rae mcdaniel, Med, lcpc, cst

(they/them)

Rae is our CEO.

Languages: English

* Welcome *

You want to feel calm, confident, and powerful in your own, unique skin in a world that doesn't always celebrate who you are. You want to do more than just survive and you need ideas and tools to help you get there. You want to feel free and happy without feeling like you have to hide parts of yourself. You want to feel like you have room to breathe. I’m here to walk beside you on your journey and help you unearth the resiliency you already have. 

* My Focus *

I work with folks feeling anxious and lost about a transition they're experiencing in sex, gender, sexual identity, or relationships. As a non-binary person, my clinical focus is on helping transgender/non-binary folks transition with less suffering and more ease. I specialize in working with queer and trans folks, with a focus on identity development, trauma, and anxiety. I am polyam- and kink-affirming and love working with sex workers. I also am passionate about working with entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, helping them address what is holding them back from their goals. 

* My Approach *

As a feminist therapist, I work collaboratively with my clients to define their goals and move through whatever barriers they may be experiencing to meet them. My clinical style is warm and collaborative, as well as compassionately challenging, helping you locate and build upon the strengths you already have in your life in order to create change while challenging behaviors and thoughts that aren't working. I use modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness. 

* My Philosophy on Therapy *

I use an intersectional lens, helping you identify what systems have been working against you and defining how to bring more agency into your life. I believe trauma lives in the body and I have a focus on identifying how past trauma is currently impacting how you show up in the world. We will look at how your body, emotions, and brain are working together to both help and hurt you and identify coping strategies that help you move toward your goals with ease, curiosity, and pleasure. 

* Credentials & EXPERIENCE *

• LCPC in IL

• CST through AASECT

• MEd in Counseling, DePaul University

Before founding Practical Audacity, I worked as a full-time therapist and Chief Operating Officer of a large LGBTQ+ counseling practice in Chicago.

During my time at DePaul, I completed my clinical internship with Heartland Alliance International-FACES, working primarily with Iraqi, Burmese, and Nepali refugees and torture survivors

* More About Me *

I am a white, transgender/non-binary, queer, chronically ill, nondivergent individual. I live with my partner and dog, Gizmo, who might actually be a Gremlin. I love travel, coffee, Sunday farmer’s markets, the woods, great design, artistry, and a good glass of whiskey. You can find me reading novels and Brain Pickings on a Saturday morning.