We work together in one room, or in separate spaces  and there will be room available for you to spend time with your own advisors.  It allows you to bounce ideas back and forth without having to disclose your thoughts to the other person until you are ready.  It also allows joint meetings to take place, but with the ability for both of you to have time out either to have some breathing space, or to take advice.

This contrasts with taking preliminary legal advice, starting mediation and taking legal or financial advice as and when needed.

What is the difference between that and traditional mediation?

The major difference is that your mediator can keep information given to them by one party completely confidential, until authorised to disclose it.  In a more traditional mediation, everything is usually open and nothing can be kept confidential.  It is thought that by allowing the mediator to gauge what information might be helpful, it helps to develop trust and makes a successful outcome more likely.  The mediator still remains neutral at all times.

Given the attendance of the professionals, it is also sometimes possible to finish the mediation in a day.  In financial cases, this means that the meeting could end with agreed Terms of Settlement or a draft Financial Consent Order.

Integrated mediations are also very helpful when you’re feeling vulnerable or in high conflict or complex cases.  It allows you to sit in separate rooms, and can often help you regain a sense of control and empowerment.  It is also very helpful when a case needs a particularly sensitive or confidential approach.