Dr. Stephen Gunsallus, LPC
Narrative-minded counselor focused on practical change
Details
| Name | Dr. Stephen Gunsallus |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LPC |
| Based in | South Carolina |
| Licensed in | South Carolina |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 20 |
About Stephen
Dr. Stephen Gunsallus uses a narrative-minded, person-centered approach to help people tell and reshape the stories that shape their lives. He is a licensed professional counselor with 20 years of experience and works in South Carolina.
He aims to meet clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. He often focuses on LGBT concerns, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and challenges with concentration and focus such as ADHD. He also supports people dealing with guilt and shame, forgiveness issues, mood disorders, HIV/AIDS concerns, hospice and end-of-life matters, and post-traumatic stress.
Background and approach
Dr. Gunsallus keeps sessions grounded and practical. He listens for the patterns in a person’s story, then helps identify small steps that change how that story affects day-to-day life.
Sessions are conversational and tailored to what each person needs rather than one fixed method. His training includes a Doctor of Education in Pastoral Community Counseling, a Master of Sacred Theology, and a Master of Arts in Counseling. He also completed seven units of Clinical Pastoral Education, with four taken as a residency, and has been recognized for community organizing work.
People who start with him can expect a collaborative plan that adapts over time. He encourages taking the first step and works with each person to set realistic goals and practical strategies. If someone wants to change a painful pattern, he helps map a path forward.
What this therapist works with
His listing names LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Grief among the things Stephen works with, alongside the areas below.
- LGBT
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- ADHD
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- HIV / AIDS
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT): Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Existential Therapy: Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Stephen among the ways he works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Stephen directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Stephen directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How narrative and client-centered approaches work online
Dr. Gunsallus uses Narrative Therapy to help people examine the stories they tell about themselves, find alternative meanings, and try new behaviors that fit better with their goals. Narrative work can help with trauma, grief, identity questions, and patterns that feel stuck. He also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on listening, empathy, and tailoring conversations to what each person needs in the moment. This approach supports people who need understanding and guidance rather than a fixed script.He may also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and test small changes in behavior when that is useful. Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist and client review needs, preferences, and goals together and adjust the plan as things change over time.
Online therapy lets people work through these approaches by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video calls are helpful for face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can fit into a busy day or use less bandwidth. Live chat and text messaging are useful for shorter check-ins, ongoing coaching, or when writing out thoughts helps. These options make scheduling and continuity easier while keeping the work focused on practical steps and meaningful change.
Common questions about this listing
What concerns does he commonly help with?
He focuses on LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and attention concerns such as ADHD, plus related areas like mood disorders and post-traumatic stress.
What is his therapy style like?
His style combines Narrative and Client-Centered approaches so sessions stay conversational and focused on the client’s story and goals.
How much experience does he have?
He has 20 years of professional experience working with a range of concerns and settings.
What credentials and region does he practice in?
He is an LPC licensed in South Carolina and holds a Doctor of Education in Pastoral Community Counseling.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
In what formats are sessions offered?
He meets over video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging depending on the client’s needs.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Stephen are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Stephen where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.
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