Long Island's Best Mediation

Lori C. _{on Yelp}

Jan 20th, 2018

As a divorced mother of two sons, I can present myself as a true believer in the approach taken by Dana and Don. Mediation is a sane approach to an unforgiving legal system. There is a pattern and cycle embedded in the legal protocol when interacting with lawyers. It is a self-perpetuating cycle of promise, denial, generousity and withholding. It is as if the law provokes opposing lawyers to fight it out as dirty as possible in the misguided hope that by shaking the foundation, the "truth" settles with heaviest thud. The sound of heartbreak is wet and solid. And nearly irreversible. With Dana and Don, dissolution does not have to result in carnage. There are no opposing legal reprsentatives present. The absence of overt aggression and heartbreaking self-defense clears the room for communication. This is where they excel as a team. Communication is so difficult because of the nuances attached to silence. Dana will not allow a withdrawal from accountability in a dispute. She will not encourange the passive/aggressive attitudes that come with unspoken feelings of entitlement. The marriage was a partnership and when it ends, so does the fantasy. Dana and Don understand that love did inspire the marriage in the first place, and that disappointment and disilusionment breathe heavy on the flames of despair. Both Dana and Don will emper the tension so that there is no volatility. What I appreciate about them is their love of the concept of family. An intact family is a concept, a hope, an image. For some, it was a mirage. Dana truly understands that grieving is necessary. She accomodates those who grieve, but she is a realist as well. And if you have children, THAT IS THE REALITY she wants to have flourish: The children will remain protected from vitriol and hositility. I'm telling you, Neither Dana nor Don will tolerate dishonesty toward the children. No one will be allowed to use the children as pawns, stabbing the other parent in the heart just to take pleasure in the pain. Dana understands the component of revenge in a divorce and she will excise it the second she senses it in the thougts of adults. Dana is sensitive and a good reader of men and women. In her presence, you will be inclined toward truth because you can trust her. The most elusive component of a divorce is that deep trust. When confidence is given to a professional, the result is professionalism. No games, no tactice, no hiddent agendas. The end result will be a compassionate step-by-step resolution so that both parties have been heard. If only we could communicate this well while married, mediators and lawyers would not be necessary. Once you are under the guidance of Dana and Don, you might have a better relationship with your ex. I hope so.

Andrew W. _{on Yelp}

Jan 16th, 2018

Trying to find a balance between the needs of yourself, your children, and your soon-to-be ex-spouse was the most difficult thing I've ever been through. It is emotionally draining and was (in my case) months of fear, panic, anger, and depression.As a father of three, I couldn't imagine a single day where I couldn't spend time with my kids. But the reality was that I would have to learn to live with it. Their mother and I were to have shared custody and that meant that I would only see them 50% of the time. I didn't want our family to be torn apart. I had forgiven her affairs and addictions to drugs and alcohol, but she thought her life would be better on her own. We divorced, and I began the process of trying to learn how to be a single dad and provide my kids with as much of a normal life as possible.I count myself to be very fortunate to have had the assistance of Dana and Don at Mediation and Family counseling. While the divorce has been final for a while, I use them as a resource for issues dealing with my children and their mother. Unfortunately, her substance abuse problems have not gotten better, and she continues to try to poison the relationship between my me and my children. Don and Dana's experiences in dealing with all types of family situations have given them the wisdom and background to help me with sound advice and practical methods to talk to my kids and avoid getting dragged down into the negative and vindictive world of my ex-wife.Not only would I recommend Dana and Don for anyone else needing mediation or counseling, I continue to use them to this day. They have been a lifeline for me when I thought that there was no hope. They know family law and work towards reducing conflict and alienation - especially when kids are involved. They have helped me make the best of a bad situation and helped me to understand the needs and feelings of my children and ex-wife. Their expert advice and experience, along with their practical methods for dealing with conflict, have given me and my kids a healthier and more stable life together.Andrew Winters