Courtney Whalen Van de Weyer

It takes a unique personality to be an entrepreneur and it can be one of the most exhilarating paths to choose to in life.

However, wherever you are on the entrepreneurship path - whether you are just starting out or well along the way - you’re most likely to find that, at times, the route is very difficult.

Being the driving force in a venture can sometimes mean that you don’t feel you can openly express your doubt and fears. You might feel ultimately responsible for others, such as your family, employees, co-founders and investors so feel relentless pressure to be the upbeat leader everyone sees you as being.

If you are a cofounder, you might additionally find unexpected difficulties arriving with your partners, which can be both (very) personally and professionally disruptive. This can be particularly the case when things are finally going well in the venture, which is confusing and disheartening.

At times like these, you may benefit from an entirely separate and confidential space to discuss how you’re feeling and why - giving you the time to step back and consider the problems you might be experiencing and what you might be able to do to work through them successfully.

Intra-preneurs don’t always think of that word as applying to themselves, but if you feel driven to create change and improvements within your organisation, that is what you are. Choosing to follow that drive can bring incredible rewards, both personally and professionally.

However, being an intra-preneur can still bring the same high-pressured feelings of risk and self-doubt that entrepreneurs often face.

You may have the advantage of an organisational structure around you, but you may also feel the need to exhibit unremitting positivity to bring along those you manage, as well as those to whom you yourself report.

Moreover, it can often be that very organisational structure that leads to a hugely frustrating lack of autonomy, as pre-existing ideas and fiefdoms block the changes you are working to implement. In these situations, it is understandable to wonder if it’s worthwhile.

If this sounds familiar, a confidential and supportive therapeutic environment can give you the time and space you need to work through the issues you’re facing. Doing so can also help you revisit your original and ongoing motivations and help determine the best way forward.

Being a partner (or other close family member) to an intrapreneur or entrepreneur can sometimes mean that you are unwittingly placed in a rollercoaster you never intended to board.

Even if you are as supportive as you could possibly be, your life can sometimes feel mostly out of your control.

It can be a lonely place. You may find it difficult to be honest with them regarding your own doubt and fears, as you don’t want to add to their burden. You might find that other family and friends don’t approve of the risks being taken, or they harshly judge any failure (or even success) without any real understanding.

If there are other cofounders involved, you may also find your life suddenly deeply intertwined, both personally and financially, with others you didn’t necessarily choose.

If any of that rings true, you may benefit from the freedom of discussing and working through your concerns confidentially and with understanding support.