This is Dr. Magna Porterfield's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Magna Porterfield

Offering therapy in AL
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

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!

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Jeffrey Bennett

Offering therapy in AL
License: M.Div.,L.M.F.T.
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoping with life changesADHD
30 years of experience

Hello. My name is Jeff Bennett. Thank you for reviewing my profile. I care. I believe I can help you. One reason I believe that is because of consistent positive feedback by the diverse many who I counsel in person. I have over 25 years of experience in face to face counsel as a professional therapist. Now I have expanded my availability online with Chat, LiveChat, Phone and Video. As you will read, I am available, present, comfortable, and received well professionally and personally in various settings and communities with diverse populations. Life is indeed challenging. I am learning from experience how important it is to regularly include support from wise and proven counselors. Therefore I dedicate extensive time and effort toward my heart's desire of being the best individual and professional psychotherapist I can be. I believe one of my gifts and purpose in life is to help others. To strengthen my skills toward my purpose, I seek and receive education and extensive rigorous training and supervision. Okay... honestly... some options I entered into very conflicted and begrudgingly. Then I continued to show much resistance. Eventually and not unusually, I discovered benefit and fruit and practicality, even from those teachings I first considered unredeemable. So now I am learning to be more open and embrace certain thoughts and teachings what I once judged and rejected. I find this also applies true for life experiences and events. Freshly reconsidering and contemplating, often through my daily meditating, I find and glean many unexpected beautiful gems, even from life memories of decades ago. Odd how much of life and events unfold. Very unpredictable. Most of those experiences of growth were very humbling for me. For the most part, these experiences of learning still are humbling as I continue to develop and become. These growth opportunities are not just from formal teachers. It seems there are growth opportunities from everyone I meet, and every event I experience. Therefore, if you discern to schedule with me, in our exchanges together, I too will very likely be learning along side you. I intentionally as well as serendipitously benefit from an assortment of active steps to better develop my inner resources and therapeutic skills. This includes personally receiving counsel from professional therapists. Yes. I benefit from that too. I wasn't just born with these skills. LOL. While there may be individuals around each and all of us that could and do help us in multiple ways, I believe everyone would still benefit at least from some counsel through a professional. It continues to be a great help for me. Without exception. I am confident in saying that the benefits from any and all counsel will nurture a continuous unfolding of life-long lasting positive and diverse outcomes. In my life's quest for healing, betterment and enrichment, I even spent time in a seminary. But don't worry. I definitely know that I am not 'holier than thou'. I believe the experience gave me something uniquely good, that for me, I was not able to find elsewhere. Again, I learned much there, and from many resources beyond the extensive readings required in that setting. FYI, I am cisgender and an ally and stand proud. My professional history has given me an opportunity of meeting many individuals with varying and diverse lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, ages, politics, faiths, experiences and challenges. For example, I have worked with many individuals who are committed to a 12 step program. These individuals are those who strive for recovery due not just to substance addiction, but also from events, traumas, relationships, childhood experiences, chemical imbalances and behavior challenges. I also have worked with individuals presented with dual (two together) diagnosis such as with chemical imbalances with a substance addiction, or depression along with anxiety issues. My professional experience lead me also to many diverse places. These places include general as well as specialized inpatient psychiatric hospitals. One psychiatric hospital specializes in 'forensic' patients, those who are waiting to stand trial for felony charges but deemed by a judge to be mentally incompetent to stand trial. I worked with the treatment team to help the individual be mentally competent to stand trial. I served in many hospitals as a chaplain. I served on a military base for those active duty military and their families as a Military Family and Life Consultant. I have accepted special assignments. These assignments involve debriefing individuals and groups on location in the community and workplaces when criminal, tragic, violent, accidental, or hate driven events happen. If you even contemplate a little that you might benefit from counsel in one form or another, I encourage you to somehow find it within yourself to take courageous steps and secure professional counsel. Secure that support you need to take those steps. Enjoy unique experiences in your life that you believe will help you personally grow within yourself and relationships, in your mental, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing and healings, as well as toward your professional development. Then I encourage you to share liberally with others in opportune moments from your own gleaning experiences. If you consider that I might be part of your quest for betterment and enriched sense of self, relationships, healing and living, then I am honored. Please subscribe. Select my name as your professional counselor. Begin chat immediately. Additionally included in your subscription is your ability to self schedule private one on one LiveChat, phone or video sessions. These virtual private sessions definitely add significant value to your experience and outcomes. It is very easy to subscribe and get started. There is even live technical support there too to assist you as needed. So... 'Let's Talk'. I appreciate and respect you. My heartfelt desire is to help you make the most out of your life and circumstances. Use resources available to you. In all you think, recall, do, decide, feel, and are with, do it more mindfully. Live with kind purposeful intention and congeniality even within yourself. Live with daily self care, perhaps an even simpler life, and with inner peace. I care. Jeff

