THERAPY FOR BUSINESS FAMILIES

When the family is stuck, the business pays the price.

Specialist psychotherapy for family enterprises. We help business families resolve conflict, rebuild trust, and make better decisions together — around the table and in the boardroom.

The Business Families We Help

Business Families of 3 Members

Common dynamics

Two partners often ally against one, creating 2-vs-1 anxiety and "odd-person-out" insecurity. Veto deadlocks wear down trust and important voices get silenced.

how we help

We gently bring the alliance into view and work with the emotion beneath it. We then calm status anxiety and rebuild collective trust—so decisions feel fair and everyone's commitment is genuine.

Business Families of 4 Members

Common dynamics

Rival "two-pair" blocks frequently form, leading to 2-2 stalemates and hidden resentment. Spotlight imbalance between pairs feeds quiet envy and factional tension.

how we help

We explore the bonds and grievances that keep the pairs in place and safely name them. We repair ruptures in the room and practise speaking as one team, even when there is difference.

Business Families of 5 or more Members

Common dynamics

Informal hierarchies and silent coalitions develop as some members withdraw while others dominate. Consensus becomes difficult when ownership feels diffused across the group.

how we help

We surface hidden alliances and the beliefs beneath them with care.We practise clear requests, clean refusals, and quick repairs so agreements feel owned and are easier to keep.

Specialist psychotherapy that strengthens
both the family and the enterprise.

everpath is the clinical piece of your family
business support team.

What psychotherapy adds to mentoring and advisory

Mentors and advisors focus on strategy, structure, and governance. Psychotherapy sits alongside their work, targeting the emotional and relational dynamics between family members and key pairs so the advice you’re already receiving can actually be heard and acted on.
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Psychotherapy works on patterns, not just decisions

Short-term conversations and one-off interventions can help families get through a single decision or transaction. Psychotherapy goes further by working with the recurring patterns—how people speak, withdraw, attack, or protect—so future decisions are made in a stable emotional climate.

Clinical Research Sources

Executive Coaching: Reference List

Hackman, J. R., & Wageman, R. (2005). A theory of team coaching. Academy of Management Review, 30(2), 269–287. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2005.16387885

Körner, M., Luzay, L., Plewnia, A., Becker, S., Rundel, M., Zimmermann, L., & Müller, C. (2017). A cluster-randomized controlled study to evaluate a team coaching concept for improving teamwork and patient-centeredness in rehabilitation teams. PLOS ONE, 12(7), Article e0180171. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180171

Peters, J., & Carr, C. (2019). What does ‘good’ look like? An overview of the research on the effectiveness of team coaching. In D. Clutterbuck, J. Gannon, S. Hayes, I. Iordanou, K. Lowe, & D. Mackie (Eds.), The practitioner’s handbook of team coaching (pp. 89–120). Routledge.

Traylor, A. M., Stahr, E., & Salas, E. (2020). Team coaching: Three questions and a look ahead: A systematic literature review. International Coaching Psychology Review, 15(2), 54–66.

Mediation: Reference List

Lempp, F., Blackwood, K., & Gordon, M. (2020). Exploring the efficacy of mediation in cases of workplace bullying. International Journal of Conflict Management, 31(5), 665–685. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCMA-09-2019-0145

McKenzie, D. M. (2015). The role of mediation in resolving workplace relationship conflict. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 39, 52–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlp.2015.01.021

Boyle, A. (2017). Effectiveness in mediation: A new approach. Newcastle Law Review, 12, 148–163.

Farooqi, M. T. K., Shafiq, A., Awan, S. M., Ullah, M. S., & Ahmed, S. (2024). Impact of conflict management on employee retention and engagement: A systematic review. Remittances Review, 9(2), 3975–3989. https://remittancesreview.com/menu-script/index.php/remittances/article/view/1797

Vasilyeva, V., & Bayer, J. P. (2024). A systematic review approach to organisational conflict resolution for optimal productivity and seamless functioning. In N. V. Suresh & P. S. Buvaneswari (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Digital Transformation in Business: Navigating the new frontiers beyond boundaries (DTBNNF 2024) (pp. 244–265). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-433-4_18

Family Business Psychotherapy.
Designed for business families.

