Caity Ponto Therapy

About Me

Research shows that people experience the most meaningful outcomes in counselling when there is a strong therapeutic alliance. In simple terms, this means working with a counsellor you trust—someone you feel understands you and your experiences. For me, an essential part of building that alliance is being genuine and open, including welcoming appropriate questions about who I am and how I work. With that in mind, I’d like to share a bit about myself.

I grew up in British Columbia and relocated to Manitoba in 2025. I am a proud mother of two boys, following a long infertility journey that ultimately led to a diagnosis of endometriosis. These personal experiences have shaped both who I am and how I show up as a counsellor—with empathy, curiosity, and deep respect for each person’s unique story.

Outside of my work, I enjoy cooking and listening to podcasts. I chose to become a counsellor because of a genuine desire to help people, and because I have a particular strength in helping clients make sense of their inner world. I enjoy working collaboratively to piece together past experiences, patterns, thoughts, and emotions so they begin to form a clearer picture.

My favourite moments in counselling are the “lightbulb” moments—when insight clicks, and clients realize that their feelings and behaviours make sense within the context of their life. It is often in these moments of understanding that meaningful and lasting change becomes possible.

Education & Professional Credentials

I earned my Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Applied Psychology, with a specialization in counselling, from Douglas College in 2015. I went on to complete my Master of Counselling Psychology at Adler University in 2017.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #15072) and a member of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselling. As a newcomer to Winnipeg, I am currently working toward my Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation. The RCC and CCC designations represent equivalent scopes of practice; the primary difference is that the RCC designation is governed provincially in British Columbia, while the CCC is governed at the national level.

My Approach to Counselling

I view each person as a unique individual and believe that therapy is most effective when it is collaborative and tailored specifically to you. Together, we will develop a treatment plan that reflects your goals, experiences, and needs.

Broadly speaking, my approach to counselling unfolds in two phases. The first phase focuses on psychoeducation and skill-building. During this stage, I help clients better understand emotions—their purpose, their importance, and how they influence daily life. I also introduce practical tools and strategies to help manage emotions that may feel overwhelming or difficult to regulate.

The second phase is more individualized and reflective. Together, we explore past experiences and learned patterns that may be contributing to current emotional distress or unhelpful behaviours. My role is to help you make sense of these patterns and support you in shifting maladaptive behaviours toward healthier, more adaptive ones.

While we cannot change what has happened in the past, we can work on how those experiences are held—by examining the memories, beliefs, and meanings attached to them. The ultimate goal of our work together is to improve your current functioning and help you move forward with greater understanding, flexibility, and self-compassion.