 Melissa the Professional |  Melissa the Educator |  Melissa the Therapist |  Melissa the Listener |
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 Melissa the Advocate |
Who is Melissa?
Melissa Donahue is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). She is a national presenter, mentor, and strong advocate for accurate sexual education for all people.​
With a large patient population of cisgender women struggling with painful penetration, Melissa has developed a treatment standard to provide a better quality of life for these patients and their partners. Her training with Dr. Irwin Goldstein, a leader in sexual medicine, provided her with a foundation in sexual medicine. ​
Additionally, through her partnership with an OB/GYN and sexual educator at the Center for Sexual Wellness in Morristown, NJ., she co-authored a chapter in The Art of Sex Therapy Supervision titled “Supervising Referral Relationships.”
Melissa completed her Master of Social Work at Boston University and her Doctorate of Social Work Program (DSW) through Rutgers University School of Social Work. Committed to the future of social work, Melissa has joined the Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey as an adjunct professor.​​ As the owner of MD Counseling, LLC, her practice is committed to supporting all individuals, regardless of religion, culture, or identification with sexual health and wellness concerns.
Certifications
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AASECT Certified Sex Therapist & Supervisor
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Trauma Certified (NASW-NJ)
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EFT Trained
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Social Work Supervision Certified
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CITI Certified (Research)
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OSE Trained
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SIFI Certified
My Mission
My goal is to establish a universal medical standard of care for all women who experience painful penetration.
A medical standard of care rooted in awareness, training, and treatment equally for all women regardless of access.
My Vision
All women who experience painful penetration (also known as vaginismus) will have access to effective treatment the first time they discuss this concern with their doctor.
My Values & Goals
10% of women worldwide is far too great of a number to have to struggle with painful penetration.
Ünal et al., 2020
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Create a universal standard of care that all OB/GYNs are aware of and trained in.
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Develop a universal database to connect medical providers effortlessly for collaboration.
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Educating the value of the Bio-psycho-social care model to encourage holistic patient care.
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