Donald McRae , LPC, LCMHC

Donald McRae is a licensed counselor based in North Carolina with 25 years of clinical experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life transitions, trauma, addiction, and relationship challenges. He holds credentials as an LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor - and as an LCMHC - Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor - reflecting formal training in clinical assessment and psychotherapy. Over his career he has provided care in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, military bases, and nonprofit agencies, and has led psychotherapy groups in addition to offering individual treatment.

McRae’s practice draws on a range of evidence-informed methods. He is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including Trauma-Focused CBT. He also integrates mindfulness practices, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and brief solution-focused strategies to tailor treatment to each person’s needs. He works with concerns such as stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting and caregiver stress, and many other life and career challenges.

Known for a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and compassionate stance, McRae emphasizes the courage and commitment it takes to pursue change. He approaches therapy collaboratively, supporting motivated individuals in setting goals and developing practical skills to move forward.

Integrating Evidence-Informed Approaches in Online Care

Donald McRae uses approaches that translate well to remote work and focus on practical skills and present-moment awareness. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep difficulties and emphasizes concrete strategies and skill practice. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides structured skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness; it is well suited for intense emotions, relationship difficulties, and coping with crises. Mindfulness therapy teaches attention to the present moment and acceptance of experience; these practices can reduce reactivity and support recovery from trauma, addiction, and chronic stress.

Finding the right blend of methods is part of the therapeutic process. McRae approaches treatment collaboratively, working with each person to identify goals, test different strategies, and adjust the plan based on what fits the client’s needs, values, and preferences. Licensed professionals and therapists often adapt tools to match individual circumstances.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice new skills between sessions, and access support from home or work, while allowing the therapist and client to tailor the pace and format of treatment.