Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
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Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy

Registered Psychotherapist, MPS (he, him)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
18 Endorsed
Call Us
Let's Connect (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Available both in-person and online
192 Spadina Avenue Toronto, ON M5T
English
 | 
中文
You care deeply about connection and want relationships that feel secure, reciprocal, and emotionally present. You’re ready to commit to yourself, your growth, and your healing journey — not because something is “wrong,” but because you want something more sustainable and meaningful. I support individuals and couples in building more wholistic relationship patterns and creating connections that feel supportive, authentic, and lasting. I specialize in supporting gay, lesbian & queer couples, non monogamous relationships, gender identity, body image, intimacy, and sexuality.
I help individuals and couples understand their patterns and triggers, take accountabilities, and come closer to each other. You deserve to build secure, fulfilling, and loving relationships. I support clients to become themselves and self-actualize. All my approaches are strength-based, holistic, LGBTQ+ affirming, and culturally aware.
You don’t have to keep looping in the same hurtful patterns. You have the autonomy to change, to expand your life and thrive. If you're ready to start healing and change, I’d be honored to support you in building loving relationships and the life you truly want.
Call or Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy now for a free 15 minute consultation - (437) 372-5606

Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Queer Joy Therapy

192 Spadina Avenue

Toronto, ON M5T map

(437) 372-5606
Website
I'm available Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays are available for both virtual and in-person sessions
I specialize in Relationship Issues, Trauma and PTSD and LGBTQ+ 
$200 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals and couples  
Nice to meet you! I'm Yijia, a queer therapist. I support individuals and couples with relationships, identity, and sexuality.
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy
Let's Connect (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS

Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Queer Joy Therapy

192 Spadina Avenue

Toronto, ON M5T map

(437) 372-5606
Website
I'm available Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays are available for both virtual and in-person sessions
I specialize in Relationship Issues, Trauma and PTSD and LGBTQ+ 
$200 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals and couples  
Nice to meet you! I'm Yijia, a queer therapist. I support individuals and couples with relationships, identity, and sexuality.
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $200
  • Couple Sessions $270

Payment Methods

ACH Bank transfer, American Express, Cash, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Blue Cross
  • Canada Life | Great-West Life
  • EAP program
  • Green Shield Canada
  • Manulife
  • Medicare
  • SunLife
  • TELUS Health
  • UHIP
  • WSIB
"
My services are covered by most major insurance providers. I provide all necessary receipts for you to submit to your insurer. Direct billing may be available upon request.
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606
"
My services are covered by most major insurance providers. I provide all necessary receipts for you to submit to your insurer. Direct billing may be available upon request.
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606

Qualifications

    Registered Psychotherapist: Yijia Shao

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by Province of Ontario / 14240 Yijia Shao
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 4 years
  • Attended University of Toronto, Psychotherapy and spiritual care
"
I am trained in Gottman Couple Therapy, Developmental Couple Therapy, and Emotional Focused Couple Therapy; Additionally, I am a trauma therapist in my practice of individual therapy
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606
"
I am trained in Gottman Couple Therapy, Developmental Couple Therapy, and Emotional Focused Couple Therapy; Additionally, I am a trauma therapist in my practice of individual therapy
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Relationship Issues
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • LGBTQ+

Expertise

  • ADHD
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Bisexual
  • Body Image
  • Caregivers
  • Codependency
  • CPTSD
  • Depression
  • Dissociative Disorders (DID)
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief
  • Immigration experiences
  • Lesbian
  • Life Transitions
  • Polyamory & ENM
  • Self Esteem
  • Sex-Positive & Kink Friendly
  • Spirituality
  • Stress
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Transgender
"
I specialize in providing relational support to individuals and couples. In therapy, we explore communication patterns, growth edges, and work towards building a healthy, genuine, and fulfilling relationship.
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606
"
I specialize in providing relational support to individuals and couples. In therapy, we explore communication patterns, growth edges, and work towards building a healthy, genuine, and fulfilling relationship.
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606

