Thrive offers the service of two qualified Counselling Therapist at no charge.
No single approach is the right one for every individual, and so a Therapist is trained in a range of approaches including, but not limited to Attachment Focused Family Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Focusing, Group Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Satir Model, Emotion-Focused Therapy, etc. The most important and key part of any approach is that it is client led, meaning each person/couple/family will take the lead in deciding the path of their journey. Therapists also are trained to understand the impact of systems, i.e. medical, social, family systems and can understand that these systems are to be considered when exploring avenues for health and well being.
Here at Thrive we also provide Crisis Counselling. A crisis refers not just to a traumatic event or experience, but to an individual’s response to the situation. The events that trigger this crisis can run the gamut of life experience, from social hurdles to natural disasters to the death of a loved one. Crisis counselling is an intervention that can help individuals deal with the crisis by offering assistance and support.
We are here to help you.
We offer the services in:
Grief and Loss
Substance Abuse/Addictions
Parenting Concerns
Unplanned Pregnancy
Mindfulness
Mental Health Issues
My name is Sandakala Samarakone but most people prefer to call me “Sanda”. I have an Honors Degree for Psychological counselling (BA-Psy) from the University of South Africa and have been a member of CCPA since 2015. I also have additional certifications and training in Crisis Intervention, Mental Health, First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention, Skills Training, and Trauma.
I provide counselling therapy for individuals and couples, helping them to heal themselves using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Logotherapy and Brief and Solution focused therapy. I primarily use person-centered, strength-based approaches, as I strongly believe that individuals are the best experts on themselves and therefore in the best position to help themselves. Using this, I guide people to develop a recipe that works for themselves using their own ingredients. My role is to facilitate the process and see them through it by brain storming and teaching relaxation and meditation techniques in order to do so.
There is stigma when it comes to psychological issues and I personally believe that most of us experience challenging periods within different stages of life but very few take necessary steps to help themselves unless they’re pushed into it. If such problems are addressed timely and appropriately manner, individuals can avoid major breakdowns, and be allowed to pursue a much higher quality of life.
Having lived in Sri- Lanka, India, China, South Africa and Dubai has exposed me to a wide range of cultures which in turn allowed me to understand and appreciate the extent to which cultural context affects individuals. After having gained experience in Pretoria, counselling the local South African female population affected by the long reaching scars of apartheid, I moved to Dubai UAE and worked; conducting family/marriage counseling, stress and anxiety management. Additionally, I provided counselling for migrant domestic workers suffered from trauma caused by harassment and abuse. Before joining Thrive, I worked with special needs individuals, youth, and migrant communities in Winnipeg.
Working at Thrive has given me an opportunity to be part of the process of contributing to the psychological well-being of the society in Winnipeg. I consider it to be a privilege to be part of Thrive Community Circles as they serve the community and reach beyond barriers. It is my passion and privilege to support people through their difficult times and help them figure out how to manage their mental health. I find it highly rewarding to watch as they recover and take steps towards leading happier lives.
Hi, my name is Prabhjit (Penny) Gill. I started working with Thrive Community Support Circle in 2017 as a counselling therapist BSW, RSW. I am a registered Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers. I completed my Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba as well as have additional certification and training in Crisis Intervention, Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, and Trauma.
Everyone experiences problems and challenges which will vary depending on the individual, partner, family, or group. My role is to help individuals, families, and groups’ problem solve issues and cope with problems in their everyday lives.
I have been working in the community providing guidance and support to individuals. I do this through assessing their need, exploring problems and life factors, validating and normalizing feelings, listening attentively, being non-judgmental as well as sensitive to others needs (culturally and spiritually), exploring options, resources, and self care. In my experience I have worked within several areas such as, newcomers, at-risk youth, elderly, mental health, physical health, trauma, substance use, child welfare, relationships, crisis intervention, employment, housing, and education.
I strongly believe every individual is an expert of their own life. As a counselling therapist, being client centered my approaches are to guide individuals using problem solving, solution focused, and strengths based approaches to assist with facilitating positive change, empowering individuals to solve their own problems, promoting recovery and enhancing well being.
Crisis Support: Reaching out takes a great deal of courage. That courage comes from admitting and accepting the fact you need help, and that you are willing to take that first step. Our Crisis Support is here to help you.
Our counseling therapist will ensure you are well prepared to address and respond to any issue you have and want to discuss. We approach with empathy, and the desire to help.
We will see how you are and make sure you are safe. The counselling therapist will identify any risk by asking certain questions. She will never assume, and ensure your safety is always our priority. She will listen to you to get a better understanding of the crisis you are experiencing. The main role of our counselling therapist will be to actively listen and provide support. She may ask what caused you to contact us now, and what solutions you have tried so far. This will all be done with respect and acceptance.
The counselling therapist will help you form a plan that deals with your crisis and helps you move forward in the days and weeks ahead. This can be as simple as discussing self-care options, identifying a friend you can connect with or finding resources and services that can help you. If your issue is more complex, she may complete an intake and book you in for ongoing therapy.
Once a plan has been developed and your safety is ensured, she will invite you to contact us again if you need more support. She may also offer a follow-up call if you think it would be beneficial. A follow-up is where someone contacts you in a few hours or days to see how you are doing.
Our goal at the end of your conversation is that you felt heard, you have a plan, and you are in a better position to handle your crisis than when you first contacted us.
If you require childcare while attending therapy, respite spots in our licensed child care centre may be available for children 2 to age 5. After booking your appointment, please call Jess at 204-779-5093 to inquire about childcare space. Our childcare facility is located in a difference site from the therapy office, on the main floor at 100-475 Sargent Ave.
Therapy appointments can be made by calling the administration office at 204.772.9091. No-charge therapy is offered as part of our mandate to cultivate family life, empower individuals and grow community as an essential foundation to healthy living.
For Individuals * Kids * Families: call 204.772.9091 to book an Intake Appointment
Our offices are open 9:00 am to noon, closed for lunch, reopening at 1 pm to 4:00 pm – Monday to Friday
Our therapy service is offered free of charge, however, we do charge $25 for missed appointments.
Please call prior to your appointment to cancel or reschedule. Thank you
