Melissa Emery, Co-Owner, Therapist
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During her time at Case Western University, Melissa specialized in Adults with Addiction and Mental Health Treatment. Melissa gained additional knowledge through her eighteen month employment at Glenbeigh and Neil Kennedy Adult Addiction Recovery Centers. Her passion for helping others was maximized during her career in mental health and addiction recovery specialist. Melissa found her passion for helping others utilizing treatment modalities of: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and client-centered therapy.
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Bachelor’s Degree:
Youngstown State University-
Bachelor’s in Social WorkMaster’s Degree:
Case Western Reserve University-
Master’s in Social Service AdministrationLicensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio
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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 Emery, Co-Owner, Therapist
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During her time at Case Western University, Madeline specialized in Children and Family Services for Mental and Behavioral Health Treatment. Madeline gained additional experience through her employment specializing in foster care services, with children experiencing high levels of trauma and behavioral problems. Her passion for teaching children how to cope with separation from their families and loss of identity to home & community continues in the work that she provides today at The Counselor’s Couch.
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Bachelor's Degree:
Youngstown State University-
Bachelor’s in Social WorkMaster’s Degree:
Case Western University-
Master’s in Social Service AdministrationLicensed Independent Social Worker in the State of Ohio.
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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
Deanna Slifka, Therapist
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During her time at Nova Southeastern University, Deanna earned her Master of Science in Counseling and became a Certified Trauma Professional. She gained extensive experience in crisis intervention and working with trauma survivors, which continues to shape the work she provides today at The Counselor’s Couch.
Deanna’s approach to therapy is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with added expertise in various treatment modalities to meet each client’s unique needs. She believes every person’s path to healing is different and collaborates closely with her clients to create a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space.
In addition to her clinical work, Deanna is the Founder and Executive Director of Sophia’s Wings, a nonprofit organization that provides free bereavement services to families suffering the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, or neonatal death.
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Master’s Degree:
Nova Southeastern University- Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Ohio.
Certified Trauma Professional.
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Trauma & Crisis Intervention
Grief & Bereavement
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Mood Disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder)
Anxiety Disorders
Adjustment Disorders
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Samara Brooks, Therapist
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Samara completed her Master’s degree in Social Work at Grand Canyon University and went on to become a licensed Social Worker. She gained her experience while working for Mahoning County Children’s Services, where she helped families heal and reunite. Samara is deeply committed to supporting those who struggle in silence and is driven to ensure they receive the compassionate care they need.
She witnessed the emotional toll that medical crises can take and saw how often individuals are left without proper support. Recognizing the silent battles that follow a cancer diagnosis, Samara is passionate about helping survivors and patients care for their mental well-being. While working in the field, she saw how trauma impacts every part of a person’s life and made it her mission to help those in need. Her experience revealed the profound ways trauma shapes lives, leading her to dedicate herself to walking alongside others on their path to healing.
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Bachelor's Degree:
Youngstown State UniversityMasters Degree:
Grand Canyon University- Social Work
Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio.
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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
Leigh Gacse, Office Manager
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Leigh is our Office Manager here at The Counselors Couch. Her primary goal is to ensure our office runs smoothly, efficiently, and compassionately. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming, confidential, and supportive environment—not only for our valued clients as they take important steps in their journey but also for our talented team of counselors and staff.
Her focus includes managing the administrative operations, optimizing scheduling, handling client intake processes with sensitivity, and ensuring we maintain the highest standards of professional discretion. She is here to support our clinical team so they can dedicate their full attention to providing excellent care.
Please feel free to reach out to her for any administrative needs, suggestions for improving our processes, or simply to say hello.
