OUR TEAM
ABOUT DR. MICHAEL SUN, PH.D.
Dr. Michael Sun is a licensed clinical psychologist in the New Hampshire Upper Valley. Believing strongly in the power of a therapeutic relationship, Dr. Sun embraces a collaborative approach in evidence-based assessments and therapies. With a rich background in studying brain images, he appreciates the deep insights hidden in emotions and advocates for authenticity, helping clients unlock their mind’s potential. He aims to align an individual’s past and values with their present challenges through a non-judgmental, empathic approach.
His therapeutic methods are anchored in mindfulness, values-based decision-making, and practical techniques like cognitive-behavioral and exposure-based therapies. Dr. Sun guides clients to understand their relationships with themselves, others, and their situations, uncovering often overlooked aspects of their difficulties. As a bicultural person of color, he uniquely combines a multicultural perspective with an individual-focused approach, enriching his clients’ understanding of their experiences. His goal is to foster awareness and comprehension of thought, emotion, behavioral, and relationship patterns, empowering clients to optimize their behavior and decision-making. Dr. Sun also incorporates technologies like virtual reality and brain imaging when beneficial.
When not working with clients, Dr. Sun is an avid gamer, plays badminton with his wife and daughter, watches NBA basketball and listens to music.
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Dr. Sun received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington, Seattle, and his Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Sun completed his APA accredited internship at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and his postdoctoral fellowship at Dartmouth College.
Dr. Sun has written numerous academic papers on the topics of culture, youth and adult mental health, personality, and neuroscience. He has led and consulted on nationwide projects, having received grants and awards from the American Psychological Foundation, National Register of Health Service Psychologists, and the National Institutes of Mental Health. He works with adults and teens, couples, and families related to anxiety, with specializations in anxiety, depression, stress, pain and chronic pain, chronic personality disorders, trauma, and race and identity development. To this end, Dr. Sun has had extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), making him a versatile ally in one’s mental health journey.
Dr. Sun is licensed by the Board of Psychology in the State of New Hampshire and his license number is 1662.
EDUCATION
• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
• M.A. in Clinical Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
• B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle
SPECIALTIES
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Grief
• Chronic Insomnia
• Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders
• Anger Management
• Relationship Difficulties
• Stress Management and Stress Reduction
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Values-Based Living
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Coping Skills for Emotional Regulation
• Interpersonal Effectiveness
• Relationship Difficulties
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Life Transitions
• Self-Compassion
Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy
• Chronic Depression
Trauma-Focused Treatment
• Prolonged Exposure for PTSD
• Written Exposure Therapy
• Race-Related Stress
• Racial Identity Development
Exposure and Response Prevention
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• OCD
• Phobias
• Panic Disorders
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Health Anxiety
Pain Reprocessing Therapy
• Chronic Pain
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain
• Chronic Pain
• Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders