Donald McRae , LPC, LCMHC

Donald McRae is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) practicing in North Carolina, bringing 25 years of clinical experience to his work. He has provided therapy across a range of settings including mental health clinics, military bases, and not-for-profit agencies, developing expertise in individual, family, and couples work as well as group psychotherapy.

He is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is strongly grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including trauma-focused CBT. His clinical toolkit also includes Mindfulness practices, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and brief solution-focused methods. This combination supports treatment for concerns such as stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family difficulties, grief and depression, trauma and abuse, sleep problems, parenting and caregiver stress, anger, self-esteem, career challenges, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other life transitions.

Donald approaches therapy with empathy, compassion, and a nonjudgmental stance, recognizing the courage required to engage in change. He aims to collaborate with clients who are committed to self-examination and growth, helping them identify practical strategies and supports that align with their goals and values.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Donald McRae draws from several evidence-informed approaches to tailor therapy to each person's needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning - it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines skills training in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness to help people manage intense emotions and improve relationships. Mindfulness-based techniques teach present-moment awareness and acceptance to reduce reactivity and support coping with stress, trauma, and chronic emotional pain.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Donald works collaboratively with clients to explore which methods best fit their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, adjusting strategies as progress is made. This collaborative stance helps clients feel involved and empowered in their care.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations, while still receiving focused, goal-oriented therapeutic support.