- Direct and kind approach
- Focus on present steps
- Emphasizes strengths
About Magna
She most often helps people with unipolar depression and anxiety and with managing strong emotions and daily stress. She does not work with eating disorders, addictions, relationship problems, or sexuality concerns. Her approach centers on actions clients can take now rather than long reviews of distant past events.
Her style is warm and kind, yet direct and straightforward. She asks for active engagement from clients and favors steps people can try between sessions. She emphasizes how thoughts influence feelings and behavior and uses ideas from cognitive behavioral therapy to make that clear.
Dr. Porterfield also attends to lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and diet as part of emotional health. She draws on solution-focused ideas and positive psychology to help people notice strengths and set realistic goals. This practical mix aims to give clear tools for daily life.
If someone is ready to take an active role in change, she encourages that first step. She welcomes international clients and offers sessions from her Georgia practice for people who want focused, action-oriented support.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Credentials
Alabama, Georgia
Languages
English
How CBT and Solution-Focused Work Remotely
Dr. Porterfield uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people see how thoughts shape feelings and actions. CBT here means identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, testing them with small experiments, and practicing different responses to lower anxiety or depression. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes clear, short-term goals and small steps clients can try between sessions to build momentum.Finding the best approach is collaborative. She will work with each person to decide whether CBT, solution-focused techniques, or a mix makes the most sense. That choice is based on the person’s needs, goals, and preferences rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.
Many people find online work helpful because it can fit into busy days and reduce travel time. Online sessions can make it easier to keep appointments during work breaks, handle quick check-ins, or follow up on homework between meetings. The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. The focus is practical tools and steps clients can use in everyday life, even when sessions happen remotely.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, anger, self-esteem, career concerns, and mood disorders. Forgiveness work is also a focus area.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is warm but straightforward and honest. She asks clients to take active steps and focuses on practical change in the present.
What is her professional background?
She has 30 years of experience, has worked in university teaching and counseling roles, delivered lectures and workshops, and maintained private practice work.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is listed as a Georgia Psychologist PSY001839 and an Alabama Psychologist 1971, and practices from Georgia.
Can people who live outside the U.S. work with her?
Yes. She accepts international clients and offers sessions to people outside the United States.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current session options before booking.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist's availability.