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- LGBT concerns
- Trauma and grief
- ADHD and focus
About Stephen
LPC Dr. Stephen Gunsallus has 20 years of professional experience in South Carolina. He focuses on LGBT concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, and attention and focus difficulties such as ADHD. His stated approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and Existential Therapy.
Dr. Gunsallus earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Pastoral Community Counseling in 2017. He also holds a Master of Sacred Theology (STM) from 1999 and a Master of Arts in Counseling (MA) from 2003. Additionally, he completed seven units of Clinical Pastoral Education, including four units as a residency, and received a community organization award in 2011.
In practice he aims to shape sessions around clear goals and everyday problems. Conversations focus on what is happening now, patterns that keep problems going, and small changes that can make daily life easier. He uses direct talk and practical skills from cognitive and behavioral methods when useful.
The work also allows space for feelings, meaning, and relationship concerns. Emotion-focused and existential approaches are used to look at grief, loss, identity questions, or moral and spiritual distress. Dialectical skills are used to help manage intense emotions and reduce crisis reactions.
People who reach out can expect an initial discussion to identify concerns and agree on short-term goals. He notes that plans are adjusted as needs change. To start, select the See online therapy options button, complete a brief questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
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How his approaches are used in online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on straightforward, respectful listening and helping people name what matters most. It is useful when someone needs a calm space to sort identity, values, or relationship questions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is often used for mood concerns, attention and focus struggles, and managing reactive behavior. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship skills to reduce intense reactions and help people cope during crises.Deciding which approach to use is collaborative. The therapist will ask about goals, daily challenges, and what has or has not worked before. Together they will choose methods and set short-term targets, then revisit those choices as progress is made.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit meetings into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let someone choose whether to use video or another supported format if those are offered. Licensed professionals use the same therapeutic tools online as in person, and the practical focus is on making skills and conversations fit into everyday life.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
South Carolina
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What issues does he address?
He focuses on LGBT concerns, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and attention and focus problems such as ADHD. Additional areas include forgiveness, guilt and shame, HIV/AIDS, hospice and end-of-life counseling, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress.
What therapy styles does he use?
He uses Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Existential Therapy. These are applied to practical goals, emotion work, and skills training as appropriate.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 20 years of professional experience working with counseling concerns and community programs. His background includes clinical pastoral education and academic degrees in counseling and theology.
What are his credentials and location?
He is an LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor - licensed in South Carolina. His professional credentials include an Ed.D., STM, and MA in Counseling.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats does he offer?
Session formats are not specified in the biography. Confirm current session options before booking to know whether in-person, phone, or video sessions are available.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Specific rates depend on the services and region.
How do I begin working with him?
Begin by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That starts the intake and planning conversation.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.