Counselling & Wellness
Thrive offers free access to one-on-one counselling for those who need more personalized care. We also have a list of resources for those who are in immediate crisis and need to talk to someone immediately.
Call to make an appointment: 204.772.9091
Our counselling is no charge, but there may be a wait for services.
Weekdays 9-4 pm
Counselling Services are Currently FULL
204-772-9091
Our inclusive counselling services meet individuals where they are, empowering them on their journey toward growth and fulfillment, building a stronger community together.
Please call as soon as possible before your appointment to cancel or reschedule.
“After I forgot how to survive, I found Thrive — now I’m becoming alive.”
A poem by 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 counsellor’s practicum opportunities reflects our dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable downtown Winnipeg community.
We honour the diverse experiences of our community and work humbly to address the past and present inequities. Rooted in respect, dignity, and shared humanity, we are committed to creating a thriving Winnipeg where everyone has the opportunity to heal, grow, and be part of a community.
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 Men’s and Women’s Support Circles create safe spaces for peer connection and growth.
The Men’s Support Circle is open to all who identify as men, offering support and discussion on topics that matter.
The Mind and Body Wellness Program is accessible via Zoom, promoting holistic well-being. Our Art Program encourages self-expression through creativity, and our Empowerment and Advocacy initiatives equip individuals with the skills and confidence to navigate life’s challenges.
Thrive is also a practicum site for Master of Counselling students, providing 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 Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association since 2015.
I provide person-centered therapy and 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
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.
