Dr. Stephen Gunsallus, LPC

Dr. Stephen Gunsallus is a licensed counselor in South Carolina who brings two decades of professional experience to his work with adults facing trauma, grief, concentration challenges, and concerns related to sexual orientation and gender identity. He approaches each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, tailoring conversations and treatment plans to meet the unique needs and goals of those he sees.

He earned a Doctor of Education in Pastoral Community Counseling in 2017, completed a Master of Arts in Counseling in 2003, and holds a Master of Sacred Theology from 1999. He also completed seven units of Clinical Pastoral Education, including four units as a residency, training that strengthened his skills in pastoral care and clinical practice. He is credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor - LPC in South Carolina (SC LPC 5290).

Over his career he has worked with LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and attention challenges such as ADHD. Additional focus areas include forgiveness, guilt and shame, HIV and AIDS, hospice and end-of-life counseling, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress. He was recognized with a Community Organization award from Adapt Advocacy Association in 2011. He encourages people to take the courageous first step toward therapy and personal growth, and he supports clients throughout the process.

Online Therapeutic Approaches and Remote Care

Dr. Stephen Gunsallus uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, empathetic environment where the client is at the core of the process. This approach emphasizes listening and collaboration, and it is useful for people seeking a supportive space to explore identity, grief, or personal values.

He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to improve mood and daily functioning. CBT can be especially helpful for mood disorders, concentration difficulties, and symptoms related to trauma. In addition, Dialectical Behavior Therapy offers practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can benefit those coping with intense emotions or post-traumatic stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic work. Dr. Gunsallus will collaborate with each client to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and he will adjust the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Dr. Gunsallus is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for schedules and locations. These options make it easier to attend regular sessions, maintain momentum between appointments, and access a licensed professional from familiar surroundings.