Q1: What is a business psychologist?
Business psychologists have specialized training in both the psychological arena and the business arena. Business psychologists intimately understand that a business, particularly a family business, has intrinsic needs and unique goals. Business psychologists address both the interpersonal needs of the family and the economic and strategic goals of the firm.

Q2: Are the advisory services of a business psychologist the same as psychotherapy or family therapy?
No. A business psychologist is uniquely prepared to address issues specific to the business environment. As an advisor, the business psychologist will uncover core issues that may prevent a family business from operating at full efficiency and profitability.

Family therapy, however, is focussed on interpersonal needs including nurturance, acceptance, independence and a sense of belonging.

Family businesses must simultaneously serve the needs of the family and the goals of the business. At critical times, these two sets of goals can be diametrically opposed and seemingly impossible to simultaneously meet.

Advisory services help family business owners clarify and implement their strategic business needs while simultaneously addressing the needs of the family to ensure friendly relations between relatives while maximizing business value.

Q3: Are business psychologists certified?
Well trained business psychologists are licensed as psychologists in the state they reside and have acquired specialized training to assist family enterprises. There is no particular certification for family business psychologists. However, many who serve family businesses are members of the Family Firm Institute.

Q4: What are the advantages of a licensed psychologist?
Licensed psychologists have specialized knowledge and training in human behavior, assessment, interpersonal relations and problem solving. They have completed doctoral level training programs. In addition, licensed psychologists are legally and ethically required to maintain your confidentiality and privacy.