Meraki (μεράκι pronounced mer-ah-ki) is a Greek word meaning “to do something with passion, soul, creativity, and love; to put something of yourself into your work.”
As a woman of Greek ethnicity, the name Meraki symbolizes not only a piece of who I am personally, but also how I show up to the work that I do.
The Psi (Ψ) symbol represents the psyche (also known as the mind or soul), encompassed by a badge to symbolize protection and integrity. As a police officers wife and therapist who regularly works with the first responder, military and veteran population, I have a deep appreciation for their extraordinary acts of courage, sacrifice, and resiliency.
Hanah Atkinson
Private Practice Owner & Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist (MSW, RSW)
Counselling & Psychotherapy Services Virtually Across Ontario & In-Person located in Fergus, ON
About
I am a registered social worker providing individual counselling and psychotherapy services virtually to individuals residing in Ontario, Canada, and in person located in Fergus, Ontario. I started my private practice in March 0f 2023, recognizing the growing need for mental health services in our community.
I have earned a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood & Social Institutions from the University of Western Ontario, as well as Certificates in Criminal Justice, Indigenous Studies of Canada, and several therapeutic certifications and trainings which inform the work that I do.
I started my career working with young offenders serving court appointed sentences in a secure custody facility. I then transitioned to working with youth and their families who were involved in the child welfare system. I worked in several residential treatment centres, addiction services, the school board, and in behavioural analysis. My passion for supporting those with mental health and addiction difficulties continued while working in the community through counselling agencies and a family health team, where I provided counselling to children, youth, adults, and seniors. My most recent experience includes working in a psychiatric and addictions hospital. I supported patients with mood and anxiety disorders, as well as uniformed professionals such as police officers, military members, and veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders. I have taken specialized training and have experience working with this population through individual and group therapy in the Traumatic Stress Injury & Concurrent Program-Guardians Stream, at the Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, ON. Currently, I work with teens (13+), adults, and seniors in my private practice.
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In addition to my professional work experiences, I have also had the privilege to travel abroad to many countries across Southeast and South Asia, El Salvador, and the United Kingdom to take part in researching political and social justice issues, access to rights and participation, as well as to teach English and provide support to local communities. I have a deep appreciation for holistic approaches and non-western traditions that I have learned over the years, specifically from mindfulness and meditation work. I enjoy being able to pull from several therapeutic modalities and strategies to help support my clients.
Hanah Atkinson
Practice Owner
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
(MSW, RSW)
Reaching out for support amidst life’s challenges is a courageous step towards your journey of self-growth and healing. During our time together, we will explore the challenges you are facing while working collaboratively to achieve your goals, and build upon the strengths and qualities that you already possess.
Services Offered
Individual treatment for teens and adults, ages 13+
I offer in person services located in Fergus, Ontario, and virtual services (phone/video) to individuals residing anywhere in Ontario.
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Sessions are typically 50 minutes long to allow for documentation and rescheduling at the end of session. Fees vary according to the time and nature of the service involved. Please reach out for more information.
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It is important that you feel comfortable with your therapist.
I offer a free 15 minute consultation to ensure that we are a good fit for each other.
Areas of Focus
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Mood & Anxiety Disorders
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Personality Disorders
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Substance/Behavioural Addiction
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Dissociative Identity Disorder
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Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth
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Chronic Pain
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Burnout & Compassion Fatigue
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Suicidal Ideation
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Grief & Loss
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Attachment Difficulties
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Family & Relationship Dynamics
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Perfectionism
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First Responders, Military Members, & Veterans
Insurance
Many extended health insurance benefit plans cover up to a certain amount for counselling and psychotherapy services. This service is not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Reach out to your insurance provider to confirm that they cover services offered by a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
You will be provided with a receipt which has all of the information needed to submit to your insurance provider.
Individual Treatment for Youth (13+)
I began working in the field primarily supporting children, youth, and their families in settings such as the school board, applied behavioural analysis, counselling agencies, and child welfare. I bring a warm, laid-back, and approachable style to my work— which is especially important when supporting teens who often need to feel safe, understood, and not judged in order to open up. My teen clients tell me that they enjoy the flexibility of our sessions, as well as the wide range of activities I like to bring into therapy - such as colouring, painting, board games, fidget toys and grounding tools... all to be utilized while we work together! ​​​
Individual Treatment for Adults/Seniors
I have experience providing psychotherapy to adults and seniors across a range of care settings, including a psychiatric and addictions hospital, a family health team, several private practice settings, and within the child welfare system. My approach is respectful and collaborative, grounded in evidence-based practices and a deep appreciation for each client’s lived experience.
Individual Treatment for First Responders, Military Members &, Veterans
I offer individual treatment tailored to the unique needs of first responders, military members, veterans, and their loved ones. I have completed training through Wounded Warriors, Atlas Institute, and through Homewood Health Centre where I worked in the Traumatic Stress Injury Concurrent Disorders Program, Guardians Stream. I have worked with uniformed professionals experiencing PTSD, depression, anxiety, moral injury, occupational stress injuries, and more. I am committed to helping these individuals build upon the resilience they already possess, find balance in everyday life, and regain control of their mental and emotional well-being.
Therapeutic Approach
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A treatment that considers the impact of our thoughts and behaviours on how we feel both physically and emotionally.
Integrative Trauma & Attachment Treatment Model (ITATM)
An integrative approach using sensory processing, art, somatics, cognitive theory, resource installation, bilateral stimulation and sensory regulation to help people heal from traumatic experiences.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
A type of cognitive behavioural therapy used to treat PTSD by challenging and replacing unhelpful thoughts relating to traumatic experiences that keep people stuck.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Practical skills and strategies to manage stress and build resilience with a focus on mindfulness, meditation, yoga practices, and more.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
A cognitive and mindfulness based therapy using tools to help people accomplish goals and reduce suffering. The four pillars of DBT are: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.
Somatic Embodiment & Regulation
A mind-body approach integrating strategies to regulate the nervous system and to help cultivate self-awareness around behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, using mindfulness, breath work and other physical techniques.
“Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion.” — Buddha
Get in Touch
Appointments are scheduled between Sunday - Thursday.
To schedule an appointment or for general inquiries, please fill out the contact form below, or send an email to: info@merakitherapyservices.com ​
