Divorce is never easy, but many divorcing couples are reducing the emotional trauma and financial burdens of splitting with an innovative approach to divorce settlement that addresses both the legal and emotional issues at the heart of the conflict. Unlike the traditional adversarial model of divorce, Integrative Mediation is non-adversarial and designed to resolve contentious issues and finalize divorce quickly, resulting in less trauma and less cost.
With Integrative Mediation couples meet with two neutral professionals at the same time — usually an attorney and a psychotherapist. The attorney addresses legal issues, while the psychotherapist focuses on emotional issues. Each professional is qualified to answer questions related to their own expertise. And because these non-partisan professionals are trained to help couples focus on mutually beneficial solutions, the process is often much quicker and less expensive than traditional divorce. Even with complicated issues like co-parenting and division of assets, an Integrative Mediation divorce can be mediated in four or five sessions, sometimes fewer.
Integrative Mediation is a structured and predictable process, so couples know what to expect and when. Integrative Mediation encourages brainstorming, and it promotes mutual understanding and generosity. The goal is to keep couples out of court and to feel good about the legal agreement they make long after the settlement is signed.
Last year I heard from a former client of mine, Peter R. who said that his Integrative Mediation divorce was “so much cheaper than I expected.” Peter shared that he had no idea how much he had saved financially and emotionally with the Integrative Mediation process until he started hearing about his friends’ divorce horror stories.
Divorce is not the end of the world, although for some it may feel that way. Integrative Mediation helps begin the healing process by resolving legal issues, saving money and time, and reducing conflict just when couples need it the most.
Kathleen Adams, LCSW is a psychotherapist, trainer and Integrative Mediator with a private practice in Petaluma, California. http://kathleenadams.org
If you care to find out more about Integrative Mediation contact an Integrative Mediator or visit https://imbayarea.com for a list of qualified Integrative Mediation professionals.