Ep 158: Building a Group Therapy Practice While Raising Kids

Building a Group Practice While Navigating Motherhood: Lessons for Therapist MomsThis episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with honest, actionable insights for any therapist mom navigating the messy intersection of private practice ownership and parenthood. If you’ve been wrestling with the idea of either starting your own practice or scaling to a group—while juggling a busy family life—this conversation is tailored just for you.As a therapist, coach, and a mom who’s navigated everything from unpredictable childcare to the frustrations of broken work systems, I completely understand the doubts and pressures that come with trying to do both well. Sometimes, it’s not a seismic shift that transforms your business or family life, but those intentional, strategic shifts you choose to make even in uncertainty.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Anahita Lake-Khosravi, a psychologist and business coach who scaled her group practice from zero to $2 million in just three years—all while pregnant, breastfeeding, and raising three young kids. We unpack the real stories (the mess, the wins, and the honest math), and I share some personal reflections on why giving ourselves permission to start before we feel “ready” matters more than we think.If you’re a clinician who wants to build a practice on your terms—without guilt or people-pleasing—this episode will help you see what’s possible and show you practical ways to get out of your own way. Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s get real about building a business that actually fits your life, not the other way around.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeSetting the Foundation for Group Practice: Why the “perfect” time to start doesn’t exist, and how Dr. Anahita Lake-Khosravi launched her practice with young children, ignoring outside pressure and following her own timeline.Navigating Money, Messaging, and Missteps: What to expect financially when transitioning to group practice, the reality behind salary splits, and how to create a space that values both owner and clinicians.Building for Sustainability, Not Just Growth: How to structure your practice so it can run (and even be sold) without you, and why treating your business as an asset serves both your family and your team.Episode Timestamps00:00: Explaining why this show is different—honest talk about motherhood and practice ownership.00:46: Dr. Anahita Lake-Khosravi’s journey from school psychology to group practice and her mission to build a supportive workplace for therapists.05:19: How her second pregnancy became the impetus to start her own practice and sparked quick, decisive action.12:03: The financial realities and learning curves when hiring your first employee, plus investing in coaching and setting up a sustainable business structure.14:09: Growing by celebrating small wins and why enjoying process matters at every stage.18:27: Delegation, taking real maternity leave, and realizing your business can thrive without your constant attention.23:29: Creating compensation and support structures that are both fair and realistic for owners and clinicians.27:28: How Dr. Anahita Lake-Khosravi decided to sell her group practice—and what aspiring owners can learn about viewing their work as an asset.Top Takeaways on Building a Group Practice as a Therapist MomYou’re Allowed to Start Before You Feel ReadyThe “right” time is rarely handed to us. Dr. Anahita Lake-Khosravi described how her impending maternity leave became her non-negotiable deadline, pushing her to take bold steps others might wait years to make. Waiting for perfect conditions often means never starting—sometimes, you have to create your own catalyst.Know Your Why and Build Your Systems ThoughtfullyScaling into group practice isn’t just about bottom lines. The real differentiator is building a culture where clinicians are cared for (and not just compensated), and where you as the owner can step away without everything collapsing. Start by clarifying your core reasons for growing and ensure your systems, contracts, and supports align with your values.Here’s how to start:Step 1: Get clear about why you want to step into group practice (not just the financials).Step 2: Invest in education, mentorship, or coaching—cutting corners early almost always ends up costing you more.Step 3: Build a structure (from contracts to admin workflows) that prioritizes sustainability—not just growth for growth’s sake.Prepare for Mindset Shifts and Let Go When It’s TimeWhether you’re hiring your first clinician or considering selling your business, recognize that your needs—and your ambition—will shift over time. It’s okay to outgrow a previous vision. When you realize your heart isn’t in it anymore, give yourself permission to make a change—not just for yourself, but for your team’s continued growth.What NOT to do:Mistake 1: Jumping into group practice hoping it’ll magically free up your time or instantly double your income.Mistake 2: Ignoring the emotional weight—mental load can persist even when your hours drop. If your energy and focus are gone, it’s time to reevaluate your role.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeConnect with Dr. Anahita Lake-Khosravi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dranahitabanoo/Website: www.dranahitabanoo.comJoin us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking💻 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period⭐️ Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower⭐️ Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE⭐️ Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.comYou don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here🎧 If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.