I am a psychologist who is licensed in both the states of Alabama and Georgia and I have had the opportunity to work in the field of psychology for several years. I have worked in the both university settings (as a teacher and counselor) as well as in private practice. I have also had the opportunity to travel and share my knowledge through lectures and workshops. I have the most experience in helping people who struggle with unipolar (but NOT bipolar) depression and anxiety. I also have a considerable amount of experience in working with individuals who have problems with managing stress and managing their emotions. I do not work with issues such as eating disorders, addictions, relationship problems or sexuality concerns.
My counseling style is warm, but also straightforward and honest. I consider myself to be a kind person. and I truly desire to help those who are hurting. In my work with people, I do not spend much time processing the past (i.e., childhood experiences, past trauma, etc.). I believe that true healing comes when individuals take active steps in the therapy process and focus on what they can do in their "present" situation to address their challenges. In my work with clients, I focus on helping them understand how their thoughts impact their emotions and their behavior - principles from the field of cognitive behavior therapy. I also look at the impact of lifestyle habits - diet, rest, exercise, etc. - on mental/emotional health. In addition, I sometimes utilize concepts and strategies from the area of positive psychology, which helps people identify and enhance their strengths (as opposed to merely focusing on people's weaknesses "abnormalities," so to speak).
Do you need a helping hand? I would love to be that "hand" and help you make those changes. Working with me will take commitment and will require you to not be just a "passive participant," so to speak, in your healing and recovery. If you are willing to do your part, I am here for you and would love to work with you. All it takes is that first step and you can make that step today!
Additional areas of focus: Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Forgiveness, Mood disorders
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy
AL Psychologist 1971
GA Psychologist PSY001839
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Magna Porterfield. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Dr. Porterfield has been an amazing asset in my life since starting therapy. I appreciate her approach towards everything. She is very easy to talk to and is really good at validating how i am feeling while also correcting when needed. She is firm in her faith and knows scriptures very well. I love that everything she says to me has biblical truths behind it. I thank God for her so many times and I wish she did long term therapy so i could have her forever.
Written on Nov 19, 2024 after therapy with Magna for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Amazing kind hearted, competent, caring, empathetic and sympathetic therapist. I am so happy I found her because I had to go through two other therapist to find my match. Dr. Porterfield is the best.
Written on Apr 30, 2024 after therapy with Magna for 1 month on issues concerning grief, and coping with life changes
Always fast to reply and gives great advice towards my bettering. Always enjoy our sessions and can find great help in her words and suggestions.
Written on Apr 16, 2024 after therapy with Magna for 3 months on issues concerning depression, self esteem, and adhd
Dr Porterfield was an immeasurable help to me. She was able to help me with many aspects of my day to day life and also helped to explore deeper avenues of my thoughts and beliefs that I felt were previously too difficult to address. I couldn't be more pleased with the process. Thank you Dr Porterfield.
Written on Nov 12, 2023 after therapy with Magna for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and adhd
My sessions with Dr. Porterfield were very helpful and help me greatly to understand my feelings and how to improve.
Written on Apr 10, 2023 after therapy with Magna for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
For an engineer that is always seeking solutions and a logical way to think things through she has helped me deal with my anxiety with amazing success.
Written on Mar 08, 2023 after therapy with Magna for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and career difficulties