I’m Justine Astacio, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the founder of Lotus Theory, a psychotherapy practice based in Mamaroneck, NY. I created Lotus Theory to offer a space where therapy feels both grounded and connected, one that recognizes how our experiences are shaped by the mind, the body, and the communities we’re part of.
At Lotus Theory, we work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Many of the individuals we support are part of BIPOC and Latinx communities, where there can be added layers such as cultural expectations, identity, and generational patterns. In our work, these experiences are not treated as separate, but as an important part of the process.
A core part of our approach is somatic therapy. We focus on how stress, emotions, and past experiences are held in the body, not just how they are understood. Clients often begin by noticing patterns like tension, shutdown, or feeling constantly on edge. From there, we work on building awareness and learning how to respond in ways that feel more steady and manageable.
While somatic work is central, our clinicians also draw from approaches like CBT and DBT. These methods help bring structure and practical tools into the process, so clients can better understand their patterns and begin to shift them in everyday life.
As a group practice, Lotus Theory brings together clinicians with different specialties and perspectives. We collaborate regularly, which allows care to feel both personalized and supported by a connected team.
In addition to individual and couples therapy, we offer group therapy and somatic-based services such as movement, breathwork, and sound experiences. These spaces give clients more ways to engage in the work and, at times, connect with others who are navigating similar experiences.
Community is an important part of how we think about healing. Therapy is personal, but it doesn’t have to feel isolating. We aim to create an environment where you feel supported, understood, and less alone in what you’re going through.
If you’re looking for therapy that considers both your lived experience and the mind-body connection, Lotus Theory offers a space to begin that work in a way that feels grounded, supportive, and connected.