Funny that it is usually single controller operation at the other end also
Eastern is obviously blessed with luxuries that many of us do not enjoy. DFC is correct, in most cases the controller will be working alone - the controller's support staff have their own jobs to do and are not able to provide the second pair of eyes/ears to monitor the situation. Furthermore, whilst the vast majority of support staff are unquestionably excellent at their job they are not qualified to act in the way that the P2 on a flight deck does.
In answer to the original question I agree with M609 completely. A quick word on the phone before departure and not only am I happy to help in whatever way I can but I co-ordinate the flight and any spacial handling if required. Busy airspace or not, I remember what the S stands for - and that might include offering advice on the phone about the best time to conduct the flight so that the special needs can be accommodated.