The everpath methodology is built on clinical-grade psychotherapy models, adapted for business families, owner couples, and key pairs at the heart of the enterprise. Across multiple studies, these models deliver significant gains in relationships that sustain over time.

Immediate impact post-session

The psychotherapy models we use produce significant boosts in communication, positive interactions, and overall relationship satisfaction between close partners and family members immediately post-session.

Impact continues up to 6 months later

These models have shown that gains in positive relational behaviours and high relationship satisfaction can be sustained for at least 6 months after treatment.

Gains maintained up to 24 months later

In multiple studies, significant improvements in overall relationship satisfaction have been maintained for up to 24 months after treatment.

View clinical research sources
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Trusted by founders, owners, and
senior leaders

View Full Testimonials
As a co-founder navigating both business and personal dynamics with my business partner, I came into relational psychotherapy unsure of what to expect. What I found was clarity, guidance, and a safe space to unpack the unspoken things that often sit between the lines. Tom helped us build a communication framework that has completely shifted the way we work together. I’m walking away from our sessions not only with practical tools, but with a renewed sense of connection with my business partner and direction for the business.
Simon Jarosz
Co-Founder & Creative Partner, Sydney
What I found particularly helpful was being able to talk through a few issues that had the potential to create real division between us if left unspoken. There were also some heavier experiences we’d both been carrying, including some trauma, that had started to colour how we approached things…Having the space to talk that through, unpack it, and make sense of it together made a huge difference.
Dr. Ceri Cashell
Co-Founder, Sydney
Relational psychotherapy was very enlightening for me as a co-founder and CEO. Throughout our two therapy sessions, Tom quickly helped both of us identify tension points and work through them with compassion..With his guidance, we were able to agree on behaviours that will move us closer to our company's goals - with greater understanding of each other.  I left the experience feeling lighter, more aligned, and excited to continue my journey as a Co-Founder.
Anthony Gerresheim
Co-Founder & CEO, Melbourne
Working through co-founder therapy has been genuinely transformative for our partnership. From the very beginning, Tom created a safe, non-judgemental space where both of us felt comfortable speaking openly — even about the things we usually find hard to say out loud…Because of our sessions with Tom, we now have a much more honest and transparent relationship, and we’re better equipped to navigate the challenges of building a business together.
Millie Twort
Co-Owner & Managing Partner, Sydney
As a Co-Founder and COO, I found co-founder therapy very helpful. It helped me be more open about my feelings, improve my communication with my co-founder, and equipped me with values-based behaviours I can continue to use to grow both personally and professionally. It was a safe space to reflect, reset, and build healthier co-founder dynamics with my business partner.
Lathan Sutrave
Co-Founder & COO, Melbourne
everpath has been a really valuable experience for us as co-founders…We’re not particularly confrontational people, so it was reassuring to have someone help us unpack and understand the moments of tension that naturally arise…I came away feeling more confident in our ability to navigate the emotional side of leadership, and really grateful for the space to reflect and reconnect as a team.
Dr. Emma Harvey
Co-Founder, Byron Bay
There’s something incredibly potent about co-founder dynamics and Tom demonstrated a unique gift for guiding our relationship with insight, structure, and deep care. Were the sessions easy? No. But very much warranted. The space Tom created helped us strengthen our ways of working together, and that continues to influence how we show up each day.
Gisella Montello-Bruce
Co-Founder & Strategy Director, Sunshine Coast
What sets Tom apart is his ability to truly see you and identify the real issues that are affecting your wellbeing, regardless of how you present or describe them. He possesses a rare understanding of the unique challenges faced by co-founders and the tensions that can exist between them. He consistently unpacked these issues in a way that offered fresh insights and solutions.
Nicholas Oddy
Co-Founder & Executive Coach, Melbourne
After just two individual therapy sessions, Tom helped me unpack how deep-rooted past experiences were quietly shaping my thinking and decision making. His thoughtful guidance enabled me to build a clearer sense of self-awareness, allowing me to identify my self-limiting patterns, understand their origins, and begin to break their hold on me…I feel far better equipped to navigate change and grow my new venture - on my own terms.
Julie Dormand
Employee Culture Consultant, Sydney
As a Psychotherapist with deep experience in business, Tom possesses an extraordinary gift. His unique background enables him to address the underlying behaviours and mindsets that drive or inhibit executive performance, as I have personally experienced…During our sessions he regularly helps me explore and address the root causes of my challenges, and test new behaviours that bring me closer to my best self.
Ingrid M.
Head of People & Culture, Sydney

