Meet Nicole A. Botaitis, LMFT & LPCC

Nicole Botiaits Santa Barbara Therapist at Botaitis Therapy Group

We all have felt “stuck” and fearful to make changes in our 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.

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.

Nicole Botaitis is a CAMFT Certified Supervisor, a distinction awarded by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. This certification reflects advanced training, clinical experience, and a demonstrated commitment to ethical and effective supervision. As a supervisor in good standing, Nicole supports and mentors clinicians with a focus on integrity, growth, and clinical depth. Her work reflects both strong clinical acumen and a dedication to developing the next generation of therapists.

  • "Nicole is a skilled therapist with vast knowledge, both as a supervisor and clinician. She is supportive while also direct in helping guide clients through challenges to find solutions. I highly recommend Botaitis Therapy Group."

    - Jaime B.

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

  • Board Member, Santa Barbara Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (SBCAMFT), (2025 – Present)

    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 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 create a safe and empathetic space where clients can openly explore their thoughts, feelings, and past experiences. Balancing warmth with professional boundaries, I foster trust and open dialogue. Clients receive my full attention, with thoughtful reflections and meaningful reframes to support their growth.

  • 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 listen beyond my clients' words, uncovering insights that help them feel truly heard and understood. By identifying patterns, themes, and unspoken details, I support them in making progress toward their goals. With a balance of warmth and directness, I gently challenge clients to explore deeper questions and recognize discrepancies between their actions and intentions.

  • 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 empower my clients to build self-confidence and advocate for their best selves. They appreciate the balance of being challenged while feeling supported and attuned to their needs in the moment. This approach fosters growth and meaningful progress toward their goals.

  • 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 in continuous self-improvement and personal growth. My goal-oriented approach provides structure while remaining flexible to meet each client’s needs. Throughout sessions, I offer insights, check for understanding, and help clients align their actions with their values.

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

Schedule a Free Consultation