Meet Sarah Rafik Botrus | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Supervisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Rafik Botrus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah Rafik, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was driven by both personal and professional reasons. The commute to my previous workplace was tough, and I realized I wanted to work closer to home to create a better balance in my life. I also wanted the freedom to design a practice that aligned with my values and to serve clients in a way that felt authentic and effective.

Of course, starting a business was a bit intimidating at first —I wondered if I could really make it work, but I saw it as an opportunity to blend creativity and purpose with entrepreneurship. The fear pushed me to trust in the skills and vision I’d built over the years.

Starting my practice wasn’t just about professional growth; it was about creating a life that felt sustainable and fulfilling. Taking the leap has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made, giving me the chance to grow both as a therapist and as a business owner.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Memory updated
Thank you for clarifying! Here’s a revised response:

I run a private therapy practice that focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their emotional worlds and relationships. What sets my practice apart is my foundation in psychodynamic theory, which allows me to explore how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape the way we show up in our lives and relationships today. I also have a passion for working with creative professionals, helping them understand and work through the emotional blocks and avoidance that can stand in the way of their creative work.

What I’m most proud of is the deeply personal, tailored approach I bring to each session. My clients often tell me they feel truly seen and understood, which is the foundation for the transformative work we do together. I’m also excited about expanding my practice to offer more services, like weekend therapy intensives and group work, to help people dive even deeper into their growth.

The journey to building my practice wasn’t easy. Starting a business brought its own challenges, and I faced a lot of self-doubt in the beginning. But I leaned on my training, my incredible mentors, and the encouragement of my husband and colleagues. They reminded me to trust the process, and that has made all the difference.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to embrace the imperfections along the way—both in myself and in the process of running a business. Therapy, like creativity, is not about perfection but about the willingness to show up and engage with the work.

If there’s one thing I’d want the world to know about my practice, it’s that I strive to create a space where clients can be fully themselves—where they can explore their inner worlds, uncover patterns, and reconnect with their creative energy. My work is a reflection of my passion for helping people understand themselves and their relationships on a deeper level.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan a week full of relaxation, fun, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s how it might go:

Day 1: Start with a visit to the Getty Center, where we’d enjoy world-class art and stunning views of LA, followed by an incredible dinner at Bourbon Steak, because Michael Mina’s food is always a must.

Day 2: Spend the day at Malibu, lounging by the ocean and grabbing fresh seafood at Malibu Farm Café. Later, we’d wander through Westwood before ending the day with dinner at Kazunori, indulging in their perfect hand rolls.

Day 3: Take a trip to Palm Springs to soak in the hot springs and hike Indian Canyons. Lunch at a cozy farm-to-table spot like Workshop Kitchen + Bar would be the perfect midday break.

Day 4: Explore the Huntington Gardens, taking in the beauty of the Japanese and rose gardens, and then enjoy a fun, interactive dinner with hot pot or Korean BBQ to end the day.

Day 5: Go for a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains, like Solstice Canyon, and grab lunch at Topanga Table. In the afternoon, visit LACMA to enjoy its dynamic art exhibits and the iconic urban light installation.

Day 6: Start at République Café with their incredible pastries and coffee before exploring the LACMA, followed by hand-crafted tacos or global flavors at Grand Central Market.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who have been instrumental in my journey, and I’d love to give a special shoutout to them. First and foremost, my husband has been an unwavering source of support and encouragement every step of the way. His belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams, even when I was unsure.

I also want to recognize my professor, Dr. Terry Hargrave, from Fuller School of Psychology. His mentorship profoundly shaped my understanding of therapy and inspired me to delve deeper into attachment theory and restoration therapy.

My supervisors, Kelli Penner and Jennifer Flores, deserve immense credit as well. Their guidance during my early career helped me hone my skills and navigate the challenges of the field. And I can’t forget my colleague and supervisor, Amy Di Francia, whose collaboration and support have been invaluable.

Each of these individuals has contributed to my growth both personally and professionally, and I’m incredibly grateful for their impact on my life.

Website: https://luxpsychotherapy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lux_psych/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-rafik-botrus-lmft-7870818a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxpsychotherapy

Image Credits
Diana Fernandez Photography