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Rachel Levitsky

Rachel Levitsky

MSW, LCSW

Mediation

Conflict is a fact of life. Mediation is an increasingly popular, more efficient, and less expensive path to divorce or other conflicts. As your mediator, it is my role to identify the conflicts, provide new perspectives on the issues dividing parties, and ultimately come to cooperative, finite resolutions. I will meet with all parties in joint sessions and/or private meetings to explain the the negotiation process, clarify the sequence of steps so that roles and expectations are clear, and continuously gain feedback to ensure forward progress. Unlike legal courts that declare winners and losers, mediation is about finding a solution that is mutually satisfactory for all involved.

Due to my extensive background in working with children, I specialize in mediating parenting agreements. I work closely and collaboratively with financial and legal mediators towards competing your divorce decree.  I also mediate any issues that may arise with co-parenting after the divorce, which can include scheduling, medical or religious disagreements, communication issues and a variety of other complications that may arise.

My experience as a therapist is extremely beneficial when I interact with you as a mediator. I am used to being in stressful conflictual situations. I have dealt with people enduring extreme stress and anxiety. I have advocated for children as a social worker and will continue to do so in my role as a mediator. I am able to maintain boundaries and be a neutral third party in helping you to negotiate a settlement. I maintain a controlled atmosphere and will keep you both focused until you can reach a mutual decision.

In addition, it is not necessary for cases to have legal issues or law suits pending. I can assist you in mediating the following situations:

Divorce
Child Custody Arrangements
Family disputes
Elder care issues
Adoption issues
other situations requiring a third neutral party

* If the conflict requires the court's involvement, mediation is not a substitute for having an attorney. You and the other party will need your own attorneys to review the written memorandum of agreements and file them as legal documents.
Why choose mediation?

Mediation is non-adversarial. The participants want to problem solve because they understand the importance of maintaining their ongoing relationships.

Mediation is private. Choosing a mediator limits the outside intervention to one professional and allows both parties to speak to each other in a safe impartial environment

Mediation is cheaper. Since only one professional is involved who charges significantly less than litigators, the cost of resolving the dispute is minimized through the entire process

Mediation is faster. Since all discussions are face to face, the dispute is resolved quicker than in the adversarial legal system. I hope to resolve conflicts in as few sessions as possible to ease the emotional stress and achieve closure

Rachel Levitsky
Therapy & Mediation

1718 Sherman Avenue #203
Evanston, IL 60201

847-345-6824