Episode 163: Personal Identity in Private Practice Ownership [featuring Sara Stanizai]

All Things Private Practice Podcast

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.

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