Jamie Fortin
Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
In-Person in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Online in California
I believe that meaningful change happens in the context of a genuine, attuned relationship. Therapy is not about fixing what is “wrong,” but about deepening understanding, expanding awareness, and creating space for something new to emerge.
My approach is grounded in depth psychology, relational therapy, and experiential work. Together, we explore not only the challenges that bring you in, but also the underlying patterns, emotions, and unconscious dynamics that shape your life. I work collaboratively, with curiosity and respect, to help you develop a stronger connection to yourself and to others.
I also integrate Animal-Assisted Therapy when appropriate, partnering with my therapy dog, Sophie. Her presence can help create a calming, supportive environment and often allows for connection and insight in ways that feel more natural and less pressured.
I have a particular interest in working with individuals navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, and the desire for deeper self-understanding. Whether you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply sensing that something in your life wants to shift, therapy can be a place to slow down, reflect, and move forward with greater clarity and intention.
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step. My role is to meet you where you are, offering a steady, compassionate presence as we make sense of your experience together.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen
Demographic Expertise: LGBTQ+, Men, Women clients.
Treatment Approach
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Feminist Therapy Addresses how gender roles, power, and social inequality affect mental health. It empowers clients to challenge limiting beliefs and systems.
- Gestalt Therapy Encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. It helps people integrate different parts of themselves for wholeness.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Based on decades of research, this method gives couples tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen intimacy.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychodrama A group therapy that uses role-play and dramatization to process emotions. It helps clients gain perspective and release tension.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: My approach to therapy is relational, depth-oriented, and experiential. I view the therapeutic relationship itself as a central part of the work—an opportunity to explore patterns, build trust, and experience new ways of relating in real time.
Rather than focusing only on symptom reduction, I work with you to understand the deeper emotional and psychological dynamics that shape your thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. Drawing from depth psychology, we may explore unconscious patterns, early experiences, and the parts of yourself that are often outside of awareness but still deeply influential.
I integrate experiential techniques to help you move beyond insight alone and into lived, felt change. This might include working with emotions in the moment, noticing patterns as they arise in session, and developing a more embodied sense of self.
When appropriate, I incorporate Animal-Assisted Therapy with my therapy dog, Sophie. Her presence often helps create a sense of safety and connection, supporting emotional regulation and allowing the work to unfold in a more natural and grounded way.
My style is collaborative, curious, and attuned. I aim to meet you where you are while also gently challenging you toward growth, helping you develop greater clarity, self-understanding, and the capacity for more fulfilling relationships.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $250
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I provide an income based sliding scale for clients. Even further reduced cost sessions are available through my supervised associates.
- Out of Network
- I provide super bills that you can submit to your insurer if they reimburse for Out-of-network providers.
Education & Credentials
Jamie Fortin Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
- Male
- License # #136703
- Licensed in California
- Practicing Since 2018
Education: Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. Advanced credentials as an Animal Assisted Therapist.
Jamie Fortin Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: I offer secure HIPAA compliant video sessions
Jamie (James) Fortin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Lic. No. 136703) with an M.A. in Clinical Psychology.
My practice offers a thoughtful, relational approach to therapy for individuals seeking meaningful and lasting change. I provide a space where you can slow down, reflect, and explore your inner experience without judgment or pressure.
Drawing from depth psychology, relational therapy, and experiential techniques, our work goes beyond surface-level symptom relief. Together, we look at the patterns, relationships, and emotional dynamics that shape your life, helping you build insight, resilience, and a stronger connection to yourself.
I also offer Animal-Assisted Therapy in collaboration with my trained therapy dog, Sophie. When included, her presence can support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of ease that helps the therapeutic process unfold more naturally.
I work with adults facing anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and a general sense of feeling stuck or disconnected. My approach is collaborative and attuned, balancing gentle exploration with practical insight.
Whether you are new to therapy or returning to deepen your work, this practice is a place for honest reflection, personal growth, and the development of a more grounded and authentic way of being.