Hanah Atkinson
Counselling & Psychotherapy
MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Private Practice Owner
Individual Treatment Offered Virtually Across Ontario & In-Person located in Fergus, ON
About
Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of supporting children, youth, adults, and seniors across a wide range of settings, including secure custody, child welfare, residential treatment, addiction services, behavioural therapy, schools, community counselling agencies, family health care, and psychiatric care.
Today, I work with teens (13+), adults, and seniors in private practice. In addition, I work as a therapist at Homewood Health Centre, one of Canada's leading mental health and addiction hospitals, where I provide individual and group therapy to individuals experiencing trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and other complex mental health concerns. I have also completed specialized training in trauma-focused therapies, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to support a diverse range of individuals, including first responders, police officers, military members, veterans, healthcare professionals, and those navigating the impacts of trauma, addiction, grief, life transitions, and emotional distress. These experiences have shaped my belief that healing is never one-size-fits-all, and that therapy should always be tailored to the unique needs, strengths, and goals of each individual.
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.
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.
Treatment Areas
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Complex Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Bipolar I & II Disorder
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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
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Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
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Caregiver Burnout & Compassion Fatigue
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Grief, Loss & Life Transitions
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Low Self-Esteem & Self-Worth
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Emotional Regulation Difficulties
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Attachment Trauma & Relationship Difficulties
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First Responder, Military & Veteran Mental Health
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Occupational Stress Injuries (OSI)
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Addiction
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Substance use (alcohol and other)
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behavioural addictions (shopping, gambling, sex, pornography)
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Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
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Chronic Pain & Health-Related Challenges
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Perfectionism & People-Pleasing
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Identity, Purpose & Personal Growth
Individual Treatment for Youth (13+)
I began working in the feild by 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, 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, community mental health, and within the child welfare system. My approach is respectful and collaborative, grounded in evidence-based practices and a deep appreciation for each persons 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 the 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.
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).
I am also an approved WSIB and Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC) provider. Please reach out for more information.
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.
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.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
A type of cognitive behavioural therapy used to treat trauma by challenging and replacing unhelpful thoughts while focusing on core themes relating to trauma.
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.
Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders
A structured modality using psychoeducation and cognitive-emotional strategies to treat a wide range of disorders.
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.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
A neurological approach to healing from trauma and emotional distress by using bilateral stimulation to assist in properly storing memories, which helps people become 'unstuck'.
Relapse Prevention
A cognitive-behavioural approach used to help people manage high risk situations and prevent problematic behaviours involving addiction.
“Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion.” — Buddha
Get in Touch
If you're new here, please fill out the contact form below, or send an email to: info@hanahatkinsontherapy.com
Appointments are scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with some flexibility.