Results You Can Expect

Repair Conflict and Long-Running Rifts

Resolve painful conflicts and old injuries between siblings, spouses, parents, and next-gen leaders so trust can start to rebuild.

Transform Relational Dynamics

Replace relational conflict with clearer communication and more predictable behaviour—both at home and in the business.

Make Decisions More Effectively

Reach pivotal decisions faster, grounded in clearer roles, boundaries, and shared values, so the business can move forward.

Book Free 30 Min Consultation

Why Psychotherapy for Business Families?

Because unresolved family conflict derails execution

When relationships are strained, strategy stalls. We help stabilise the family so execution, growth, and succession can restart.

Because business families deserve evidence-based solutions.

Your family isn’t a generic “team.” We use clinically-proven relationship models that have been adapted to the realities of family business, including ownership, wealth, and succession.

Because your family sets the cultural tone.

As the family shifts, the whole organisation feels it—employees, advisors, and the next generation. Healthier interactions at the top ripple outward.

Our Four-Step Therapy Approach for
Family Businesses

Establish Safety

We restore safety and curiosity between family members so difficult conversations can happen without blowing up or shutting down.

Go to the Root

Together, we identify the underlying triggers, stories, and power patterns that are driving the conflict—not just the latest incident.

Shift in Session

Using both talk therapy and live, experiential work, we practise new ways of speaking and listening in the room to create new behavioural patterns.

Lock-in Behaviours

We agree on small, testable behaviours between sessions so new patterns stick in day-to-day family and business life.

Safe, Confidential, and Respectful

Boundaries First

We explore sensitive personal topics only to the degree you're comfortable. Your personal limits are fully respected at all times.

Strict Confidentiality

Your sessions and sensitive information remain strictly confidential—including from non-family executives, boards, HR, and legal. Our therapists fully adhere to the ethical standards of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Trauma-Informed

Our therapists are specially trained to safely navigate trauma or deeper emotional concerns, ensuring your experience remains highly supportive and safe throughout the process.

How We Deliver Family Business Therapy

Every engagement with everpath starts with a free, confidential consultation.

This initial conversation helps us understand your situation, urgency, and goals, and allows us to recommend the most appropriate way of working together.

Depending on your needs, we offer three ways to engage with everpath.
Each approach uses the same therapeutic depth and relational framework, the difference is pace, intensity, and time horizon.

Program-Based
Therapy
Structured, time-bound psychotherapy delivered through regular sessions around key relational challenges.
Who it’s for
Business families, co-owners, key pairs, and individual leaders who want steady progress without stepping away from the business.
Details
What it entails

  1. Regular psychotherapy sessions (typically weekly or fortnightly)

  2. Individual, pair, or family formats

  3. 60–90 minute sessions

  4. A shared focus on a specific relational issue, transition, or pattern

The work is deep and evidence-based, but paced to fit alongside ongoing leadership and business responsibilities.

The process

  1. Initial consultation to understand context, relationships, and goals

  2. Agreement on scope and cadence (who’s involved, how often, and why)

  3. Ongoing sessions working with live relational patterns as they show up

  4. Regular check-ins to review progress and adjust as needed

Free 30 Min Consultation
Relational
Intensives
High-impact, immersive therapy delivered over 1 - 5 full days to resolve core relational issues quickly.
Who it’s for
Business families, co-owners, key pairs, and individual leaders facing urgent conflict or high-stakes transitions and need momentum now.
Details
What it entails

  1. One to five full-day sessions (6.5 hours per day)

  2. Individual, pair, or group formats

  3. Structured, facilitated conversations with space to slow things down

  4. Live practice of new ways of speaking, listening, and deciding

This format allows families and partners to go deeper, faster — without the stop-start of weekly sessions.

