Our Team
Merae Atkin
Happy Lives Therapeutic Supports Director | Registered Psychologist | Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner
Merae is a registered psychologist and behaviour support practitioner, with substantial experience in the disability and psychology sectors. Merae completed a Bachelor of Behavioural Science at Griffith University, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology. Merae is trained and experienced in a variety of practices such as cognitive behavioural therapy, play therapy, the Triple P parenting program, ABA program supervision, the FRIENDS program, and is a certified ESDM practitioner. She has also engaged in a wide variety of other training opportunities, including in the areas of positive behaviour support, trauma, and self-harm, and has also completed courses provided by the Institute of Applied Behaviour Analysis, and by Ross Greene in the collaborative and proactive solutions model regarding supporting individuals with behaviours.
Merae has worked in a variety of settings during her career, including early intervention organisations, mainstream and special schools, and for many years has run her own private practice, Happy Kids Psychology (which has now merged with her husband Chris’ business, Happy Lives Behaviour Support, to form Happy Lives Therapeutic Supports). Additionally, she is also involved in providing services through the Light Up Autism Foundation. www.lightupautism.org.au
Merae has extensive experience working with children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, children & adults with developmental delays, and also typically developing children experiencing anxiety, anger, or behavioural issues. She has a strong focus upon providing personalised supports which provide practical solutions for her clients and their support networks, and which improve their quality of life.