Author
Dr. Stephenson’s career as a counselor was primarily to persons diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, as well as those struggling with complicated grief. Most of his clients were children and youth facing a life expectancy of six months or less. This care included a commitment to the client’s family and significant others.
He has participated in the establishment of four hospices, including the former Hospice of San Diego. During the AIDS crisis he participated in a special counseling program to address the unique issues patients and their loved ones were relegated to face.
When Dr. Stephenson ended his private practice, he continued his work for a worldwide health insurance company, investigating sentinel events such as suicides and suicide attempts all over the United States. He also took part in a specially trained team of mental health professionals equipped to assist communities that had experienced a traumatic event such as a mass shooting.
Now retired he continues to consult, teach and speak on behalf of those who struggle with this stage in life we call dying. In addition to Sunrises and Sunsets, he has written three books related to his work with loss and grief: A Gift to Self, Conversations, and A New Way to Hope which has received six critical awards.
He and his wife, Carol, live in San Diego, California.
