Faculty

Im, Sungjin

Assistant ProfessorMind and Body Laboratory, Students for PsyD program newsletter

Ph.D University of Nevada,Reno M.A. University of Nevada, RenoB.A. university of Arizona

mailto:Sungjin.Im@liu.edu

Description

Sungjin Im is an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Psychology doctoral program at LIU Post. He earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, and completed postdoctoral training at the Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies at Rutgers University. As Director of the Mind Body Laboratory, his research focuses on the psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms of trauma and PTSD, the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness-based interventions, and translational applications of neuroscience to clinical practice, with particular emphasis on EEG-based neurofeedback. As a licensed psychologist and researcher, Dr. Im is extensively trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and has collaborated with internationally recognized experts including Steve Hayes and Alan Fruzzetti. He is also board-certified in neurofeedback and quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). In addition to his academic work, Dr. Im maintains a private practice where he provides evidence-based psychotherapy and neurofeedback for adults coping with trauma, anxiety, and mood-related conditions.

Publications

Publications

Im, S. (2025). Exploring the Effects of Z-Score Neurofeedback Training in PTSD: A Preliminary Investigation. Clinical EEG & Neuroscience. (in press)

Peters, C., McGinnis. A., Im, S., & Hennessey H. (2025). Satire versus Illicit: Policy Issues Regarding the Creation of Deepfakes Using AI Technology. Behavioral Sciences & The Law, 43(4), 462-471. DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2726.

Im, S. (2023). Live Z-score Neurofeedback Training for PTSD: a Feasibility and Acceptability Study. Trauma Care. 3(3), 154-160. DOI: 10.3390/traumacare3030015.

Im, S., Rushing, B., Wright, A., Softic, D., & Lakhmani A. (2023). Muscle Tension in Generalized Anxiety Disorder During a Stressful Mental Arithmetic Task. Research Directs in Psychology and Behavior. 3(1). DOI: 10.53520/rdpb2023.10776.

Im, S., Fitzpatrick, S., Hien, D., Lopez-Castro, T., Pawlak, A., & Melar R. (2022). Frontal Alpha Asymmetry in Children with Trauma Exposure. Clinical EEG & Neuroscience. DOI: 10.1177/15500594221076346.

Im, S., Stavas, J., Lee, J., Zareen, M., Hazlett-Stevens, H., & Caplovitz, G. (2021). Does Mindfulness-Based Intervention Improve Cognitive Function?: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 84, 101972. DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101972.

Im, S., Marder, M. A., Imbriano, G., Sussman, T. J., & Mohanty, A. (2021). Effects of a Brief Mindfulness-Based Attentional Intervention on Threat-Related Perceptual Decision-Making. Mindfulness, 1-11. DOI: 10.1007/s12671-020-01562-9.

Im, S. (2021). Physiological Inflexibility in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Modulation by Trait Worry. Clinical Research in Psychology. 4(1), 1-8.

Im, S. & Kahler, J. (2020). Evaluating the Empirical Evidence for Three Transdiagnostic Mechanisms in Anxiety and Mood Disorders. Journal of General Psychology. 149:2, 232-257, DOI: 10.1080/00221309.2020.1828252.

Shim, M., Tilley, J. L., Im, S., Price, K., & Gonzalez, A. (2020). A Systematic Review of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia and Caregivers. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology. DOI: 10.1177/0891988720957104.

Im, S., Greenlaw, M., & Lee. J. (2020). Cumulative Trauma Exposure and Mindfulness in College Students. Journal of College Counseling. 23(1), 30-43.

Mayer, C., Im, S., Stavas, J., & Hazlett-Stevens, H. (2019). Mindfulness Facets Associated with Perceived Stress: The Role of Nonreactivity. Journal of Depression and Anxiety Forecast. 2(1): 1009-1016.

Im, S., Lee, J., & Han, S. (2017). Video-counseling: Needs Assessment and Perception of Service Utilization. The Korean Journal of Stress Research. 25(1), 57-67.

Im, S. & Follette, V. (2016). Rumination and Mindfulness Related to Multiple Types of Trauma Exposure. Translational Issues in Psychological Science. 2(4), 395-407.

O'Donohue, W., Snipes, C., Dalto, G., Soto, C., Maragakis, A., & Im, S. (2013). The Ethics of Enhanced Interrogations and Torture: A Reappraisal of the Argument. Ethics & Behavior, 24(2), 109-125.

Lectures and Presentations

Im, S. (September 2024). Effects of Live Z-score Neurofeedback Training for PTSD: an Open Uncontrolled Study. Poster presented at the International Society for Neuroregulation and Research’s Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.

Im, S. (May 2024). Feasibility of Live Z-Score Neurofeedback Training for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Poster presented at the Association for Psychological Sciences Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA.

Im, S. (August 2023). Evaluating the Acceptability and Efficacy of 4-Channel Live Z-Score Neurofeedback Training for Individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Poster presented at the International Society for Neuroregulation and Research’s Annual Conference, Dallas, TX.

Hadden, C. & Im, S., (April 2023). The Effects of Neurofeedback Among Individuals with Trauma. Poster presented at the 31st Annual Neuroscience Day Symposium by Society for Neuroscience, Louisville, KY.

Im, S., Wright, A., Maddox, J., Romero, H., Vanderpool, G., Harris, J., Washburn, K., & Im, D. (May 2022). Effect of Effort Mobilization on Pre-Ejection Period and High-Frequency Heart Rate Variability. Poster presented at the 34st Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention, New York, NY.

Romero, H., Harris, J., Vanderpool, G., & Im, S. (March 2022). Evaluating Effects of Task Difficulty on Motivation. Poster presented at the 2022 Student Research Conference at Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY.

