Manushi Hewa Pathirana
RP-Qualifying, MACP Practicum Student
CRPO # 23029
Certification in Addictions and Mental Health - Humber College
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training - Crisis Prevention Institute
Manushi works with clients navigating anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, adhd and addiction-related concerns. She also supports individuals struggling with self-esteem, relationships, and significant life changes. Her background includes crisis intervention at Halton Women's Place, supporting women through difficult and vulnerable circumstances, as well as working with individuals living with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Manushi's work is informed by:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Somatic and Mindfulness-based approaches
Approach
Manushi's approach draws on CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and her training in DBT. She helps clients explore how their thoughts, emotions, and experiences influence their responses, while developing practical skills to manage difficult emotions, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and build greater self-awareness. Her experience in crisis intervention, alongside her background in mental health and addictions, informs her trauma-informed approach.
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
Affiliations
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association
My Story
Manushi’s interest in psychotherapy began during her undergraduate studies, where she became interested in the connection between mindfulness and psychological well-being. Drawing from her Buddhist background, she began exploring mindfulness in her own life and became interested in how nonjudgmental awareness can help identify patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and create opportunities for change.
Her path into mental health care continued through work with individuals living with dementia and Parkinson’s disease, followed by postgraduate training in Addictions and Mental Health. Manushi later worked as a Crisis Intervention Counsellor at Halton Women’s Place, supporting women experiencing crisis through emotional support, risk assessment, safety planning, conflict resolution, and de-escalation.
These experiences have become part of the perspective Manushi brings to psychotherapy. She helps clients understand themselves in light of their past experiences, clarify what they want to change, identify roadblocks, and recognize patterns that may once have been helpful but are now creating obstacles.
Fun Facts
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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.
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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.
