation

    • Psychosis and severe mental illness

    • LGBTQ+ affirming care

Madison Goske MSSA, LISW-S

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker & Designated Supervisor

  • Madison Goske serves as a Clinical Supervisor for The Counselor's Couch Therapy, where she provides mentorship, consultation, and professional guidance to the agency's clinicians. She is passionate about fostering ethical, compassionate, and evidence-informed care while supporting clinicians in their professional growth.

    With experience in community mental health, homelessness services, developmental disabilities, and crisis intervention, she has dedicated her career to advocating for vulnerable populations and strengthening the quality of care within the communities she serves.

  • Bachelor of Social Work
    Youngstown State University
    December 2015

    Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA)
    Case Western Reserve University
    May 2020


    Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisor Designation in the State of Ohio.

  • Professional Experience

    • Clinical Supervisor, The Counselor's Couch Therapy

    • Catholic Charities Regional Agency

    • Legal Guardian for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

    • Social Worker, Respite of Hope (Meridian Healthcare & Mercy Health)

    • Over 10 years serving individuals experiencing homelessness and complex community needs

    Areas of Expertise

    • Clinical Supervision

    • Professional Consultation

    • Ethical Practice

    • Community Mental Health

    • Developmental Disabilities

    • Homelessness & Housing Advocacy

    • Crisis Intervention

    • Care Coordination

    • Community Resource Navigation

Meet Rosey
The Counselors Couch Therapy Dog

  • Rosey has been part of our counseling family for the past two years. She is a hypoallergenic, fun loving, and a playful therapy dog who spends her days greeting clients and supporting our team. Rosey has a special way of easing nerves and bringing smiles, helping both staff and clients feel more comfortable within the therapeutic space.

    Our office and practitioners believe healing happens best in safe and welcoming environments. Rosey helps create a warm atmosphere that gently reminds everyone that our practice is not a typical office. Her presence helps clients

  • • Greets clients and helps create a calm, welcoming environment
    • Offers comfort during difficult or emotional moments
    • Brings moments of laughter and lightness to the day
    • Helps clients feel more relaxed during sessions
    • Connects with both staff and clients, adding warmth to our community

  • Therapy dogs can help reduce anxiety, ease stress, and make counseling spaces feel more comfortable for many individuals. Their presence can help people relax, regulate emotions, and feel more open during conversations. For some clients, simply having a calm and friendly animal nearby makes the process of starting therapy feel less intimidating and more supportive.

  • Rosey is primarily located in Melissa’s office, where she spends most of her time supporting sessions and greeting visitors. However, she may also be requested to provide comfort in other clinicians’ offices within the agency when appropriate. If you believe Rosey’s presence would be helpful during your session, please feel free to let your clinician know.