info@queerjoytherapy.com
114 Maitland Street, Toronto
Trauma-informed psychotherapy for 2SLGBTQ+ clients seeking real connection, healing, and self-trust.
A safe space for queer joy, cultural sensitivity, spiritual awakening, and lasting change.
"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 abundance.
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.
💬 Not Just Qualified — Aligned With You
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.
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.
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.
