Dr. L A McCrae (He/Him)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCADC, FOT, CCTP, CCTSA
In-Person in Catonsville, MD 21228
In-Person in Catonsville, MD 21228
Online in Multiple States
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York
"Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced." - James Baldwin
As a Black, queer, transmasculine, and neurodivergent scholar-practitioner, I view therapy as an act of radical liberation rather than social compliance. Grounded in the Black radical tradition, I partner with "Deep-Sea Divers"—scholars, activists, and survivors—to move beyond traditional talk therapy and into the realm of spiritual reclamation. My approach is direct and somatic, utilizing Sandplay, Somatic Focusing, and Bibliotherapy to map your internal geography and dismantle the "head trash" of carceral systems. Whether navigating neurodivergence, TBI recovery, or the cycles of dependency, we work collaboratively to honor your lived experience without moralistic shame. I do not sit as a detached observer, but as a witness to your evolution and a partner in your resistance against a broken world. My goal is your absolute autonomy, facilitating the heavy, holy work of unmasking and rewriting your testimony. If you are seeking a sanctuary where your identity is celebrated and your liberation is the priority, I am ready to dive with you.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Black / African American, Christian, LGBTQ+, Men, Persons with Disabilities clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Adlerian Therapy Focuses on understanding a person’s sense of belonging and purpose. It helps people overcome feelings of inferiority and create healthier relationships.
- Art Therapy Uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpture as a way to express emotions. It is especially helpful when words are hard to find.
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Contemplative Psychotherapy Combines mindfulness and meditation practices with modern psychology. It encourages awareness and compassion as part of the healing process.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Drama Therapy Uses role-play, storytelling, and theater techniques to explore problems and emotions. It helps people practice new ways of relating to others.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Feminist Therapy Addresses how gender roles, power, and social inequality affect mental health. It empowers clients to challenge limiting beliefs and systems.
- Gestalt Therapy Encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. It helps people integrate different parts of themselves for wholeness.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Based on decades of research, this method gives couples tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen intimacy.
- Imago Relationship Therapy Helps couples understand how childhood experiences influence adult relationships. It teaches communication techniques to deepen connection.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Jungian Therapy Draws on Carl Jung’s ideas about archetypes, dreams, and the collective unconscious. It helps people explore deeper layers of meaning.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Play Therapy Uses toys, games, and creative play to help children express emotions. It is especially useful when children can’t fully verbalize their feelings.
- Psychodrama A group therapy that uses role-play and dramatization to process emotions. It helps clients gain perspective and release tension.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Reality Therapy / Choice Theory Focuses on present choices and taking responsibility for actions. It helps clients create more fulfilling relationships and lives.
- Sandplay Therapy Uses sand trays and miniature figures to allow symbolic expression. It is especially helpful for children and trauma survivors.
- Transactional Analysis Explores interactions through the lens of Parent, Adult, and Child roles. It aims to improve communication and self-awareness.
- Transpersonal Therapy Integrates spirituality and higher states of consciousness with psychology. It encourages growth beyond the individual self.
Approach Description: Moving beyond the limits of language, we utilize Somatic Focusing and Sandplay to address "unspeakable" trauma and the somatic impact of systemic harm. Through Bibliotherapy and the study of radical texts, we collaboratively dismantle carceral narratives to rewrite your life’s testimony. We provide a shame-free sanctuary rooted in radical harm reduction and relational liberation, welcoming diverse relationship structures and those navigating dependency. Rejecting traditional compliance-based models, our approach prioritizes your absolute autonomy and the reclamation of your soul.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 125
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Sliding scale based upon financial need
- Accepts Insurance
- Accept all major insurance panels
Education & Credentials
Dr. L A McCrae LCADC, FOT, CCTP, CCTSA
- Male, Non-Binary
- License # LCA3399
- Licensed in Maryland
- Practicing Since 2019
Education: My academic background bridges the academy and the frontline. I am currently completing a PhD at Morgan State University My foundation in Political Science and Africana Studies (University of Tennessee) is bolstered by specialized training from Harvard, Coppin State, and CCBC.
Dr. L A McCrae Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Catonsville, MD 21228 and Catonsville, MD 21228
- Available Online for residents of Multiple States Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York
- Online Therapy Details: Teletherapy through Zoom
Orange Oasis Healing is a high-capacity sanctuary grounded in the Black prophetic tradition and carceral abolition, where therapy is honored as an act of radical reclamation rather than clinical compliance. Led by a Black, queer, transmasculine, and neurodivergent scholar-practitioner, we partner with "Deep-Sea Divers"—the scholars, activists, and system-weary seekers—to dismantle the "head trash" of pathologizing systems and the medical model. We move beyond managing symptoms to map the geography of your lineage, power, and spirit, prioritizing your liberation and autonomy through intellectual rigor and somatic depth. Whether you are unmasking neurodivergence, navigating TBI recovery, or seeking a sanctuary for your queer identity, this practice exists for the heavy, holy work of rewriting your testimony and reclaiming a life that is truly free.