Welcome to First Step Men’s Therapy — In-Person and Online

👋 We’re one of Canada’s largest men’s mental-health group practices, with therapists who understand what men go through.

In-person offices:

🔵Toronto

🔵Ottawa

🔵Oshawa

🔵Hamilton

🔵Oakville

🔵Markham/Thornhill

🟢Online across Ontario

Direct billing is available for many members of our team and insurance plans. More information on direct billing can be found here: Direct Billing for Insurance

NOW OFFERING GROUP PROGRAMS: To learn more, check out our groups page Group Programs Link

Not sure how to book or want a recommendation? Have questions?

👉 Want to get matched with a therapist? Use this form to complete a short questionnaire and we will get back to you with some options: QUESTIONNAIRE LINK

About Ali

Credentials and Qualifications:

Registered Psychotherapist - College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario #13794

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology

The Not-So-Hidden Epidemic of Sexually Compulsive Behaviors & Pornography Addiction: The Trauma Connection and Treatment - Dr. Stefanie Carnes, PhD, CSAT-S, CST, CPTT - 2026

Distress Line Responder - Distress Centres of Greater Toronto

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training Certified - Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) 2024 Registered Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) Facilitator 2025

Specializations:

Anxiety

Depression

Compulsive Sexual Behaviour/Pornography Addiction

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

ADHD/Motivation/Concentration Difficulties

Self-Esteem & Confidence

Anger & Emotional Regulation

Men’s Issues

Stress/Burnout

Relationship Issues

About Ali

A lot of the men I work with appear to be managing well on the outside—going to work, supporting others, and keeping up with their responsibilities. Underneath, however, they may feel overwhelmed, irritable, or disconnected. This can look like shutting down during difficult conversations, losing patience, overthinking decisions, or staying busy to avoid difficult feelings. You may know something needs to change but feel unsure where to begin.

My approach to therapy is practical, collaborative, and grounded in what is happening in your life right now. Therapy is a place where we can slow things down, understand the patterns keeping you stuck, and identify realistic steps forward. Together, we may work on managing anxiety and intense emotions, communicating more clearly, setting boundaries, navigating relationship challenges, or responding to stress without shutting down or becoming overwhelmed.

As a therapist, I bring experience from a variety of mental health settings. I previously worked as an outreach worker, supporting individuals and families navigating mental health and autism-related challenges. I have also served as a crisis responder with a distress centre, helping people through moments of intense emotional distress, uncertainty, and crisis.

These experiences taught me how to remain calm when situations feel overwhelming, listen without judgment, and help someone find a practical next step when they feel stuck. I also have additional training in supporting individuals with borderline personality disorder and am certified in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention through the Crisis Prevention Institute.

I am also a registered Circle of Security Parenting facilitator. For many fathers, parenting can bring up frustration, guilt, uncertainty, and experiences from their own childhood. You may find yourself reacting in ways you don’t fully understand or struggling to stay patient and connected when emotions run high. Therapy can help you better understand your reactions, recognize what your child may need from you, and build a more secure relationship with your family.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy, and you don’t need to arrive with the perfect words. We can begin with what is happening in your life right now and work toward changes that feel practical, meaningful, and sustainable.

I offer in-person therapy in Oakville and virtual appointments throughout Ontario. If you’re ready to take the first step, I invite you to book a free 20-minute consultation to see whether working together feels like the right fit.

About Ali Credentials and Qualifications: Registered Psychotherapist - College of Registered Ps... Read More

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