Davita Ponak (Mann)

Our process will often start with helping you develop or polish your tools and coping strategies. Then, from this place of increased stability, we can decide if we’d like to do the deeper work. Addressing the origins may involve exploring the patterns you witnessed and experienced in your family growing up, how these have translated into beliefs and patterns for you in adulthood, and particularly how you relate to and communicate emotions in your relationships. Whether you want to delve into the family influences or trauma that impacted you, or prioritize managing your symptoms, we will work together to determine what focus and approaches suit you. While I draw on a variety of therapeutic approaches based on your needs and preferences, my early training was in short-term, solution-focused therapy at a not-for profit organization, where I got experience working with a wide variety of concerns and people from all different walks of life. I primarily use an Emotion-Focused Therapy lens with couples, which I developed while at a group practice specializing in couples therapy. I also have advanced training Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which is an evidence-based alternative or addition to talk therapy. It uses eye movements to produce quick and long-lasting improvement with many different concerns, without requiring you to verbally share all the details of traumatic events. My recent interest is in Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed work. My husband and fellow psychologist Dave Ponak and I co-founded Ponak Psychology, located in Calgary's inner city. It's important to us to create a comfortable environment for therapy, and finding the right fit for your psychologist is a key ingredient in effective therapy. I offer free 15-minute phone consultations for prospective clients to help us find out if we are a good fit before we commit to working together. Please contact me to inquire, or visit https://ponakpsychology.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/1 to book or view appointment times.