The process

  1. Pre-work and alignment to clarify history, tensions, and priorities

  2. One or more intensive days focused on the core relational dynamics

  3. Facilitated practice of new conversations and behaviours

  4. Clear agreements and next steps before returning to the business

Free 30 Min Consultation
Ongoing Relational Partnership (Retainer)
A longer-term therapeutic partnership that embeds relational health into leadership, governance, and business culture, over 6, 9, or 12 months.
Who it’s for
Established family businesses and leadership teams who want to work proactively, not just in moments of crisis.
Details
What it entails

  1. An agreed monthly or quarterly allocation of therapy sessions

  2. Flexible use across individuals, pairs, or family groups

  3. Priority access when tensions or challenges arise

  4. A mix of reflective, preventative, and responsive work

The process

  1. Initial alignment on values, goals, and scope of partnership

  2. Ongoing access to therapy across the year

  3. Proactive use of sessions, not just reactive problem-solving

  4. Regular reviews to ensure the work remains relevant and valuable

Free 30 Min Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can therapy help us if our conflicts are extremely heated or stressful right now?

Yes, in fact, that's exactly when therapy can help the most. We provide a calm, structured environment where intense feelings can be safely discussed, helping you quickly lower tension, rebuild trust, and improve communication.

Our family members have good relationships. Can psychotherapy help us proactively avoid future issues?

Definitely. Therapy isn't just for family businesses in crisis. Many healthy business families use therapy proactively to strengthen communication, enhance understanding, and prevent small misunderstandings from growing into bigger problems.

Do all family members need to be equally enthusiastic about therapy, or can it still help if some are hesitant?

Therapy can still work well even if some family members start at different comfort levels. Our therapists gently encourage open communication, so even hesitant members become more comfortable and engaged over time.

How long and how frequent are the sessions typically?

Initially, sessions can take place either weekly or fortnightly. Their duration ranges from 60 minutes - 3 hours depending on the number of members. We can even have one day intensives to accelerate your results. As your interpersonal communication improves, you can reduce frequency according to your needs.

If we initially choose Single-Session Therapy, can we later decide to continue into a Brief Therapy Series?

Yes, you can. If you find the single intensive session helpful and decide you'd like further support, we can smoothly transition you into a Brief Therapy Series of 2–10 sessions. This allows your team to build on the progress made in the initial session and explore partnership challenges in greater depth.

Is there anything our team needs to do to prepare before starting therapy?

Yes. If you're undertaking Single-Session Therapy, we ask each participant to complete four short questionnaires beforehand. These help us quickly understand your team's situation and goals, ensuring we make the most of your intensive session. If you're beginning a Brief Therapy series (2–10 sessions), completing these questionnaires isn't mandatory—but doing so can still be helpful, allowing us to dive straight into productive discussion from the very first session.

Can I combine 1:1 therapy sessions for myself with co-founder therapy with my business partner?

Certainly, provided this arrangement is transparent to both partners and explicitly approved by both.

If a family members leaves the firm during therapy, can we continue the sessions?

Yes, absolutely. Therapy adapts to changes within your family business, helping you smoothly manage the emotional transition and support ongoing working relationships.

If therapy sessions are funded by an investor, board member, or external party, can we decide what information is shared (or not shared)?

Absolutely. Your confidentiality is strictly protected, and any sharing of information is always decided by you. If someone else funds the sessions, we can provide general updates about attendance or overall engagement only—and even then, only if all partners explicitly agree. Specific details of therapy discussions always remain private.

Don’t let relational conflict decide
the future of your family business.

Invite your family members, co-owners, and key leaders
into a structured space where real change can begin.

Free 30 Min ConsultationBook Therapy Session

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