Photo of Nicole Botiaits, a therapist near Santa Barbara that provides services to adults, families, couples, teens and children.

My Core Values Around Counseling:

Clarity, Empowerment, Transformation

Often individuals feel “stuck” and are fearful to make changes in their lives. In the beginning stages of therapy I assist clients in identifying what is not working for them as well as helping them make sense out of what is confusing or holding them back from change. This process brings about clarity.

Once things are clearer and fear has been put to rest, the empowerment process can begin. Throughout the counseling process I view myself as a safe support and guide. I help individuals realize that they possess all they need within themselves to have a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

My approach is proactive and solution focused. Together we generate a game plan and construct effective strategies to accomplish the transformation you want.

Nicole A. Botaitis, LMFT & LPCC

For over 20 years, I have helped my clients through their toughest times and successfully achieve the changes they wanted to make in their lives.

Santa Barbara Therapist Near Me

Background and Expertise

  • MA, Counselor Education, Graduation 2005

    -California State University, Sacramento, CA

    -Dual Specialization: Marriage, Family, Child Counseling and School Counseling

    -Chapter President, Chi Sigma Iota, Professional International Honor Society

    BA, Sociology, Graduation 1994

    -University of California, Santa Barbara, CA

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #227, 2012

    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #47319, 2009

    Professional Clear Pupil Personnel Services, 2005, renewed 2010, 2015 and 2020

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, (2005 – Present)

    Santa Barbara Association of Marriage and Family Therapist, (2011 – Present)

    American Counseling Association (2002-2007), (2018 – Present)

    Association for Counseling Education and Supervision, (2018 – Present)

  • Antioch University MACP Program (2017- Present)

    -Director of Clinical Training (2017-2020)

    -Clinical Teaching Faculty (5 different courses to 1st and 2nd year students)

    -Programmatic Development

    Pacifica Graduate Institute MACP Program (2011-2014)

    -Clinical Practicum Associate

    -Adjunct Faculty (5 different courses)

  • Botaitis, N.A., Southern, J.S. (submitted for publication). Telehealth therapy for therapists: Barriers and benefits. The Family Journal

    Botaitis, N. A., (May 2020). Virtual Job Fair via Zoom consisting of 25 breakrooms and 80 participants

    Botaitis, N. A., (March 2020). Telehealth: How COVID-19 has (or will) impact the education and training of MFT students/trainees. Central Coast Consortium; Online

    Botaitis, N. A., O’Malley, J. (October 2019). White Fragility in Counselor Education. Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (ACES) Conference; Seattle, WA.

How I Work With My Clients

  • Photo that says "Let's start making your dreams come true" that describes the experience you'll get at Botaitis Therapy Group. Specializing in bereavement counseling

    Relational

    I actively engage with my clients in a compassionate manner that provides a safe and empathetic space for them to explore their feelings, thoughts, and past experiences. I allow my clients to be themselves in my office without any judgment.

    My clients have ALL of my attention during sessions where I am inquisitive and provide laser-focused reflections and reframes. I’m approachable while also maintaining professional boundaries which creates a safe environment for my clients to share openly. I’m invested in the well-being, healing and growth of all my clients.

  • Photo of a felt board that says "You are not alone." Your therapist will help you every step of the way to feel better in therapy near Santa Barbara. Specializing in teen therapy and college counseling for young adults.

    Collaborative

    I have the ability to read between the lines of what my clients are saying and pull out information in a way that allows them to feel understood and heard. I am able to put pieces together, catch things gone unsaid, and make sense of themes and patterns to support clients in reaching their goals.

    I politely challenge my clients by not being afraid to ask the hard questions and gently pointing out discrepancies in their actions and intentions for their future.

  • Photo of encouraging phrase saying "you got this" describing the type of style of therapy you will receive at Botaitis Therapy Group near Santa Ynez, CA. You will have access to the best therapists for childhood trauma and sexual trauma therapy.

    Encouragement

    I am a champion and supporter of my clients. I do this by engaging in a manner that allows my clients to build self-confidence so that they can advocate for their best self.

    My clients appreciate the balance of being challenged, yet supported and attuned to what they are needing in the moment.

  • Photo of scrabble pieces that spell out "if not now, when" to encourage clients in therapy to reach for their goals and achieve a stress free life with therapy near Montecito, CA. Botaitis Therapy Group has relationship counselors & family therapists

    Future Forward

    I believe that there is always room for self-improvement and personal development. I work with my clients in a solution focused goal oriented manner that provides safety in structure while having the ability to be flexible and adapt to clients’ needs.

    Throughout session I am making hypothesis, checking for understanding, and support my clients in aligning their actions and values.

Isn’t it time you stopped feeling stuck?
Change is possible and it begins with you.