Sara Stanizai is a therapist who doesn’t have a therapist vibe. As she puts it, “not your nice-white-lady” therapist. 

Sara is the founder of Prospect Therapy which is an LGBTQ+ affirming psychotherapy practice. She and her colleagues work with “overachievers,” “black sheep,” and the queer community.

We talk about how being a daughter of Afghani refugees, Muslim and queer, and growing up in post 9/11 America equipped Sara for her work in a unique way. 

We also talk about identity and adapting and how it impacts mental health. Sara shares her story of hiding her identity for years and trying really hard to be “white” only to find out that what she thought would set her up for success was actually setting her back. 

We talk about impostor syndrome, how it’s connected to self-sabotage and procrastination, and how it can lead to depression and anxiety, and also how immigrants, first-generation, and third culture kids are at high risk for impostor syndrome and how that can lead to major career and life setbacks. 

Call our Google Voice at (213) 973-3813 and tell us what you think about the show and how you're dealing with balancing your various identities.

Find Sara and her team:

https://www.prospecttherapy.com/ and on Instagram @prospecttherapy

Find us: www.WeTheAliensPod.com

YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and on Twitter @WeTheAliensPod

Music: "My country" courtesy of Ben Bostick www.benbostick.com