- Trauma and abuse focus
- LGBT concerns
- Practical coping skills
About Stephen
He earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Pastoral Community Counseling in 2017, a Master of Sacred Theology (STM) in 1999, and a Master of Arts in Counseling (MA) in 2003. He also completed seven units of Clinical Pastoral Education, including a four-unit residency. These experiences inform his clinical perspective without defining how he works in every session.
Sessions are tailored to the person and the issue. He focuses on clear goals and practical steps that can help with day-to-day functioning. He integrates approaches that include client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral strategies, dialectical behavior elements, emotionally-focused work, and existential discussion when relevant.
His work includes support for people coping with loss, shame or guilt, issues related to HIV and AIDS, mood concerns, and post-traumatic stress. He also brings experience with hospice and end-of-life counseling and community organizing recognition from Adapt Advocacy Association in 2011.
Dr. Gunsallus encourages people to take the first step and notes that signing up for therapy takes courage. He will shape dialog and treatment plans to match each person’s needs and goals.
How these approaches work for online therapy
Client-centered therapy focuses on the person’s experience and values the relationship in the room. It means the therapist listens closely, reflects what is important, and shapes sessions around the person's priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change patterns that cause distress. It can help with mood, attention, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes building emotion regulation and coping skills for intense feelings and interpersonal stress.Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work together with the person to identify which methods fit best. That means trying techniques, reviewing what helps, and adjusting the plan to match goals and preferences over time.
Confirm current session options before booking so you know which online formats are offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also makes it possible to continue regular work on grief, trauma processing, attention strategies, and emotion skills from wherever you are located within the therapist's service area. Licensed professionals aim to make therapy practical and usable in everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist address?
He works with people dealing with trauma and abuse, LGBT issues, grief, ADHD, and related areas like mood disorders and post-traumatic stress.
What is the therapist's general approach in sessions?
The style centers on client-centered work with practical elements from cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior approaches, plus emotionally-focused and existential perspectives as needed.
What background does the therapist bring to counseling?
He has 20 years of professional experience and earned an Ed.D. in Pastoral Community Counseling along with earlier graduate degrees and Clinical Pastoral Education units.
Where is the therapist licensed and located?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in South Carolina and practices from that region.
Can sessions be held in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted for therapy?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.