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
I am Sandakala Samarakone , most people prefer calling me “Sanda”. I have an Honors Degree in Psychological counselling (BA- Psy) from the University of South Africa and have been a member of CCPA since 2015.
I provide therapy and counselling for individuals, couples and families. I prefer to use a combination of different approaches in therapy sessions depending on the client’s personality, desires and the mental health situation. My methods include, mindfulness (engaging breathing techniques), solution focused brief therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and EMDR (Eye movement desensitisation 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.
Training
- 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 behavior in Youth.
My name is Prabhjit (Penny) Gill. I have been working with Thrive Community Support Circle since 2017 as a Counselling Therapist BSW, RSW. I am a registered Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers (MCSW). I completed my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) 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, Being Trauma Informed, and in the midst of developing others to continuously grow and learn.
Everyone experiences problems and challenges which will vary. I have been working in the social services for over 15 years providing and guidance support to individuals. I help others by understanding their problems and issues through attentively listening, providing empathy, exploring options and resources, incorporating self-care while being non-judgmental as well as sensitive to others needs (culturally and spiritually).
I strongly believe every individual is an expert of their own life. As a counselling therapist, being client centered and strengths based I use a variety of approaches to navigate life’s challenges such as, setting goals and achieving them to feel satisfied and successful. Also, to facilitate positive change, empower individuals to solve their own problems, promote recovery, and enhance well-being.
Common issues individuals and areas I have worked with are the following:
- Grief and Loss
- Pregnancy and Parenting
- Alcohol and Drug Use and Addictions
- Trauma
- Domestic Violence
- Mental Health (Anxiety, Depression, Suicide, Self-Harm, and Injury)
- Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
- Self-Esteem
- Communication Skills
- Relationships
- Advocacy
- Stress
- Life’s changes and transitions (Work, Home, School, and Social)
There are areas beyond my capacity and limited experience in however, if outside my scope of practice will explore other community resources and if outside business hours will refer externally to Crisis Resources. Lastly, I also facilitate several programs and workshops on a variety of topics.
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 therapists 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. They will never assume, and ensure your safety is always our priority. They 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. They 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, they may complete an intake and book you in for ongoing therapy.
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.
The following list is for immediate care:
- For immediate help call 911
- Klinic Crisis Line: 1-888-322-3019 or 204-786-8686
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line In Winnipeg: 204- 786-8631 / Toll Free in Manitoba: 1-888-292-7565 / TTY: 204-784-4097
- Mobile Crisis Unit: 204-940-1781
- Crisis Response Centre @817 Bannatyne Avenue (this is a drop-in service only)
- Reason to live – Manitoba Suicide and Prevention Support Line: 1-877-435-7170 and at www.reasontolive.ca
- First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line (toll-free, 24 hours/day)Call 1-855-242-3310
- Kids Helpline 1-800-668-6868
If you require childcare while attending therapy, respite spots in our licensed Childcare Centre may be available for children ages 2 to 5. After booking your appointment, please call Karen, 204.779.5093. Carechild Centre located 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
