Couples Therapy for Co-Founders

American couples spend over US$30 billion a year on couples therapy. But when co-founders of companies experience relational challenges, they do not take similar action. This article explores the application of couples therapy—enriched by insights from adult attachment theory—to address the relational challenges experienced by co-founders. It contends that by integrating couples therapy and attachment-informed strategies into business practices, co-founders can navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with resilience and cohesion, which will ultimately contribute to the long-term sustainability of their ventures. Attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—shape individuals’ expectations, behaviours, patterns, and responses in close relationships, which are mirrored in one’s workplace dynamics. By providing a supportive environment, couples therapy interventions can help co-founders cultivate greater self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence. By aligning business objectives with relational needs, therapy sessions empower co-founders to leverage their attachment strengths and navigate challenges with resilience and confidence. Moreover, attachment-informed strategies can help guide leadership practices, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution mechanisms within a business partnership. By fostering a culture of collaboration, empathy, and mutual respect, therapy sessions contribute to the long-term sustainability of the venture. Reflective listening, managing expectations, and allocating time for the relationship—when paired with couples therapy—represent effective strategies in creating healthy co-founder relationships.

• startups, entrepreneurial disputes, managing business partnerships, business conflict resolution