My approach in therapy is collaborative, supportive, and goal oriented.

I believe in providing meaningful, purposeful, and evidence-based psychological services to the community. I use a collaborative and problem solving approach. Using principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology, I work to help clients become engaged in their life and to experience meaningful success as well as loving and fulfilling relationship with others.

Holistic and humanistic empathic neuropsychotherapy

I believe that psychotherapy must respect the wisdom of mind and body, be tailored to your unique history and individual needs and be conducted in an atmosphere of absolute care and respect. I place great value on creating a relationship with you that makes it safe to explore any issue, and express any feeling, trusting that it will be met by understanding, not judgment. I believe that the notion of "radical acceptance" so well articulated by Tara Brach in her book of the same name, is key for emotional healing and a successful psychotherapy process; that, from a place of self knowledge and self acceptance, you can move beyond issues that are a legacy from the past, find peace of mind in the present, and look forward to the future with increasing optimism and hope.

Justine Astacio, LMHC, is a licensed Mental Health Counselor and CEO of Lotus Theory, a company committed to helping you achieve holistic health and overall balance. Lotus Theory’s mission is to inspire healthy living by engaging the mind and the body in our approach to therapeutic wellness. We believe in the powerful connection between the mind and body, and we are committed to treating our clients as whole individuals with unique needs. Justine and her team of dedicated clinicians at Lotus Theory provide therapy services designed for anyone seeking positive change from issues like low self-esteem, self-forgiveness, difficulty letting go, or feeling unclear about their life’s path.

I help adults as they get ready to make important changes in their lives. I value working with people from various religious backgrounds, nationalities, sexual orientations, and ethniccultural identities and as my client, I commit to ensuring that you feel seen and valued. Clients can expect to gain self-knowledge, to find clarity and acceptance, to feel empowered and capable, and to learn practical skills and strategies. Whatever you are facing, whatever life has thrown your way, you are not alone.

Life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Whether you're struggling with anxiety that won't quiet, depression that feels heavy, obsessive thoughts that won't let go, or trauma that still hurts, please know that you don't have to navigate these challenges alone. I'm here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. With over 10 years of experience supporting people through their most difficult moments, I've had the privilege of witnessing incredible resilience and transformation. My background spans case management, inpatient psychiatric care, substance use recovery, and family services, giving me a deep appreciation for how life's circumstances—cultural, social, and emotional—can create barriers to the change we long for. This experience has taught me that healing happens best when we honor the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Bridging the worlds of psychology and creativity, I provide compassionate and effective psychotherapy for you, utilizing special techniques of mindfulness and imagery developed over 40 years that connect you to your creative, spiritual self. Reducing anxiety and alleviating depression, requires accurate identification of issues, seamlessly integrated with analytic understanding in order to find inner control of the root emotions that cause moods and behaviors. Understanding you fully, I will help you identify the forces creating conflict and help you resolve them, and find peace.  Are you struggling with anxiety, depression? You know something's wrong but don't know what it is...I can help....I have over 40 years experience passionately helping people understand their emotions and thoughts , with tried and true techniques that have been proven successful! I provide Psychotherapy for Adults, Children and Individuals with Special Needs (Trauma, Autism) with a specialty working with children experiencing challenges to their mental health, such as adoption, divorce and grief. My unique approach utilizes both verbal and creative imaging techniques. This combination is particularly effective with both adults and children of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, self esteem, socialization, focus and concentration. For children and individuals with ASD and any ID I help release pent up frustrations while teaching the language of emotions leading to self control and self regulation. This opens the door to modeling appropriate interpersonal communication skills which can then be utilized in the larger environment of everyday life.

It takes courage to seek help for your personal struggles, and it takes persistence to keep trying. I learned this myself as a young college student facing painful life challenges. The help my own therapist offered me inspired me to offer assistance to others. I have more than 27 years of experience working with adults and adolescents in individual and family settings. I offer a well-trained ear to listen to your problems, as well as caring, warmth, and the ability to ask the right questions. My office is a safe and confidential place that allows you to explore painful losses, anxiety, relationship challenges, past trauma and pain, and unhealthy habits. I maintain healthy boundaries while being genuine and empathetic. Although I've been practicing for many years, I believe that life is a learning process and education never ends. I work in consultation with supervisors and colleagues so that I remain up-to-date on the most effective treatments. I'll do everything I can to offer you the help you seek, but if there is a way in which I can't assist you, I'll help you find the resources you need. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, and know that I admire the bravery it takes to embark on the path toward healing and change.

I honor each individual's unique characteristics and strengths. In that spirit, I tailor my methods to the unique needs of the client - utilizing cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic, and humanistic modes. I am warm, encouraging and a strong motivator. My extensive background as a psychiatric social worker helps me to advocate for my clients and has provided me with special skills and life experiences that I bring to my psychotherapy practice.

I specialize in providing traditional psychotherapy with an integrative, holistic approach. Our work begins with assessing not only emotional and psychological health, but also physical, spiritual and sexual wellness. I believe the mind and body are inexorably entwined, with each affecting the functioning of the other. I strive to provide a warm, supportive space in which we can create a plan to improve whole-person wellness and self-care.

Frequently, people who have experienced trauma, develop extraordinary survival skills. Often the strategies that were critical for survival when you were a child, thwart the ability to develop satisfying work, family or romantic relationships in adulthood. Psychotherapy provides an opportunity to transcend patterns that are holding you back from achieving your goals, and realizing your potential. This often includes addressing family, career, and relationship issues within the treatment as well as recognizing thinking or behavior which may be harmful or holding you back. I specialize in the treatment of PTSD, anxiety and depression, and am certified in EMDR, CPT and MI. Additionally I am trained in Internal Family Systems. My practice is influenced by CBT, psychodynamic, Schema and mindfulness-based therapies. We will spend our first sessions exploring important historical information, assessing your needs, and setting goals. I strive to nurture relationships with clients that are compassionate, kind, and non-judgmental, and safe enough to tolerate direct but gentle confrontation. Together we will determine the approach and pace that will work best for you.