Work experience
After beginning my career in community mental health as a Social Worker 20+ years ago, I have gained extensive experience in the areas of mental health and addiction. I have also worked with youth relating to a variety of issues including sexuality, abuse and relationships. For the past 19 years, I have worked in a tertiary care hospital with people living with mental health and addiction issues. I also facilitated groups in the community for people living with eating disorders.
In addition to my clinical work, I develop and deliver training and education about mental health and addiction to the public and private sectors.
Educational Background
- Bachelor of Social Work, Ryerson University, 1996
- Master of Social Work, York University, 2006
Additional Qualifications
I have received training in:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Attachment Theory
- Compassionate Inquiry
- Grief and bereavement
- Trauma
- Diversity
- Problematic Sexual Behaviour (hypersexuality)
I have extensive training in mental health and addiction. I have facilitated groups on grief, shame and eating disorders/disordered eating, overspending/shopping, gambling and problem technology use.
Memberships
Publications
Abstracts
Pont, L. & Ballon, B. Online gambling, online gaming and Internet overuse: Innovative approaches to assessment and treatment for transitional age youth. Journal of Behavioral Addictions 2-28-28-January 2013.
Kourgiantakis, T. & Pont, L. Problem Video Gaming and Complex Mental Health in Adolescents. Conference Paper. Children’s Mental Health Ontario. November 2015.
Guides/Manuals
Kourgiantakis, T., Sanders, J., Pont, L., McNeil, S. & Fang, L. Adolescent Problem Gambling: A Prevention Guide for Parents. Toronto, ON: CAMH Publications
Kourgiantakis, T., Weyman, M., Teasell, B. & Pont, L. Family Support and Psychoeducational Group Manual for Problem Gambling. Toronto, ON: CAMH Publications.
Articles
Littman-Sharp, N., Weiser, K., Pont, L., Wolfe, J., & Ballon, B. What if it’s Not about a Drug? (2014) Addiction as Problematic Behaviour. Fundamentals of Addictions: A Practical Guide for Counsellors.