Why Working with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Can Make Divorce Mediation More Supportive

For many couples, the thought of beginning a divorce brings a mix of uncertainty, emotional strain, and a worry about what comes next. Mediation offers a healthier and more collaborative path forward. When guided by someone with a strong clinical background, the entire process can feel more grounded and respectful.

My name is Mary Collins, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than three decades of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families. Since receiving my graduate degree from Syracuse University in 1991, I have spent my career helping people navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, parenting issues, and the complex emotions that come with change. This background naturally shapes the way I approach divorce mediation.

In mediation, emotions often sit right beneath the surface. Even when both partners want to move toward a resolution, communication can break down quickly if fear, frustration, or hurt take over. My clinical experience allows me to guide these conversations with sensitivity. I help couples stay focused on understanding one another’s needs, expressing concerns clearly, and working through disagreements in a calm and productive way.

My goal is not to take sides. It is to help create a balanced space where each person feels heard and respected. Mediation is most effective when both partners can speak honestly without feeling judged or dismissed. By supporting the emotional side of the process, I help couples move more smoothly through the practical decisions that must be made, including parenting plans, financial arrangements, and the many details involved in ending a marriage.

Clients often share that having a mediator who understands both the emotional and logistical sides of divorce brings a sense of stability during an otherwise stressful time. When communication improves, solutions come more naturally. Couples leave the process feeling clearer, more empowered, and more confident in the agreements they have reached together.

If you are considering mediation, or if you are simply exploring your options, I am here to help you understand what the process looks like and how it may support your family. My approach combines compassion, clarity, and a commitment to helping you move into the next chapter of your life with as much peace as possible.