ANC Alumnus Changing Lives by helping Children Overcome Mental Health problems at a young age
View(s):Gimhani Thaveesha Gunawardena is an accomplished Psychologist and the founder of ‘The Miracle Mind’ Center for Counseling & Psychological Services.
She is a proud alumnus of ANC Education and completed her Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Missouri University of Science & Technology, USA and her Msc. in Clinical & Health Psychology from University of West London at ANC which provided a valuable platform to launch a successful career in Psychology.
For the past 11 years she has been making great strides in the lives of children in Elementary School and Primary School through her expertise as a Behavioral and Psycho Therapist and Counselor for Children.
She has helped many school children under the age of 18 years to overcome depression, anxiety and deal with mental health issues caused by the demands and pressures placed by the education system, parental problems, peers and social media.
She also participates in many Mental Health awareness programs in the community, recently appearing in “Talkwalk Art TV’ that addressed children’s addictions to mobile phones, gaming and Internet and what parents can do to help their children overcome these addictions.
The numerous children that she has counseled over the years have grown up to become well rounded adults, highly accomplished in their careers while balancing family, work and life successfully.
One of her greatest accomplishments was becoming the Founder of “The Miracle Mind” Center for Counseling & Psychological Services in Mt. Lavinia. She launched her own Clinic in July 2020 after she completed her Master’s degree program in Clinical and Health Psychology (Msc) from University of West London (UWL), a Top 40 UK University and World-Class British qualification at ANC School of Postgraduate Education.
Gimhani is a proud mother of three children, career women and distinguished in her profession. We spoke to her about her journey to the top and this is what she had to say:
Why do you think children need counseling in today’s environment?
School Counselors are the first people to identify changes in children’s behavior, signs of depression, anxiety and these signs are addressed early on before they become serious. We use forms of art, music and play for children to express themselves in a relaxing and trusting environment.
Many of the students that I counseled over the years still visit me. They have overcome many difficulties and mental health problems as a result of consistent care and counseling.
Why did you choose a private / foreign higher education institute after A/levels? I looked at many private and local universities to pursue a degree in Psychology. However the decision to go with ANC Education was influenced by my father the chief decider, Dr. U.D. Gunawardena, and my mother that foresaw a clear path for me to be a qualified Psychologist through ANC Education.
How was the U.S Psychology degree program at ANC Education?
I am proud to have been one of the first students to join in 2004 in the first batch of U.S Psychology Degree Completion program in Sri Lanka awarded by Missouri University of Science & Technology in USA. The lecturers were excellent, and the U.S curriculum covered each aspect including Child Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Business Psychology, Clinical Psychology and more.
Did you ever think it would be difficult to establish a career in Psychology?
Today, Psychologists are in high demand. But in 2004 School Counseling was just starting and Psychology was very new in Sri Lanka. In this regard ANC is very futuristic and forward thinking. All credit goes to them for introducing a U.S Psychology Degree program even before it became popular.
ANC Psychology Degree program gave the opportunity to start an Internship as part of the curriculum which offered valuable experience in my field, and even before I graduated I received a job offer to work for my Alma Mater Musaeus College.
The decision to complete a Msc. in Clinical & Health Psychology from UWL to advance in my career was a tough decision as I had to balance between work, being a mother of three kids and a wife. But ANC and the UWL program was flexible and allowed me to balance my commitments.
UWL Master’s degree offered a wealth of knowledge to take a leap of faith to open my own Clinic and private practice and expand my reach and serve more children and families in Sri Lanka”.
For January 2021 enrolment intake Call 076-998-9635 to book an online counseling session, or visit www.ancedu.com or follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ancedu/ and “ANC_Education” on Instagram.