- CBT principles
- Solution-focused steps
- Lifestyle factors
About Magna
Dr. Magna Porterfield is a psychologist licensed in Georgia and Alabama with 30 years of experience. She has worked in university settings as a teacher and counselor and in private practice. Her main areas include depression, anxiety, stress, anger, grief, self-esteem, career concerns, and coping with life changes.
Porterfield focuses on practical steps people can take now. She does not spend much time processing childhood history or past trauma. Instead she helps clients notice how their thoughts influence feelings and actions and encourages concrete changes in daily routines like sleep, exercise, and diet.
Her style is straightforward and kind. She expects clients to take an active role and complete between-session work. Sessions emphasize clear goals and measurable steps rather than long discussion of past events.
Clinically, she draws on cognitive behavioral therapy principles to connect thinking patterns with mood and behavior. She also uses solution-focused ideas to help clients set achievable short-term objectives and build on small successes.
She has particular experience helping people with unipolar depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and managing strong emotions such as anger. She does not work with bipolar disorder, eating disorders, addictions, relationship problems, or sexuality concerns.
Her background includes lecturing and running workshops in addition to clinical care. People often seek her out when they want a practical, goal-oriented approach to reduce stress, manage mood, or regain control over daily functioning.
How her approaches translate to online work
Dr. Porterfield uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people see the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. CBT sessions focus on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and practicing new ways of responding, which can reduce anxiety, low mood, and anger outbursts.She also draws on solution-focused therapy to set short-term, concrete goals. This approach centers on small, achievable steps and tracking progress, which can help when someone wants quick, practical changes to daily routines or coping strategies.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. She will discuss goals, habits, and preferences with each person and together decide which methods fit best. That collaboration guides whether sessions emphasize thought records, behavioral experiments, or short-term goal plans.
The original biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, allow shorter weekly check-ins, and reduce travel time. It can also help focus on changes to everyday habits like sleep, exercise, and routine without requiring long absences from work or family time.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Alabama, Georgia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, anger, self-esteem, career concerns, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include forgiveness and mood disorders.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is straightforward and goal-oriented. She encourages active participation and practical steps rather than lengthy exploration of the past.
How much experience does she have?
She has 30 years of experience working in university settings, private practice, and teaching and presenting workshops.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Georgia Psychologist, GA Psychologist PSY001839, and an Alabama Psychologist, AL Psychologist 1971, and is located in Georgia.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.