- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Grief and loss
About Stephen
Dr. Stephen Gunsallus is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina with 20 years of clinical experience. He helps adults working through LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and attention concerns such as ADHD. He also lists forgiveness, guilt and shame, HIV/AIDS, hospice and end-of-life counseling, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress among his focus areas.
He trained in pastoral community counseling and holds a Doctor of Education, Ed.D., earned in 2017. He also has a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Master of Sacred Theology, plus seven units of Clinical Pastoral Education, four of which were completed as a residency. An award from Adapt Advocacy Association recognizes his community organizing work.
In sessions he centers the person rather than labels. He uses client-centered conversation to hear what matters most. He also draws on cognitive behavioral tools to look at how thoughts and behaviors interact. He uses elements from dialectical behavior therapy and emotionally-focused work when they fit the concern.
When someone brings guilt or shame, he talks about where those feelings came from. He looks at practical steps people can try between sessions. He balances emotional attention with clear skills for managing distress and focusing attention.
New clients are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule an initial meeting. He notes that the subscription-based sessions can be canceled at any time and that costs vary by location.
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so the person feels heard and can name what matters. That approach helps when guilt or shame feels hard to describe, because it prioritizes the client's perspective and the topics they bring up.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and behaviors reinforce each other and teaches concrete techniques to shift unhelpful patterns. CBT can be useful for managing persistent guilt, changing negative thinking, and building routines that aid focus and mood.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds clear skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance. Those skills can help when strong feelings like shame or grief become overwhelming and interfere with daily life.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, and then collaboratively try methods that fit the person's needs.
The biography does not specify which online formats are offered, so confirm available session options before booking. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into work and family schedules, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Talk with the therapist about what session length and rhythm would work best for everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
South Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he work with?
He works with LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and attention concerns such as ADHD, and also lists guilt and shame among his focus areas.
How would he approach feelings of guilt or shame?
He uses client-centered conversation and a mix of therapies to talk through the origins of guilt or shame and to identify practical steps for coping between sessions.
What is his background and experience?
He has 20 years of professional experience and completed an Ed.D. in Pastoral Community Counseling, an MA in Counseling, an STM, and seven units of Clinical Pastoral Education.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LPC licensed in South Carolina and practices there.
Does he offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are costs handled?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.