Clinical Team
Sara Cunningham, PhD
Training: Fordham University (PhD in Counseling Psychology & MSEd in Mental Health Counseling), University at Albany Counseling and Psychological Services (Internship)
Dr. Sara Cunningham (she/her) is a licensed psychologist and a Staff Clinician at MindWell. Dr. Cunningham has training and experience working with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of presenting concerns. Her specializations include providing evidence-based therapies for executive function concerns and related disorders, including ADHD, learning disabilities, and other mental health diagnoses that impact academic and career functioning. Dr. Cunningham further specializes in providing trauma-informed and evidence-based psychotherapies for grief and loss, relationship and interpersonal concerns, anxiety, autism, disordered eating, and identity-based concerns. She aims to promote understanding, healing and change through a collaborative and strengths-based approach to psychotherapy that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. Dr. Cunningham further strives to embody cultural humility, curiosity, and openness in her therapeutic stance. Grounded in developmental, systems, and multicultural frameworks, she seeks to understand the wholeness of the individual within the context of their relationships, life experiences, and socio-cultural environments. She aims to identify individuals’ strengths while working to address and reduce barriers to immediate and long-lasting healing and change. Dr. Cunningham further values regularly obtaining and applying feedback from clients about the therapeutic relationship and progress towards goals.
Dr. Cunningham’s previous research includes qualitative inquiry of identity development and meaning making for individuals with learning disabilities, bereaved individuals, and those who have experienced trauma. She is passionate about reducing mental health stigma and is an advocate for suicide prevention. Dr. Cunningham loves engaging her creative side, both in her role as a clinician and in her personal life. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the ukulele, practicing yoga, graphic design, and indulging in podcasts.
Areas of Experience: Anxiety, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Body Dysmorphia and Disordered Eating, Career Counseling, Depression, Executive Functioning, Grief and Loss, Identity Exploration, Learning Disability/Academic Challenges, Relationship and Interpersonal Challenges, Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder