Dr. Starlin “Starr” Astacio (He/Him) is a dedicated professional in the field of couple and family therapy. As an AAMFT-approved supervisor, clinical fellow, and licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), he is deeply committed to advancing inclusivity, social justice, and cultural competence in psychotherapy and education. Dr. Starr specializes in working with diverse populations, including individuals from various social classes, ethnic and multi-generational backgrounds, and immigration statuses.
With over a decade of experience as a bilingual family psychotherapist, Dr. Starr has provided sensitive and effective care to underserved populations, including LGBTQ+, Latinx, and Caribbean communities. His clinical expertise is grounded in evidence-based systemic practices such as Internal Family Systems (IFS). His research focuses on the sexual identity process, the experiences of the Caribbean Latinx LGBTQ+ community, and the application of IFS in addressing their unique needs.
Dr. Starr serves as a core faculty member at Antioch University New England (AUNE), where he teaches foundational and advanced courses in the Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) program. He also provides clinical supervision to master’s students, fostering their professional growth and preparing them for impactful careers in systemic therapy. His dual roles in academia and clinical practice allow him to bridge theory and application, enriching the learning experience for his students.
A passionate advocate for marginalized communities, Dr. Starr has been a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives since 2019, spearheading efforts to create more equitable and affirming spaces within healthcare and education. His dedication to social justice, coupled with his clinical and academic expertise, positions him as a driving force in promoting mental health and well-being for all.
Core Clinical and Academic Faculty
Graduate School of Counseling, Psychology, and Therapy
In 2013, Dr. Starr earned an Associate’s degree in Behavioral Science and Human Services from Northwestern Community College; in 2016, a B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies from the University of Connecticut; and in 2019, an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University. In 2023, a Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy from Antioch University.
Dr. Starlin “Starr” Astacio (He/Him) approaches teaching with the belief that education is a collaborative journey where both students and educators grow together. As a clinical faculty member and AAMFT-approved supervisor, Dr. Starr is committed to creating an inclusive, engaging, and culturally responsive learning environment. His teaching philosophy is rooted in fostering critical thinking, self-awareness, and professional growth, equipping students with the tools they need to excel as systemic therapists and advocates for social justice.
Dr. Starr’s pedagogy emphasizes the integration of theory and practice. By using evidence-based models like Internal Family Systems (IFS), he provides students with a robust framework to understand complex clinical dynamics while encouraging creativity and adaptability in therapeutic work. He incorporates real-world examples from his extensive experience as a bilingual family psychotherapist, giving students a nuanced perspective on working with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+, Latinx, and Caribbean communities.
Central to his teaching philosophy is the “self-of-the-therapist” work, where students explore their personal identities, biases, and values to become more effective and empathetic clinicians. Dr. Starr uses experiential learning methods, such as role-plays, case discussions, and reflective exercises, to guide students in deepening their self-awareness and enhancing their relational skills.
As a firm believer in the power of mentorship, Dr. Starr values building strong relationships with his students. He strives to create a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and learn from their mistakes. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, he cultivates a classroom culture of mutual respect and shared learning.
Dr. Starr is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of his teaching. He incorporates culturally competent approaches into his curriculum, ensuring that students develop the skills necessary to provide affirming care to clients from diverse backgrounds. His emphasis on social justice encourages students to critically examine systemic barriers and advocate for marginalized communities in their clinical and professional practice.
In every course, Dr. Starr’s goal is to empower students to become compassionate, competent, and socially conscious therapists who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the field of couple and family therapy. Through a combination of rigorous academic training, reflective practice, and mentorship, he aims to inspire the next generation of therapists to approach their work with integrity, cultural humility, and a commitment to fostering change.
- Astacio, S. (2024). Sexual identity experiences of Latino Caribbean cisgender gay men. LGBTQ+ Family: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 1-20.
- Astacio, S. (2023). An Experiential Qualitative Analysis Exploring the Sexual
- Identity Experiences of Latino Caribbean Cisgender Gay Men [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center.
- Astacio, S. (2023). Exploring the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model: A Guide to Therapeutic Interventions and Treatment Planning. Journal of Self Leadership, 1-22.
- Astacio, S. (2023). Chequea tu H. E. S. C. O. [translated infographic]. Antioch University New England.
- Astacio, S. (2023). Sensate Focus. [translated infographic]. Antioch University New England.
- Twist, M. L. C. Haynes-Gibson, A. Steams-Spaulding, C. Astacio, S. (2024, November), Exploring age gap relationships: Implications for psychosexual and systemic relationship therapy practices [PowerPoint presentation). The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Annual Conference, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Haynes-Gibson, A. Stearns-Spaulding, C. Astacio, S. Twist, M. L. C. (2024, May). Exploring age gap relationships: Implications for psychosexual and systemic relational therapy practices [Poster]. Antioch University CFT Programs 3rd Annual Virtual Research Conference, AUNE, Keene, NH, USA. [virtual].
- Cultural Competence: Working with diverse families. Institute of Living (IOL). 2021. Hartford, CT. Virtual Presentation.
- Treating members of the queer community: A discussion among Black clinicians of the African diaspora. AAMFT Networks. QTAN 2021 Virtual Conference.
- In 2021, AAMFT Foundation Diversity Scholarship for Emerging Leaders Award: The AAMFT Research and Education Foundation has acknowledged Dr. Starr’s contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the Diversity Scholarship for Emerging Leaders.
- In 2016, The University of Connecticut, Human Development and Family Excellence Award: Dr. Starr was honored with the Human Development and Family Excellence Award by the University of Connecticut. This prestigious recognition celebrates Dr. Starr’s outstanding contributions to the field, including his commitment to systemic therapy, inclusive education, and impactful research. His dedication to advancing human development and family well-being inspires students, colleagues, and the broader community.
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
- Connecticut Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
- Delta Kappa International Marriage and Family Therapy Honors Society.
- CFT-6420-A Foundtnl Theories CFT
- CFT-5750-IFS Foundations & App of IFS
- CFT-6961-A CFT Internship I
- CFT-6962-A CFT Internship II
- CFT-6963-A CFT Internship III
- CFT-6964-A CFT Internship IV
- CFT-6965-C CFT Internship V