Queer-Affirming Therapy in Toronto & Virtually Beyond
Queer-affirming andtrauma-informed therapy in Toronto for 2SLGBTQ+ clients seeking real connection, healing, and self-trust.
A safe space for queer joy, cultural sensitivity, spiritual awakening, and lasting change.
Meet Your Therapist, YiJia Shao, RP
"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).
As a trauma-informed therapist, I work with clients who are tired of band-aid coping strategies and want to get to the root of what’s holding them back. You might be dealing with trauma, anxiety, fear, shame, or burnout—yet still holding on to a deep hope for healing and connection. If this is you, you’re not alone.
Deep down, you know you deserve love, respect and abudnance.
🌎 Why choose queer-affirming therapy in Toronto
Growing up in mainland China and later living in North America, I know what it’s like to move between cultures and feel like you don’t fully belong to either. My own experience as a queer, trauma survivor with undiagnosed neurodivergence led me to this work—not just as a professional, but as a fellow human walking alongside you.Healing is never linear. But with care, patience, and the right support, your story can shift.
Outside of therapy, I find joy in art, music, and dance—and believe that creativity can be a powerful force in trauma healing. You're not broken. You're becoming.
"Your sadness deserves to be witnessed."
At Queer Joy Therapy, I bring together lived experience, and specialized therapeutic trainings to support your wholistic healing journey.
Training, Certification, Education
Education & Creidentials
- Honours Bachelor of Science, University of Toronto
Major in Psychology, Philosophy, and Buddhist Psychology & Mental Health - Master of Psychospiritual Studies, University of Toronto
Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care - Registered Psychotherapist,
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO #14240)
Areas of Focus:
- Relationships, Sexuality, and Love
- ENM informed Couple Counselling
- 2SLGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
- Trauma Healing
- Nervous system regulation through Somatic & EMDR approaches
Therapy isn’t just about credentials — it’s about finding a therapist who understands your lived experience, your cultural roots, and the deeper stories behind your pain. I integrate all of this training through a lens of anti-oppression, relational warmth, and body-based healing.
Approaches & Values
My practice is rooted in the values of social justice, intersectionality, anti-oppression, anti-sexism, decolonial, 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.
Services
- Sliding scale is an important part of my practice. I offer limited sliding scale spots for those in financial difficulty. Please discuss details with me during initial consultation. While I can not guarantee that every inquiry will be met , I will do my best to provide alternative referrals.
- Individual Therapy: $200 per 1hour session
- Couple/ Relationship Therapy: $270 per 1 hour session
- Free Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) readiness Assessment
- I encourage prospective clients to do a 15-20 minutes call for fit check :)
Counselling from the convenience of your home
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.
Endorsement from Colleagues
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
Endorsement from Colleagues
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!
Endorsement from Colleagues
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.
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Endorsement from Colleagues
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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
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.
RP(Qualifying), Dharma Teacher, Facilitator, (they/them)
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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Office Information
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.
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