In this episode, I spoke with Sara Stanizai, a remarkable speaker, coach, licensed therapist, and the founder of Prospect Therapy, a queer- and trans-affirming practice, that serves first-generation American and immigrant communities, about identity work, group practice challenges, and the journey of personal and professional growth

3 key takeaways:

1. Embracing Identity in Therapy: It’s crucial to integrate our own lived experiences and identities in the therapeutic process. Sara emphasizes that it's important to disclose thoughtfully to build relatability and safety with clients.
2. Challenges and Rewards of Group Practice: Running a group practice involves more complexity and responsibility than a solo practice. It's essential to understand the dynamics and be prepared for the challenges of leadership and mentorship.
3. Constant Learning and Adaptation: Sara discusses how important it is for therapists to continually unlearn and relearn concepts as they grow professionally. This includes challenging ingrained stereotypes and biases to better serve their clients and themselves.

More about Sara:

Sara Stanizai, LMFT (she/her) is a speaker, coach, and licensed therapist who founded Prospect Therapy to create a queer- and trans-affirming practice that focuses specifically on serving first-generation American and immigrant communities. As a queer first-gen herself, Sara’s clinical and professional work focuses on serving the Afghan diaspora, specifically fellow Afghan-American women, through retreats and group experiences that help participants find community and reconciliation with self, culture and ancestry

• Website: sarastanizai.com
• Website: prospecttherapy.com

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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad, Alma, & All Things Private Practice + Empowered Escapes 2025 Retreats & Summits!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

✨ All Things Private Practice + Empowered Escapes 2025 Retreats & Summits

Learn about retreat opportunities at allthingspractice.com and empoweredescapes.com. Doubt yourself, do it anyway.

Mentioned in this episode:

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking.

Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.