About Stephen

Dr. Stephen Gunsallus offers a compassionate, person-focused approach to therapy. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in South Carolina with 20 years of professional experience.

He works with people facing grief, trauma, LGBTQ concerns, and difficulties with focus and attention such as ADHD. He keeps sessions practical and direct. Conversations focus on what is happening now and on small changes that can help day-to-day functioning.

He adapts the pace to each person and builds a plan that fits their needs and goals.

Background and approach

Stephen earned a Doctor of Education in Pastoral Community Counseling in 2017 and a Master of Arts in Counseling in 2003. He also holds a Master of Sacred Theology from 1999 and completed seven units of Clinical Pastoral Education, including a residency. These experiences shaped his approach to grief, end-of-life concerns, and working with people living with HIV or AIDS.

Common issues he addresses include mood difficulties, post-traumatic stress, guilt and shame, and questions around forgiveness. He aims to combine practical coping skills with time to process emotion, so clients leave sessions with both relief and a plan. Stephen describes his work as respectful and sensitive.

He encourages people to take the first step and will tailor conversations and treatment plans to each person’s unique situation.

How therapeutic approaches work online

Client-Centered Therapy puts the person's experience at the center. The therapist listens closely, reflects back what is said, and helps the person set their own goals; this approach suits people who need a supportive, accepting space to sort out feelings and choices.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions. Sessions focus on practical skills and experiments to change unhelpful thinking and behaviors, which can help with mood, focus, and anxiety related to ADHD or stress.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, teaches skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication. It is useful when emotions feel overwhelming or when someone needs tools to manage intense reactions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about needs, goals, and preferences and will adjust methods together over time to find what helps most.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video is good for deeper conversations and visual cues, phone calls work well when bandwidth is limited, live chat can be helpful for shorter check-ins, and messaging supports ongoing, flexible contact. These options make therapy more accessible for busy schedules and for people who need different ways to connect.

Questions people ask

What concerns does this therapist often address?
He works with people experiencing grief, trauma and abuse, LGBTQ issues, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress, and challenges with concentration and focus such as ADHD.
What is his general therapy style?
His style is person-centered and practical. Sessions focus on present concerns, coping skills, and building a plan that fits the client's daily life.
How long has he practiced?
He has 20 years of professional experience in counseling and pastoral community settings.
What credentials and region does he have?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in South Carolina.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients supported?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How do fees and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Experience
20 years
Licensed
South Carolina
Languages
English

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