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This is La-Shieka Brooks's avatar and link to their profile

La-Shieka Brooks

Offering therapy in AL
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

Hello! My name is La-Shieka and I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults and families for over five years. I've primarily worked in an inpatient psychiatric and behavioral environment and through the years I have learned that sometimes all it takes is a safe space and safe person to get you through a tough situation. My therapy style is client-centered (it's all about YOU) and holistic with some humor sprinkled in. I believe a person is more than just the decisions that they have made or the events that have happened to them. Therapy is one of the hardest decisions a person can choose to do. There will be tears, moments of silence, serious conversations, laughter and moments of relief. You just have to trust the process and trust that WE are in this TOGETHER! I can’t wait to meet you and see you down this journey!!

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This is Rebecca Shaughnessy's avatar and link to their profile

Rebecca Shaughnessy

Offering therapy in AL
License: MA,MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am so glad you made it to my page today as you are deciding who to choose for your therapist. I would like to share with you a little about me and my approach. I have a passion for helping those in need find their inner strength and resilience. We all have it within us to find solutions to our problems; sometimes we just need some guidance. Are you at the point where saying "I just need to try harder" or "I used to be able to" is just not working? I offer an integrative, client-centered approach to counseling. Our work together will be collaborative in nature. Just one small step is all it takes to begin the process of change. If you are struggling, reach out to me and we will begin the process together. Building a strong therapeutic relationship may be the bridge between who you are now and who your are yet to become. I work with a variety of issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, mood disorders, OCD, panic disorder, and women's issues. Whatever is going on, let's explore together!!!

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This is Matthew Heard's avatar and link to their profile

Matthew Heard

Offering therapy in AL
License: Lpc, NCC ,MS, LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama and have been in private practice since 2013. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Jennifer Maddox's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Maddox

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Daphne Hart's avatar and link to their profile

Daphne Hart

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Anna Shinn's avatar and link to their profile

Anna Shinn

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am a nationally certified counselor and am licensed as a professional counselor in Alabama with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, couple's conflicts, confidence, substance use, and severe mental illnesses. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Dr. Clarissa Tibbs's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Clarissa Tibbs

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 13 years of experience in assessment, career counseling, helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I ascribe to a client-centered approach that utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Taking the necessary steps to seek counseling requires a tremendous amount of courage and I commend you for taking those steps! I look forward to the work that we will embark upon together in your healing journey.

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This is Summer Morton's avatar and link to their profile

Summer Morton

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Coker

Finding the best therapist close by in Coker can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Coker. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Coker, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Coker or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Coker area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Coker, elsewhere in Tuscaloosa, or in the greater state of Alabama.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Coker area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Coker therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Coker due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Coker may not take health insurance, some in the state of Alabama may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Alabama you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Coker, Alabama working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Coker above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Coker helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Coker therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Coker therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Coker therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in AL, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 35452 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Coker counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Coker licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Coker, Alabama can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Coker has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Coker.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Coker:

35452

Popular cities near Coker, AL

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