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Manushi Hewa Pathirana (RP-Qualifying, MACP)

 CRPO # 23029

Languages: English and Sinhala

Postgraduate certification in Addictions and Mental Health - Humber College

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training - Crisis Prevention Institute

Who Manushi Works With

 

Manushi supports adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depressive symptoms, stress, burnout, low self-esteem, perfectionism, addiction-related concerns, procrastination, life transitions, relationship concerns, identity exploration, newcomer adjustment, cultural or bicultural identity concerns, and school- or work-related challenges. She is passionate about helping clients explore who they are beneath the surface, recognize the patterns that shape their lives, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Her work focuses on stress management, cultivating a supportive inner narrative, identifying and challenging unhelpful patterns, and strengthening relational skills. 

​Approaches Used

Manushi uses a holistic, client-centred, and collaborative approach to therapy, working with the client to identify therapeutic approaches tailored to the client's unique needs and challenges.

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Manushi's work is informed by:

 

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Mindfulness-based therapy

  • Motivational interviewing


Education and Training

Bachelor of Science - University of Toronto

Postgraduate certification in addictions and mental health - Humber College

Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training - Crisis Prevention Institute

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Affiliations

College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario 

Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association

Man Walking in Fields

My Story

Manushi’s interest in psychotherapeutic wellbeing began during her undergraduate studies, in a course called The Science of Wellbeing. Fascinated by the connection between mindfulness and positive therapeutic outcomes, she drew on her Buddhist background to experiment with mindfulness techniques in her own life, particularly in relation to her experiences with mental health struggles and addiction. As she experienced the benefits of mindfulness firsthand, she began applying its principles of nonjudgmental, compassionate, and curious awareness to identify unhelpful cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns and make meaningful changes.

 

She later supported individuals living with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as a resident support aide at a long‑term care facility. There, she quickly realized that meaningful change arose from the connections she built with residents: when offered an accepting, nonjudgmental, and curious space, they began to open up and show who they truly were. Inspired by witnessing these transformations directly, Manushi decided to pursue a career in psychotherapy.

 

Manushi helps clients understand who they are in light of their past experiences, clarify their current goals, identify roadblocks, and update patterns that may once have been helpful but now create obstacles. She is devoted to meeting clients where they are, while strengthening the connection between the mind and body and expanding the range of choices available to them.

Fun Facts

  • Dancing is Manushi’s favourite form of mindfulness and connecting to the collective experience. She can be found at a music festival or a venue with good live music.

  • Manushi likes to de-stress by spending time near a body of water, as it serves as an awe-inspiring experience. A reminder that our problems are tiny in comparison to the vastness of the ocean.

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