18 Endorsements

Tristan Mohamed
Tristan Mohamed
Registered PsychotherapistBA(H)JDMPSRP
Yijia's compassionate approach is grounded in a strong commitment to anti-oppressive care. Yijia brings a wealth of lived experience to their work with clients. Yijia's talent lies empowering clients to reconnect with their inner self and live their truth
Jiaqing Wilson-Yang
Jiaqing Wilson-Yang
Registered Social WorkerMSWRSW
Yijia is a practitioner dedicated to anti-oppresive practice and connected to queer community. Yijia brings a compassionate and deep understanding of how trauma and its impacts manifest in the body.
Ruidi Zhu
Ruidi Zhu
Registered PsychotherapistLMHCMARP
Warm, authentic and compassionate, Yijia creates a safe, inclusive space for deep self-exploration and healing. I wholeheartedly recommend Yijia to members of the LGBTQ2+ community who seek a therapist who truly understands their unique experiences.
Melina Bondy
Melina Bondy
Registered PsychotherapistRP
Yijia is a thoughtful and compassionate therapist whose authenticity and creativity shines. They combine a wide array of modalities, informed by life experience, to help clients heal from personal and collective trauma and hardship.
Grace Richandi
Grace Richandi
Registered PsychotherapistRPBScMSc
Yijia is a compassionate and affirming therapist, specializing in gender affirming therapy, trauma, and relational challenges. Yijia provides a safe space for queer individuals to navigate the complexities of self-discovery and emotional growth.
Quitzia de Velasco
Quitzia de Velasco
Registered PsychotherapistMPS
I highly recommend Yijia to anyone in the trans community seeking a safe space to explore their journey toward healing and self-discovery. Their anti-oppression approach and sensitivity towards trans issues truly make a difference. Quitzia
Lynna Huang
Lynna Huang
Registered PsychotherapistMPSBA
Yijia is a truly empathetic, sensitive, and warm therapist who always brings a calm, soothing presence and a safe space for their clients. I highly recommend Yijia as your guide to a journey of healing and self-exploration.
Charmy Patel
Charmy Patel
Registered PsychotherapistRPMACPMPH
I wholeheartedly recommend my colleague, Yijia as a skilled and compassionate psychotherapist. Yijia's empathetic approach creates a safe and nurturing environment, allowing individuals to explore their challenges and achieve personal growth.
Curtis Pittman
Curtis Pittman
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)MACCCND
Yijia's passion for providing anti-oppressive, queer-affirmative support is inspiring! I have worked alongside them and have seen first-hand the authenticity and compassion they bring to their practice.
Malika Chandra | Child Therapist
Malika Chandra | Child Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Yijia provides a very safe space for clients to share anything that they might be going through. They take a thoughtful, multicultural and holistic approach to their practice. I would highly recommend them!
Xinyu Long
Xinyu Long
Licensed Clinical Professional CounselorLCPCMS
Yijia possess an unparalleled understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals and couples in non-traditional relationships, consistently demonstrating the utmost respect, empathy, and openness in their approach.
Daryna Skybina
Daryna Skybina
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)HBScMPS
Yijia integrates their lived experience and professional expertise into their work, bringing a unique and holistic perspective. They're a compassionate and inclusive therapist, and create a space where clients feel heard and understood.
Xuan-Yen Cao
Xuan-Yen Cao
Registered PsychotherapistMA
I have the privilege of knowing Yijia through dyadic supervision. Their knowledge, lived experience, insights, relational and empathetic nature provide clients a nurturing pace to process their issues and emotions in a meaningful and powerful way.
Amy Bi
Amy Bi
Registered PsychotherapistRPMEdMA
Through a relational approach, Yijia helps clients foster a sense of security and belonging, while also addressing the impact of external oppressive systems. Their dedication to empowering clients creates a safe and transformative therapeutic space.
Nat Cooper
Nat Cooper
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)MACP
Yijia's therapeutic approach is deeply compassionate and affirming, creating a safe and inclusive space for exploration and growth. They have a special gift for working with individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, blending empathy and expertise.
James Gangl
James Gangl
Registered PsychotherapistBA
Yijia and I met as artists. His ear for detail and narrative is remarkable. Yijia creates an inviting, comfortable space where play and healing are possible.
Tamara Lynn Robert
Tamara Lynn Robert
Registered PsychotherapistRP
Yijia is is a deeply skilled therapist who brings embodied wisdom and a gentle, attuned presence to his work. He invites clients into relationship with themselves, helping them hold and integrate the many parts of their inner world with care and curiosity.
Hanyue Qin
Hanyue Qin
Registered Social WorkerRSWMSW
I greatly appreciated Yijia's warmth and support. His combination of clinical knowledge and lived experience allows him to connect with others in a genuine, compassionate way.

Client Focus

Age

Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals
Couples

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Deaf Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Sex Worker Allied
Transgender Allied

Ethnicity

Asian
Black

I also speak

Mandarin

Age

Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals
Couples

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Deaf Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Sex Worker Allied
Transgender Allied

Ethnicity

Asian
Black

I also speak

Mandarin

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Attachment-based
  • Coaching
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • EMDR
  • Emotionally Focused
  • Family / Marital
  • Feminist
  • Gottman Method
  • Humanistic
  • Integrative
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Multicultural
  • Relational
  • Somatic
  • Strength-Based
"
I provide trauma-informed, relational therapy that integrates somatic practices, EMDR, and IFS to support healing and growth. My approach is compassionate, affirming, and tailored to each individual's unique needs, fostering self-discovery, emotional resilience, and meaningful connections.
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606
"
I provide trauma-informed, relational therapy that integrates somatic practices, EMDR, and IFS to support healing and growth. My approach is compassionate, affirming, and tailored to each individual's unique needs, fostering self-discovery, emotional resilience, and meaningful connections.
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606

Location

Primary Location

Queer Joy Therapy

192 Spadina Avenue

Toronto, ON M5T

(437) 372-5606

Nearby Areas

Towns/Cities

Postal Codes

"
I'm available Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays are available for both virtual and in-person sessions
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call for a free consultation now - (437) 372-5606
"
I'm available Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays are available for both virtual and in-person sessions
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao- LGBTQ affirming Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call for a free consultation now - (437) 372-5606