In this episode of Big Asian Energy, John Wang sits down with clinical psychologists Dr. Michelle Chung and Dr. Laura Berssenbrugge to explore their groundbreaking Modern Asian Parent (MAP) movement—a research-based approach that challenges traditional tiger parenting while honoring cultural heritage. The doctors share why effective parenting starts with parents doing their own inner work around generational trauma, how to redefine success beyond traditional career paths, and why validation is the missing ingredient in most Asian family dynamics.
What Dr. Michelle and Dr. Laura Share:
- Why healing generational trauma and perfectionism starts with parents doing their own inner work first
- Redefining success beyond doctor-lawyer-engineer to support unconventional career paths
- Building values-based parenting through connection, validation, and authentic strengths
About Dr. Michelle Chung
Dr. Michelle Chung is a clinical psychologist and head of Inpractice Psychology, specializing in anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. As a board member at Korean Community Services, she works directly with Asian families navigating the tension between cultural expectations and mental health. A recovering perfectionist herself and mother to a budding artist, Dr. Michelle is passionate about helping families break toxic cycles of pressure and achievement while building emotionally intelligent, values-aligned relationships.
About Dr. Laura Berssenbrugge
Dr. Laura Berssenbrugge is a Hawaii and New York-based child psychologist and former middle school teacher with specialized training from the Child Mind Institute and NYU Child Study Center. She works with children, teenagers, and families dealing with stress, anxiety, and the unique pressures facing Asian American youth. Dr. Laura focuses on giving parents practical tools to become cheerleaders for their children's emotional wellbeing while teaching stress management skills the whole family can practice together.
Connect with Dr. Michelle Chung and Dr. Laura Berssenbrugge
Website: themodernasianparent.com (free worksheets and resources)
Instagram: @themodernasianparent
Substack: themodernasianparent.substack.com
