Counselling & Wellness
Thrive offers free counselling for individuals who need personalized mental health support.
Priority is given to participants from Winnipeg’s West End and Downtown communities, single parents and caregivers. Space is limited.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 Klinic Crisis Line (24/7): 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019
Partnership with Sara Riel for Men’s Mental Health and Community Navigation
Through our partnership with Sara Riel, Thrive hosts counsellors who provide support with men’s mental health, and navigation support workers who help with housing concerns, and connecting individuals to community resources.
Training Future Helping Professionals
As a practicum placement site for Master’s-level Counselling and Social Work students, Thrive provides meaningful, hands-on learning experiences while increasing the availability of mental health services in our community. This approach strengthens both today’s supports and tomorrow’s workforce.
Together, these services help create stronger individuals, healthier families, and a more connected community.
Mental Health, Counselling, and Community Support in Winnipeg
At Thrive Community Support Circle, we believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, barrier-free mental health support.
Through free counselling, wellness programs, peer support, and student practicum opportunities, we are helping build a healthier, more connected Winnipeg where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Thrive offers free counselling services to individuals and families facing life’s challenges. By serving as a practicum site for Master’s-level Counselling and Social Work students, we expand access to mental health support while helping train the next generation of helping professionals
Mental Health and Wellness Programs
Our programs are designed to support healing, connection, and personal growth:
Empowerment and Advocacy Supports – Helping individuals build confidence, access resources, and navigate complex systems.
Anger Management Program – Practical tools for emotional regulation, healthy communication, and coping with stress.
Support Circles – Safe, welcoming spaces that encourage peer connection, volunteer engagement, and mutual support.
Mind and Body Wellness Program – A virtual wellness group offered through Zoom that promotes mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Counsellors
Prabhjit (Penny) Gill
I’m a registered Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers (MCSW). I completed my Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba, as well as additional certification and training in crisis intervention, mental health first aid, applied suicide intervention skills training, and use a trauma-informed approach.
I strongly believe every individual is an expert of their own life. As a counsellor, being client-centred, I use a variety of ways to help clients navigate life’s challenges such as having them share their story, set goals, and achieve them to feel satisfied and successful. I work to facilitate positive change, empower these individuals to solve their own problems, promote their recovery, and enhance their well-being.
AREAS OF FOCUS:
Grief and loss
Substance Use and Addictions
Trauma
Domestic violence
Mental Health (anxiety, depression, suicide, self-harm, and injury)
Mindfulness and self-compassion
Self-Esteem
Advocacy and Support
Stress Management
Life’s choices, changes, and transitions
Sandakala (Sanda) Samarakone
I have an honors degree in psychological counselling (BA-Psy) from the University of South Africa and have been a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association since 2015.
I provide person-centered counselling using a combination of different approaches (CBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, etc.) depending on the client’s personality, desires and the mental health situation. My methods include mindfulness (engaging breathing techniques), solution focused brief counselling, cognitive behavior therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I primarily use person-centered, strength-based approaches, as I strongly believe that individuals are the best experts on themselves. Based on the above principles, I guide people to develop a recipe that works best for them using their own ingredients. My role is to facilitate the process and see them through it by brainstorming and teaching relaxation techniques to find space in their brain and provide subtle suggestions when needed after a very active listening process encompassed with empathy.
AREAS OF FOCUS:
Mindfulness based training
Mental health first aid
Applied suicide intervention skills training
Trauma informed care
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Dialectical behaviour therapy
EMDR
Crisis intervention
Self injurious behaviour in youth
Because our counselling is no charge, there may be a wait for services.
Need Child Care?
If you require child care while attending counselling sessions, a spot in our licensed Early Learning Centre may be available for children ages 2 to 5.
After booking your appointment, please call Karen at 204.779.5093.
The centre is located on the main floor at 100-475 Sargent Ave.
