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Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)

Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q) (he, they)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
14 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 |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
English
 | 
中文
Becoming your true self as a trans and/ or person can feel both liberating and overwhelming. Along the way, you may encounter rejection, whether from family, friends, or society. You might carry the weight of unmet expectations or fear failing yourself. Even when you know in your heart it’s the right path, emotions like anxiety, fear, loneliness, and self-doubt can creep in, leaving you feeling isolated. As a queer Asian therapist, I am here to walk this journey with you—helping you get clarity on what direction you want to change. My relational approach is designed to foster security and self-love within you.
You don’t have to do this alone. Let's build a life where you feel free to be unapologetically yourself and reclaim your freedom, joy, and sense of worth. I specialize in Gender & Sexuality Affirming Therapy; Trauma therapy; as well as relational therapy for adults navigating challenges with self-esteem, dating, and anxiety.
Therapy isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about meaningful, lasting transformation. I tailor my approach to fit the unique pressures faced by each client. I help you navigate your way through the inner chaos to find calm and confidence. Visit my website and hit the "make an appointment" button to book a free consultation call at www.queerjoytherapy.com
Call or Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy 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

(437) 372-5606

Markham, ON L6G

I am accepting a limited number of virtual and in-person clients (weekdays and evenings).
I specialize in Relationship Issues, LGBTQ+ and Trauma and PTSD 
$175 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 
Hi, Nice to meet you, I'm Yijia (ee-jah). I'm a queer therapist. I specialize in transgender and queer affirmative therapy; and CPTSD
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
Let's Connect (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

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

(437) 372-5606

Markham, ON L6G

I am accepting a limited number of virtual and in-person clients (weekdays and evenings).
I specialize in Relationship Issues, LGBTQ+ and Trauma and PTSD 
$175 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 
Hi, Nice to meet you, I'm Yijia (ee-jah). I'm a queer therapist. I specialize in transgender and queer affirmative therapy; and CPTSD
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $175
  • Couple Sessions $200
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible
  • Pay by ACH Bank transfer, American Express, Cash, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Green Shield Canada
  • Manulife
  • WSIB
"
Sliding scale is an important part of my practice. My sliding scale spots has a waitlist at the moment.
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)
"
Sliding scale is an important part of my practice. My sliding scale spots has a waitlist at the moment.
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)

Qualifications

    Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying): Yijia Shao

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by Province of Ontario / 14240 Yijia Shao
  • In Practice for 3 Years
  • Attended University of Toronto
"
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.
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)
"
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.
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Relationship Issues
  • LGBTQ+
  • Trauma and PTSD

Expertise

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Autism
  • Bisexual
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief
  • Lesbian
  • Life Transitions
  • Love addiction, relationship OCD
  • Migration experiences
  • Open Relationships Non-Monogamy
  • Peer Relationships
  • Self Esteem
  • Sex-Positive, Kink Allied
  • Spirituality
  • Stress
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Transgender
"
I understand the pressures that come with high-performing anxiety. I use both mind and body-based therapies to help your nervous system learn to regulate stress, find balance and feel calm.
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)
"
I understand the pressures that come with high-performing anxiety. I use both mind and body-based therapies to help your nervous system learn to regulate stress, find balance and feel calm.
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)

14 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
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 Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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.
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.
Quitzia de Velasco
Quitzia de Velasco
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)MPS
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
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 - 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!
Nicholas Corrado
Nicholas Corrado
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)MA
I endorse Yijia's services with a lot of enthusiasm. They are a remarkable therapist with a great deal of knowledge of and compassion for lgbtq related issues. Yijia has a depth of knowledge on various therapeutic modalities; I've learned a lot from them.
Xinyu Long
Xinyu Long
CounsellorLGPCMS
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.
Carmen Guo 华语|中文
Carmen Guo 华语|中文
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)MA
Yijia is an authentic, enthusiastic, and empowering therapist who brings a non-oppressive, queer-affirmative, and advocacy-focused approach. Yijia demonstrates compassion, knowledge, and empathy, aiming to create a safe space for clients.
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.

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

Religion

Buddhist

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

Religion

Buddhist

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Culturally Sensitive
  • EMDR
  • Emotionally Focused
  • Family Systems
  • Feminist
  • Gottman Method
  • Humanistic
  • Integrative
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Multicultural
  • Person-Centered
  • Relational
  • Somatic
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
I offer an integrative approach tailored to your needs. Trauma can make people feel disconnected with themselves and others. I use relational and somatic approach to help you re-connect with yourself and others.
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)
"
I offer an integrative approach tailored to your needs. Trauma can make people feel disconnected with themselves and others. I use relational and somatic approach to help you re-connect with yourself and others.
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)

Location

Primary Location

Queer Joy Therapy

114 Maitland Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1E1

Suite 411

Toronto, ON M4Y

(437) 372-5606

Additional Location

Markham, ON L6G

(437) 372-5606

Nearby Areas

Towns/Cities

Postal Codes

Neighborhoods

"
I am accepting a limited number of virtual and in-person clients (weekdays and evenings).
Call for a free consultation now - (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)
"
I am accepting a limited number of virtual and in-person clients (weekdays and evenings).
Call for a free consultation now - (437) 372-5606
Photo of Yijia Shao - Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Yijia Shao |2SLGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)