Counselling & Wellness
Thrive offers free one-on-one counselling for individuals who need personalized mental health support.
Please note that we do not provide couples counselling. Priority is given to participants from Winnipeg’s West End and Downtown communities.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988
Klinic Crisis Line (24/7): 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019
Weekdays 9-4
Virtual/phone available for accessibility.
“After I forgot how to survive, I found Thrive — now I’m becoming alive.”
A poem by Sam F., Thrive participant
“My counsellor is my saving grace.”
“She made me feel extremely safe and comfortable — I left knowing I could build myself back up.”
Providing free counselling to our community and offering student counsellors’ practicum opportunities reflects our dedication to fostering an equitable Winnipeg where everyone can Thrive.
Thrive Community Support Circle offers diverse mental health programs that foster healing, resilience, and empowerment.
Our Anger Management Program provides tools for emotional regulation, while our Gender Based Support Circles create safe spaces for peer connection, volunteering and growth.
The Mind and Body Wellness Program is accessible via Zoom, promoting holistic well-being. Empowerment and Advocacy initiatives equip individuals with the skills and confidence to navigate life’s challenges.
Thrive is a practicum site for Master of Counselling and Social Work students.
Thrive provides hands-on learning opportunities while expanding mental health support for the community.
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 (work, home, school, and social)
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.
