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Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS

Yijia Shao

Registered Psychotherapist, MPS (he, they)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
15 Endorsed
114 Maitland Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1E1, Suite 411, Toronto, ON M4Y
Let's Connect (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
English
 | 
中文
You’re tired of feeling like you're always the one trying harder in relationships. You are smart, competent, and successful from the outside. Inside, you've been hurt and might have been ghosted, betrayed, or constantly questioning if you're too much or not enough. You want real love, the kind that feels safe and mutual, but something keeps repeating. I work with individuals and couples who want to break painful patterns and build healthier, more secure relationships. Therapy with me is warm, collaborative, trauma-informed, and culturally aware. You deserve true love that nourishes your growth.
Welcome! I help individuals and couples understand their patterns, heal past wounds, and build secure, fulfilling, and loving relationships. I specialize in supporting individuals with dating, love, and sex; relational couple therapy, and trauma healing using EMDR and somatic therapy. All my approaches are culturally aware and anti-oppressive.
You don’t have to keep looping in the same hurtful patterns. If you're ready to undertake the deeper work of healing and change, I’d be honored to support you in building loving relationships and the life you truly want. You deserve to fulfill your hopes and dreams.
Call or Yijia Shao now for a free 15 minute consultation - (437) 372-5606

Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Queer Joy Therapy

114 Maitland Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1E1

Suite 411

Toronto, ON M4Y map

(437) 372-5606
I'm available Tuesdays and Wednesdays for virtual therapy; Thursdays & Fridays are available for in-person sessions (1:30-6:30 PM)
I specialize in Relationship Issues, Trauma and PTSD and LGBTQ+ 
$185 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 
I work with heartbreaking folks who want to break the pattern. You're smart, you're successful, yet there's a longing for love isn't met
Yijia Shao
Let's Connect (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS

Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Queer Joy Therapy

114 Maitland Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1E1

Suite 411

Toronto, ON M4Y map

(437) 372-5606
I'm available Tuesdays and Wednesdays for virtual therapy; Thursdays & Fridays are available for in-person sessions (1:30-6:30 PM)
I specialize in Relationship Issues, Trauma and PTSD and LGBTQ+ 
$185 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 
I work with heartbreaking folks who want to break the pattern. You're smart, you're successful, yet there's a longing for love isn't met
Yijia Shao

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $185
  • Couple Sessions $215

Payment Methods

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

Insurance

  • Blue Cross
  • Canada Life | Great-West Life
  • Green Shield Canada
  • Manulife
  • 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, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao
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, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao
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
"
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, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao
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, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao
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
  • Autism
  • Bisexual
  • Body Positivity
  • Codependency
  • Dating Coaching
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief
  • Immigration experiences
  • Lesbian
  • Life Transitions
  • Open Relationships Non-Monogamy
  • Self Esteem
  • Sex-Positive, Kink Allied
  • 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, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao
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, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606

15 Endorsements

Tristan Mohamed | Anxiety Therapist
Tristan Mohamed | Anxiety Therapist
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 El-Khechen Richandi
Grace El-Khechen 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 Psychotherapist (Qualifying)MPSBA
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.
Curtis Pittman - Queer-Affirmative Therapy
Curtis Pittman - Queer-Affirmative Therapy
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 (X.y.) Cao
Xuan-Yen (X.y.) Cao
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)MA
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 Psychotherapist (Qualifying)BA
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.

Client Focus

Age

Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals

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
Other Racial or Ethnic Background

I also speak

Mandarin

Age

Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals

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
Other Racial or Ethnic Background

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, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao
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, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606

Location

Primary Location

Queer Joy Therapy

114 Maitland Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1E1

Suite 411

Toronto, ON M4Y

(437) 372-5606

Nearby Areas

Towns/Cities

Postal Codes

Neighborhoods

"
I'm available Tuesdays and Wednesdays for virtual therapy; Thursdays & Fridays are available for in-person sessions (1:30-6:30 PM)
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call for a free consultation now - (437) 372-5606
"
I'm available Tuesdays and Wednesdays for virtual therapy; Thursdays & Fridays are available for in-person sessions (1:30-6:30 PM)
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao, Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Yijia Shao
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS
Call for a free consultation now - (437) 372-5606