Vanessa Linsey

Description of Practice

Mediator helping couples ready for divorce and couples committed to reconnection. Mom/stepmom of 7.

Professional Background

Training:
Professional Mediation, Cornell University ILR School
BA in Speech Communication, Bridgewater State University (Cum laude)
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness
Additional trainings in Divorce, Elder, Juvenile, and Group Mediation 
Prepare-Enrich Couples Coach
Meditation for Everyone Mindfulness Teacher Certificate

I spent 10 years teaching mindfulness and meditation before becoming a professional mediator specializing in divorce services. I worked and trained at New England's most impactful mediation firm (MWI) before moving into private practice.

Mediation Experience

I've mediated civil disputes for the Massachusetts District and Municipal Courts as well as neighborhood disputes for MassHousing. I have also trained school children in peer mediation with Community Dispute Services of Cambridge. I've logged thousands of hours of mediation and support services for families divorcing, discerning, and staying together. In the last six months I have mediated over 20 family cases. Here are some recent client testimonials:

“Vanessa assisted us throughout the mediation process. She was extremely helpful & knowledgeable. We did one meeting in person with her. It was quick and informative. She assisted us in putting all of our documentation together. She went through everything step by step. Even prior to the meeting she was able to guide us on what was needed to bring to the meeting & what we needed to fill out ahead of time. This saved us time & perhaps another visit. 
Any questions we had prior to filing were answered immediately. Vanessa guided us through everything accurately. She even called the court to double check their hours & protocol for us. If we had any questions about the paperwork or dates, everything was made very clear by Vanessa. Vanessa checked in with us after filing to make sure all went smooth and also checked in with us coming up to our court date and after. I would highly recommend her service. It made a difficult process much easier. Thank you.”
— BB 2023
“Oh my goodness! It was such a turning point for us!
I feel like I have my husband back! It's so exciting to imagine our future together now that I feel like I can finally have [my husband] “hear” me and also to finally feel like he is sharing what he is feeling /wanting in any given situation. This work was what finally engaged my hubby- (past therapy/programs/coaching was a non-starter). I am eternally grateful for you Vanessa!!!
I now have so much hope and confidence for our marriage.
Vanessa was very insightful, a neutral party, full of great feedback and suggestions, also very relatable for both of us.”
— Sarah 2022
“Thank you again for all the work and care and hand-holding through this process. I don’t know how you do it, but as I said, you’re clearly gifted at it and we were lucky to have your support.”
— Evan 2022
“I feel better for sure.
We have more work to do, but I think we have turned a corner and it feels better in our house.

I would highly recommend your services.
I think you are great at this….and there are so many people that can use your unique understanding and ability to see through the fog of people misunderstanding one another.”
— Sean 2022
“Thank you, Vanessa. You've made this process as easy as it can be.
You are my favorite divorce mediator.”
— Stefanie 2023
“[Vanessa] taught us how to see each other in a different light.
My husband is getting read to retire and we decided to get some help.
We met on FaceTime each week and it was so wonderful. Not only did she give us coping skills, she told us... our strengths and weaknesses. I highly recommend her to any couple who could use a little help in making their relationship a much better one.”
— Lee 2021
“Considering your job had me appreciate how challenging it must be dealing with contentious couples. 
Hat's off to you, you make it look easy.
Thanks again.”
— Bob 2023
“You've made me feel so comfortable. This is such an uncomfortable situation.
Thank you.”
— JJ 2023

Mediation Approach & Philosophy

As a divorce mediator, I facilitate conversations that make divorce a little kinder. As a couples coach, I help couples build strong communications skills and support them in co-creating agreements that inspire a more fulfilling family life. My personal style is neutral-positive: I don't take sides or make judgments, and my hope is that both you and your spouse emerge from this process feeling at peace with your agreement and proud of the way you handled yourselves. Specifically as a divorce mediator, my job is to: -create a safe, creative workspace where you and your soon-to-be-ex can work out the terms of your divorce in privacy -help you draft a Separation Agreement that features both of your voices -connect you to the just-right helpful professionals -assist you in completing your filing and stay with you to the end of your court process -encourage you to rise above resentment and fear -listen, care, and guide I am an inclusive mediator, serving families of all ages, races, sexual orientations, incomes, religions, and abilities.

Representative Cases Handled as a Mediator

Families with children Families of high net worth Same-sex families Retiring families Quickie divorces More

Complex Case Experience

I've worked with clients who have severe mental illness, extremely limited income, complicated finances, and intense conflict.

Fees

Flat rates vary between $2500 and $10,000. Please see my website vanessalinsey.com for details. My rates are listed on the home page.

References

I'm happy to furnish these upon personal request.

Stats

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