Mediation is the wave of the future in conflict resolution.  It is a softer, gentler and more private approach to solving disagreements than the impersonal and very public court system.  Mediation is especially beneficial to those undergoing the painful process of divorce.

Emotions run high during the unraveling of a marriage.  Often partners stop talking to each other, and because of the lack of communication start imagining the worst in each other.  Hiring a lawyer whose job is to advocate only for his particular  client often exacerbates the polarization that occurs.  This polarization plus the inefficient nature of the court system canlead to a lengthy, costly and infuriating experience.  Although divorce by nature includes a myriad of intense emotions, mediation generally lessons the negativity and cost inherent in the process.   Good mediators get spouses talking to each other, which increases understanding and trust.  Mediation helps individuals feel a sense of control at a time when a sense of powerlessness is often overwhelming.
 

As many couples fear, children do experience loss through divorce.  However, statistics show that children whose parents do not engage in  lengthy and overt conflict with each other recover faster from the changes in their family life.  Mediation helps parents learn to negotiate with each other in a business like manner, which is a necessary skill both during and after divorce.
 

In seeking a good mediator it is important to keep in mind that a mediator must understand the use of empathy and have a working knowledge of divorce law.  A mediator does not give legal advice but must know enough about the law to be able to recognize issues and raise questions for consideration.  Stephanie Whitman is a trained mediator who holds both a J.D. degree and a Master’s in Marital and Family therapy.   The combination of  these two degrees make her especially qualified to handle the emotional climate and practical questions that arise during divorce mediation.


Stephanie Whitman, LMFT

Stephanie Whitman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Psychology from the University of Michigan, a J.D. from Washington and Lee Law School and a Masters in Marital and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. Stephanie's approach to helping clients is collaborative and solution-focused. She uses a combination of insight-oriented therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients understand issues and develop tools to solve problems. Her approach is non-judgmental and she seeks to create a safe and comfortable environment in which to explore issues. Stephanie works with individuals, couples and families in such areas such as depression, anxiety, anger management, communication issues, infidelity, compulsive behaviors, parenting skills and life transitions. Stephanie is also a certified mediator.