info@queerjoytherapy.com
114 Maitland Street, Toronto
This is a queer & trans centered, decolonial, anti-oppressive, pro-feminist, body-positive, sex & kink positive space.
Everyone is welcomed.
"Therapy isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about meaningful, lasting transformation. Let's build a life where you feel free to be unapologetically yourself."
Hi, I'm Yi-Jia (pronounced as ee-jah) Shao, I use He/They pronouns (why pronouns are important). I am a proud queer identified trauma therapist and a trauma survivor.
I am located in Tkaronto (colonially known as Toronto).
Becoming your true self as a queer 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 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 reclaim your freedom, joy, and sense of worth. My relational approach is designed to foster security and self-love within you. You deserve to be seen, to belong, and to live a life filled with joy and authenticity.
Growing up in mainland China and moving to the other half of the world has given me an opportunity to navigate the complexities of living “between worlds”. My living experience as a trauma survivor with undiagnosed neurodivergence allows me to understand how frustrating and lost it can be if one lives a life without knowing themselves. Yet I am grateful for my healing journey, as it led me to seek out a deeper purpose in life.
Like my fellow neurodivergent peeps, I have a variety of hobbies and interests. Outside the therapy room, I find healing in various forms of art, including music, dance, rock climbing, spending time with my bunnies and writing poems. I believe the power of creativity.
"Your sadness deserves to be witnessed."
You might feel emotionally drained after a breakup, or hurt by the sense that your relationships are often unreciprocated. Maybe you struggle to trust that you’re worthy of love. At times, you may feel frustrated or lost in the confusion of a limerence experience. You might second-guess yourself—wondering if you’re “too much” or “not enough” for the people around you.
Whether these wounds come from childhood, identity-based harm, systemic violence, or past relationships, they shape how you relate to the world—and how you feel in your own body. I’m here to support you in reconnecting with yourself, your worthiness, and the relationships that matter to you.
Becoming your true self as a queer person can feel both liberating and overwhelming. Along the way, you may encounter rejection, whether from family, friends, or society. You might overanalyze relationships, feel emotionally drained, or struggle to trust yourself. The constant worry about being too much or not enough can leave you feeling exhausted and unseen. Your emotions deserve to be witnessed and understood. As a queer Asian therapist, I am here to walk this journey with you— to foster security and self-love, helping you break painful cycles and build fulfilling connections with yourself and others.
Your relationship used to feel close and full of possibility. Now it feels tense, distant, or stuck in painful cycles. One of you may crave more connection but feel dismissed or rejected; the other may feel overwhelmed or like nothing they do is ever enough. You both feel unheard and alone. Maybe you’ve been through trauma—individually or together—and it’s shaped how you cope, fight, or shut down. You’re not sure what the future holds, but you remember a time when you felt truly in love and supported. You want to find your way back to each other.
I help couples move through conflict with curiosity and care. Specializing in Ethical Nonmonogamy, high-conflict, and trauma-informed couples therapy, I work with partners navigating communication breakdowns and disconnection. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy, parts work, and somatic tools, I support you to feel understood by yourself and your partner
My practice is rooted in the values of social justice, intersectionality, anti-oppression, anti-sexism, de-colonialization, anti-racism, anti-ablism, and a trauma-informed lens. My experience as an interfaith spiritual care practitioner prepared me with a culturally sensitive approach. I understand the intersection of one’s gender, cultural, and spiritual identity. I feel honored to accompany you on the journey of reconnecting with your authentic self.
To better support my clients and make more effective use of time, I have transitioned from a 15-minute free consultation to a 30-minute paid introductory session ($85/individual; $100/ couple). This allows us to have ample time to understand each other and determine if we are a good fit for long-term collaboration. I believe this approach respects the time and energy of both parties. If you require a sliding scale, feel free to leave a note when booking or email me directly. I’m happy to adjust the price for you on JaneApp.
I serve clients across Ontario (ON) and most major provinces in Canada* using a safe, secure, and privacy legislation-compliant video platform. I adapt my therapeutic approach to ensure interventions are safe and effective in a virtual environment. Many of my clients have hectic demands. I work with you to find a mutually agreeable time to process difficult emotions.”
legislation-compliant
“Is virtual counseling effective?” Click here to learn more.
*For non-Canadian residents: I offer online relationship coaching and career coaching for non-Canadian residents
Clinic Hours:
Tuesdays- Wednesdays Virtual: 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Thursdays- Fridays In Person Downtown Toronto(114 Maitland Street): 1:30-6:30 PM
I offer flexible afternoon and evening appointments
Cancellation Policy:
Please inform me 24 hours prior to the appointment if you need to cancel or reschedule the appointment. Late cancellation fee can be expected otherwise.
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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.
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.
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.
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In-Person appointments:
I offer In-person sessions on Thursdays.
My office is on the 4th floor of the SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health Learning Institute at Maitland and Jarvis. It’s about 100 square feet. There are windows (including one that opens), a love seat (for clients), a chair for the therapist (of course), a desk, a bookshelf, and some lamps.
info@queerjoytherapy.com
114 Maitland Street, Toronto