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
No-charge counselling is offered as part of our mandate to cultivate family life, empower individuals and grow community.
When human beings experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for them to feel as though their lives are unraveling. The role of a counsellor is to explore different avenues to healing. Our goal is to assist clients to find healthy perceptions of themselves and therefore strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole and safe.
Our trained staff will ensure you are well prepared to address and respond to any issue you want to discuss. We approach our work with empathy and a desire to help. We will see how you are and make sure you are safe. Your counsellor will identify any risk by asking certain questions. We will never assume, and always ensure your safety is a priority. We will listen to get a better understanding of what you are experiencing. Our main role will be to actively listen and provide support. We 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.
We will help you form a safety plan that helps you to 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, we may complete an intake and book you in for ongoing counselling. Our goal at the end of our conversation is to ensure that you feel heard, that you have a plan, and that you are in a better position to handle your crisis than when you first contacted us.
Book a registration appointment: 204.772.9091
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am – 4 pm (closed noon to 1 pm for lunch)
Our counselling 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!
Counsellor
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 being trauma informed.
Everyone experiences problems and challenges of some kind. I have been working in the social services field for over 15 years, providing guidance and support to individuals in various areas. I help them understand their problems and issues through active listening, providing empathy, advocacy, and support, exploring options and resources, incorporating self-care while also being non-judgmental and sensitive to their needs (culturally and spiritually).
I strongly believe every individual is an expert of their own life. As a counsellor, being client centered, 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. Also, 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)
Specialized Therapist
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, respite spots in our licensed Childcare and Early Learning Centre may be available for children ages 2 to 5.
After booking your appointment, please call Karen at 204.779.5093.
The Childcare and Early Learning Centre is located on the main floor at 100-475 Sargent Ave.