Peters. C & Im, S. (August 2021). Less Responsibility Attributed for Negative COVID Outcomes Are Assigned When the Actor’s Role is Viewed as Essential. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Convention (Virtual Event).

Im, S. (December, 2019). Effects of Motivaiton Intensity on Autonomic Response: Implications for Addiction Research. An invited talk presented at the Emerging Addiciton Science Seminar Series, Piscataway, NJ.

Im, S., Marder, M., Teller, J., Szekely, A., & Mohanty, A. (May 2019). Effects of a Brief Mindfulness Intervention on Emotional Face Perception. Poster presented at the 31st Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention, New York, NY.

Im, S. (May, 2019). How Can Mindfulness-Based Interventions Improve Mental Health and Cognitive Function in Spinal Cord Injury Patients? An invited talk presented at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY.

Im, S., Marder, M., Teller, J., Szekely, A., & Mohanty, A. (May 2019). Trait Mindfulness Moderated the Effects of a Brief Mindfulness Intervention on Emotional Face Perception. Poster presented at the Center of Alcohol Studies (CAS) Annual Scholar Poster Session, Piscataway, NJ.

Im, S. (February, 2019). Do Mindfulness-Based Interventions Improve Cognitive Function? The implication for Addiction Research. An invited talk was presented at the Emerging Addiction Science Seminar at Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ.

Im, S. (May 2018). Examination of Experiential Avoidance, Rumination, Maladaptive Cognitions, and Emotion Dysregulation as Transdiagnostic Mechanisms in Structural Equation Modeling. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA.

Killebrew, K., Im, S., & Caplovitz, P. G. (May 2017). The Rotating Line. A visual illusion demo presented for the 15th Annual Dinner and Demo Night at the Vision Sciences Society (VSS) Annual Convention, St. Pete Beach, FL.

Mayer, C., Im, S., Julie S., & Hazlett-Stevens, H. (May 2017). Dispositional mindfulness and perceived stress. Poster presented at the 2017 Annual Conference for the Nevada Psychological Association (NPA), Las Vegas, NV.

Im, S. & Crognale, A. M. (August 2016). Physiological inflexibility in response to worry induction in generalized anxiety disorder. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Convention, Denver, CO.

Im, S., Crognale, A. M., & Follette, V. (May 2015). Decomposition of anxiety by the multi-method approach. Poster presented at the 27th Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention, New York, NY.

Im, S. & Follette, V. (May 2015). Trauma and quality of life among college students: the mediation effect of rumination. Poster presented at the 27th Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention, New York, NY.

Im, S., Caplovtiz, G., & Follette, V. (June 2014). Assessing construct validity in mindfulness. In D. Fiorillo (Chair), Mindfulness in ACT: theoretical and practical implications. Symposium presented at the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) World Conference 12, Minneapolis, MN.

Gonzalez, F., Engle, J., Follette, V., Im, S., McLean, C., & Papa, A. (May 2014). Behavioral healthcare: the implication of an LGBT community needs assessment. Poster presented at the 26th Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention, San Fransisco, CA.

Im, S. & Follette, V. (May 2014). The mediating effect of rumination on trauma symptomology and general psychological distress. Poster presented at the 26th Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention, San Fransisco, CA.

Im, S., Caplovtiz, G., & Follette, V. (May 2013). Construct validity of mindfulness using a multi-method approach. Poster presented at the 25th Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention, Washington, D.C.

Im, S., Caplovtiz, G., & Follette, V. (May 2013). Effects of trauma on attentional processing. Poster presented at the 2013 Annual Conference for the Nevada Psychological Association (NPA), Las Vegas, NV.

Im, S., Caplovtiz, G., & Follette, V. (April 2013). Attention, PTSD and general psychological distress: a mediational model. Poster presented at the 93rd Western Psychological Association (WPA) Annual Convention, Reno, NV.

Im, S., Gonzalez, F., Caplovtiz, G., & Follette, V. (May 2012). The relationship between attentional bias and trauma symptoms among college students. Poster presented at the 2012 Annual Conference for the Nevada Psychological Association (NPA), Reno, NV.

Engle, J.L., Im, S., Hickey, A., Moser, T., & Dietrich, C. (April 2011). When is it rape: attitudes about labeling and reporting sexual assault. Symposium presented at the 91st Western Psychological Association (WPA) Annual Convention, Los Angeles, CA.

Grants

7) Needs assessment for an automated symptom checker
Granting Agency: Kentucky Commercialization Ventures
Funds Awarded: $3,600
Role: Principal Investigator (2024)


6) Development of an Automated Symptom Checker for Assessing Psychological Disorders
Granting Agency: Kentucky Commercialization Ventures
Funds Awarded: $10,000
Role: Principal Investigator (2024-2025)


5) Machine-Learning Approach to Identifying Subgroups of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Granting Agency: Western Kentucky University, Research & Creative Activities Program (RCAP)
Funds Awarded: $16,000
Role: Principal Investigator (2024-2025)


4) Evaluating Acceptability and Feasibility of Neurofeedback Among People with Trauma
Granting Agency: Western Kentucky University, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Funds Awarded: $5,977
Role: Principal Investigator (2022-2024)


3) Trauma-related Neurobiological Predictors of Adverse Child Outcomes: Secondary Analysis of the Healthy Brain Network Database
Granting Agency: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Graduate School of Applied Professional Psychology
Funds Awarded: $9,316
Role: Co-Investigator (2018-2019)


2) Decomposition of anxiety using a multi-method approach
Granting Agency: University of Nevada, Reno Graduate Student Association
Funds Awarded: $2,490
Role: Principal Investigator (2014-2015)


1) Attentional control: Understanding life experiences and mindfulness
Granting Agency: University of Nevada, Reno Graduate Student Association
Funds Awarded: $1,000
Role: Principal Investigator (2011-2012)