Melissa Ponic MSW, RSW, BA (H)- Psychology
Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist
About
Life can present complex challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Through therapy, we can work together to set meaningful goals, build resilience, and create positive change—helping you move toward a more fulfilling and balanced life. I am a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Social Work. I have been working in the mental health and addictions field since 2012, supporting individuals across a wide range of concerns. I completed additional training in EMDR, IFS, Somatic approaches, attachment-based work, and ADHD interventions. I am also a certified Clinical Traumatologist.
I specialize in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, trauma, addiction, ADHD, stress, self-harm, life transitions, attachment concerns, conflict, and grief. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs.
I integrate evidence-based therapies to support healing and lasting change. I am passionate about the work I do and am committed to supporting you in achieving and maintaining your therapeutic goals.
My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs. I integrate evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic approaches, and Solution-Focused Therapy to support healing and lasting change.
I am passionate about the work I do and am committed to supporting you in achieving and maintaining your therapeutic goals.
Credentials/Training
Credentials
(2012) Masters of Social Work
(2010) Bachelor of Health and Behaviour Sciences- Social Work with Honours
(2009) Bachelor of Arts- Psychology with Honours
Registrations
OCSWSSW
OASW
Training/Certifications
Certification as a Clinical Traumatologist (Traumatology Institute)
EMDR Basic Training
Clinical Counselling Hypnotherapist Practitioner (C.Hyp) Program- Trauma Specialist Certification- in progress
EMDR and Dissociation: The Progressive Approach (EMDR Advance Training and Distant Learning)
Polyvagal-Informed Treatment for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression & More
Intensive CBT Training (Unified CBT)
DBT Skills Training (LHSC)
DBT Foundation Training (Dr. Andrew Ekblad)
Certificate in DBT Chain Analysis and Validation Training (Behavioural Tech)
(2012) Masters of Social Work
(2010) Bachelor of Health and Behaviour Sciences- Social Work with Honours
(2009) Bachelor of Arts- Psychology with Honours
Registrations
OCSWSSW
OASW
Training/Certifications
Certification as a Clinical Traumatologist (Traumatology Institute)
EMDR Basic Training
Clinical Counselling Hypnotherapist Practitioner (C.Hyp) Program- Trauma Specialist Certification- in progress
EMDR and Dissociation: The Progressive Approach (EMDR Advance Training and Distant Learning)
Polyvagal-Informed Treatment for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression & More
Intensive CBT Training (Unified CBT)
DBT Skills Training (LHSC)
DBT Foundation Training (Dr. Andrew Ekblad)
Certificate in DBT Chain Analysis and Validation Training (Behavioural Tech)
Services
Consultation
A free 15 minute consultation by phone to ensure we are a good fit
Individual Counselling
Individual counselling services is a process between a therapist and client to improve quality of life, inspire change, self-growth and awareness. It can be utilized to address mental, emotional, physical, and behavioural issues.
F.A.Q
Confidentiality Policy
It is your right to have the information you disclose remain confidential. For this reason information you choose to disclose will remain strictly confidential, except where given written permission. While you have a right to confidentiality, some limitations to this apply including the following exceptions:
By law your counsellor is obligated to break confidentiality and report any information that is disclosed regarding intent to harm yourself, intent to harm someone else, and child abuse. Additionally, counsellor notes on sessions can be subpoenaed by a court of law.
By law your counsellor is obligated to break confidentiality and report any information that is disclosed regarding intent to harm yourself, intent to harm someone else, and child abuse. Additionally, counsellor notes on sessions can be subpoenaed by a court of law.
Cancellation Policy
Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists’ day that could have been filled by another client. As such, I require 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling or a full session fee will be charged. I am only able to waive the cancellation fee in the event of a medical emergency, the death of a loved one, or natural disaster.
Fees for Service
$180 per individual session
Claiming social work under insurance plans
Registered Social Work Services are covered under most insurance plans however check the details of your coverage prior to session. At the end of session I will provide a detailed receipt for your submission.
In Ontario, services provided by Registered Social Workers are considered a medical expense for tax purposes. You may be able to claim fees not covered by your extended health provider on your personal income tax.
Insurance plans I can bill directly include:
In Ontario, services provided by Registered Social Workers are considered a medical expense for tax purposes. You may be able to claim fees not covered by your extended health provider on your personal income tax.
Insurance plans I can bill directly include:
- Greenshield
- Canada Life
What if I can't afford the fee?
There are many agencies within the Windsor-Essex Community offering free and subsidized services:
- Windsor Essex Community Health Centre
- Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex
- Teen Health Centre
- Family Services Windsor Essex
- Sexual Assault Crisis Centre
- Hiatus House
- Hospice of Windsor
Contact
- 2525 Rose-Ville Garden Drive, Windsor, ON, Canada