- CBT techniques
- DBT skills
- Mindfulness practice
About Donald
Donald McRae is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina with 25 years of clinical experience. He works with adults on problems such as anger, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationships, grief, depression, sleep problems, parenting strains, and trauma-related concerns.
He draws on several practical approaches in sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to spot unhelpful thinking and try different behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills are used for emotion regulation and managing intense reactions. He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing techniques.
Sessions tend to be straightforward and goal-oriented. McRae helps people identify patterns that lead to angry outbursts or ongoing resentment and practices new ways to respond. He offers tools for handling workplace frustration, improving communication, and restoring calm in close relationships.
His background includes work in community mental health clinics, military bases, and nonprofit agencies. That experience informs his approach to stress, caregiver strain, and workplace issues. He has facilitated psychotherapy groups in addition to providing individual counseling.
People can expect a direct, practical style focused on skill-building and real-life application. He encourages commitment to change and supports clients as they try new techniques between sessions. The emphasis is on steady progress rather than quick fixes.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking small actions toward them while accepting uncomfortable feelings. It is useful for people who want to stop fighting their emotions and instead act in line with what matters to them.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It offers clear exercises to test beliefs, change unhelpful thinking, and try new behaviors that reduce angry reactions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches concrete skills for regulating emotions, tolerating distress, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. Those skills are practical for managing sudden anger or long-standing irritability.
Choosing the right approach is collaborative. He will work with each person to match methods to their goals and daily life, adjusting techniques as progress is made.
Confirm current session formats before booking since they are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also let clients practice skills in the contexts where anger arises and review what worked between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
South Carolina, North Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger-related problems does he work with?
He supports adults dealing with anger that shows up at home, at work, or in relationships, and related issues like resentment, communication problems, and loss of control.
What is his general therapeutic style?
Sessions are practical and skills-focused, using evidence-based methods to change thinking and behavior rather than long open-ended discussion.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 25 years of experience in mental health settings including clinics, military bases, and nonprofit agencies.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is listed as LPC and LCMHC licensed in North Carolina and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he accept clients from other countries?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.