Dr. Magna Porterfield

Dr. Magna Porterfield is a licensed psychologist practicing in Alabama and Georgia. She holds a Georgia psychologist license (PSY001839) and an Alabama psychologist license (1971), and she has provided psychological services for 30 years while based in Alabama.

Her professional background includes roles in university settings as both a teacher and a counselor, as well as work in private practice. She has also traveled to share her expertise through lectures and workshops.

Dr. Porterfield’s primary clinical experience is with unipolar (but NOT bipolar) depression and with anxiety. She also has substantial experience helping people manage stress and regulate emotions. She does not take cases involving eating disorders, addictions, relationship problems, or sexuality concerns.

Her counseling style is warm, straightforward, and honest. She describes herself as a kind practitioner who genuinely wants to help those who are hurting. In treatment she does not spend extensive time processing the past, such as childhood experiences or past trauma, preferring instead to help clients take active steps in the present to address their challenges.

Dr. Porterfield emphasizes how thoughts influence emotions and behavior, drawing on principles from cognitive behavior therapy. She also considers lifestyle habits - including diet, rest, and exercise - when addressing mental and emotional health. At times she incorporates ideas from positive psychology to help clients identify and build on their strengths rather than only focusing on problems.

Working with Dr. Porterfield requires commitment and active participation from the client. She is willing to support individuals who are prepared to do their part in the therapeutic process and encourages taking that first step toward change.