Cofounder Counseling in Austin, TX

If your relationship with your cofounder fails, your startup usually does, too. In fact, 55% of startups fail due to fallout between cofounders*.

That’s because your cofounder is more than your business partner. Your relationship with them affects not only the success of your startup, but the quality of your life, as well as that of your employees.

A clear, open relationship with your cofounder is critical to a well-functioning office, since its qualities often trickle down through the rest of the company. When you’re able to communicate clearly with your cofounder, you set an example for your entire staff.

Starting a business with someone creates a unique dynamic that can be tricky to navigate without outside guidance. Cofounders often begin as friends who then have to learn how to balance the personal with the professional in their relationship.

That’s why cofounder counseling can have such a positive impact on your business. This method of counseling focuses on helping both you and your partner become confident, mindful leaders who know how to communicate, ensuring that you always know if you’re on the same page. **

Clinically reviewed by William Schroeder, LPC, NCC, co-founder of Just Mind. Last reviewed October 25, 2026.

*Source: Gompers, Paul A., William Gornall, Steven N. Kaplan, and Ilya A. Strebulaev. "How Do Venture Capitalists Make Decisions?" NBER Working Paper Series, No. 22587, September 2016. **Attribution credit to Linus Streckfus, LPC, NCC for helping to craft this program.

“What Does Cofounder Counseling Look Like?”

Cofounder counseling usually takes the form of a weekly, face-to-face meeting with your cofounder and your coach, with additional support between sessions when needed.

Each session is 60 minutes long, and during that time you’ll work through issues to help you further realize and manifest your start-up’s values, benefits, and ultimate success.

Here’s what a cofounder counselor might work on with you and your team:

Meet the Team

The therapists below specialize in Cofounder Counseling.

Eric Robertson, JD, LPC Associate, LCDC-I

Bill Campbell, LPC

Testimonials

"The counseling/coaching has been great. Audrey really listens and I feel energized when I leave after appointments with her."

Wendy S.

"I had the opportunity to meet with my coach and to determine whether we fit together before initiating an agreement. Our meeting schedule is flexible enough to allow adjustments when conflicts arise but rigid enough to ensure that we stay in regular contact. I leave each meeting with new insight into how I can build better relationships with my colleagues and to improve my performance in so many ways."

Simon W.

"Audrey has been a great coach and secure base, helping me to accelerate my personal development for the better. She is not afraid to face into difficult conversations, has a wealth of experience, great intuition and listens brilliantly allowing her to provide excellent contributions and support."

T. L.

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“What’s the Difference Between Cofounder and Couples Counseling?”

Couples counseling focuses primarily on intimacy in relationships: feeling safe, seen, and secure. Cofounder counseling may touch on those issues, but its primary focus is collaboration and leadership.

Here’s a quick overview of how these practices differ:

A couples counselor helps you and your romantic partner:

A cofounder counselor helps you and your business partner:

Cofounder Counseling FAQs

Who should come to cofounder counseling?

All cofounders involved in the conflict, usually two or three people. Sessions with only one partner can help with your side of things, but the real progress happens when everyone is in the room.

Is cofounder counseling confidential?

Yes. Your therapist is bound by the same confidentiality rules as any other therapy, and nothing is shared with investors, boards, or employees.

How many sessions does it take?

A focused engagement is often four to eight sessions. Some teams keep a monthly check-in after that, the way they would with an advisor.

Can we do sessions online?

Yes. Video works well for distributed teams, and sessions can include cofounders in different cities as long as at least one is in Texas.

Can you help us decide whether to split?

Yes. Sometimes the healthiest outcome is a clean separation, and a therapist can help you reach that decision and handle it with less damage. More often, the work uncovers a fixable communication problem.

How much does cofounder counseling cost?

It is private pay, since insurance does not cover business relationship work. Rates are on our Rates and Insurance page, and extended sessions are available.

Do your therapists understand startups?

Our cofounder counseling therapists have worked with founders and early teams, so you will not have to explain fundraising pressure, equity splits, or the first bad hire. The work itself is about communication and trust, which is where therapy helps most.

What if only one of us thinks we need this?

That is common. Start with a single session for the partner who is ready. The therapist can help you figure out how to invite the others in, and most cofounders agree to come once they hear it is a structured conversation rather than a blame session.