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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
Zachary Arndt Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) CRPO Reg #23119
About Zachary
Online and In-Person - Toronto
Credentials and Qualifications:
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Candidate) - Yorkville University
Distress Intervention - Distress Centres of Greater Toronto
Specializations:
Men’s Issues
Addictions
Anger/ Emotional regulation and stress
ADHD/Neurodivergence
2SLGBTQI+ Issues
Life transitions / Isolation & Loneliness
A question I get a lot is, “What do I do?” Many men I speak with are often in a place where they have recognized something is wrong, but are unsure of how to fix it. What they typically do to work through their life and mental health issues is no longer working, or something has happened that they feel they cannot overcome on their own.
While it may feel overwhelming at the moment, understanding that help is needed is a good place to start. There can be a mix of feelings when reaching out for help. Fear and shame are common emotions men face at this time, both of which I have helped them work through. The fact that you are here, reading this, tells me that you have already made some steps toward addressing these difficulties. Even if it may not feel like it right now, there is hope that one day soon your life can feel different.
Over the last four years, I have helped men work through their anxiety, depression, anger, loneliness and isolation, self-esteem issues, and suicidal ideation. I try to live my own life through honesty, grace, and courage. My approach is rooted in building trust, understanding, and respect, with which to find direction, build effective coping strategies, and cultivate meaning. I use interventions from Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
I value self-determination and focus on working with men on an equal level. When you work with me, we will work together to find solutions to help you move past the issues you are experiencing so that you may move forward with your life.
About Zachary Online and In-Person - Toronto Credentials and Qualifications: Master of Arts in... Read More
Heather Haines Registered Psychotherapist CRPO Reg#11971
About Heather
In-Person - Toronto
Many of the men I work with come to therapy knowing they want something to change, but may feel unsure about how to move forward on their own. Whether you are navigating relationships, emotional regulation, behaviour change, self-esteem, or the impact of past experiences, therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to work toward meaningful change.
As a Registered Psychotherapist, I take a client-centred, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and collaborative approach. My experience includes working with anxiety, depression, anger, stress, relationship concerns, behavioural addictions such as gaming and pornography, trauma, and members of the veteran community.
I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, mindfulness, somatic techniques, and strengths-based therapy, adapting our work to your individual needs and goals. I am passionate about supporting men from all backgrounds, including those within the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and providing culturally responsive care.
My role is to support you in understanding yourself, building on your strengths, and creating sustainable change. You do not have to navigate that process alone.
Credentials and Qualifications:
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University
Bachelor of Arts - University of Waterloo
Basic Training in EMDR Therapy - Niagara Stress and Trauma Clinic
Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate Program - The Embody Lab
Mastering the Treatment of Complex Trauma: Effectively Treating Parts - Kathleen Martin
Specializations:
Internet/Technology Addiction
Sexual Compulsive Behaviour/Porn Addiction
Trauma & PTSD
Performance Anxiety/Sexual Challenges
Shame/Defectiveness
Anger/ Emotional Regulation
Stress/Burnout
Self-Esteem/Confidence
About Heather In-Person - Toronto Many of the men I work with come to therapy knowing they want... Read More
Steele D'Silva Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), CRPO Reg #17443, CSAT-Candidate
About Steele
I work with men whose private struggles or unresolved trauma have begun to overwhelm their lives and relationships. Many of the men I support are at a breaking point—where their usual ways of coping no longer work and carrying everything alone is no longer sustainable. If you feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, shame, guilt, loneliness, or disconnection, therapy can offer a space to slow down, gain clarity, and create meaningful change.
I also care deeply about supporting immigrant men who are navigating the pressure of family expectations while balancing cultural identities. The tension between personal truth and cultural responsibility can feel isolating and complex, and it deserves thoughtful, compassionate support.
I understand that starting therapy can feel daunting, especially when vulnerability is difficult. I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can speak honestly about your struggles. My approach is client-centered and trauma-informed, integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness-based practices, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) strategies to help you understand your inner world and strengthen emotional regulation. With over 17 years of personal meditation practice, I bring a calm, steady presence to our work and can support you in building or deepening your own practice.
I help men process trauma, overcome addiction and compulsive behaviors, improve their relationships, and navigate challenges related to race, culture, and spirituality. I also support those seeking to integrate psychedelic experiences into their healing. Together, we build the self-awareness and skills you need to move forward with greater confidence and purpose.
Credentials and Qualifications:
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Yorkville University (In Progress)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills – 6 Weeks; Marsha Linehan, PsychWire; 2023
Psychedelic Psycho-Spiritual Safety and Ethics Training – 6 Weeks; Dr. Katrina Michelle, PhD, LCSW and Elizabeth Sabet, CPC, ASLSC; 2024
Kids Help Phone Crisis Responder Training – 36 Hours; 2023
Vipassana Meditation Course – 10 Days; 2012 & 2023/2024
Yoga Teacher Training – 200 Hours; 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology – York University; 2015
Integrating EMDR Into Your Clinical Practice: 5-Day Intensive in Toronto with Roy Kiessling, LISW and Kyle Poon, RPsych
Specializations:
Trauma & PTSD Addiction & Recovery (Sex, Porn, Substances) Relationship Challenges Race and Cultural Issues
Favourite Book: A Path With Heart - Dr. Jack Kornfield, Ph.D. and Spiritual Emergency: When Personal Transformation Becomes a Crisis - Dr. Stanislav Grof, M.D. and Christina Grof
About Steele I work with men whose private struggles or unresolved trauma have begun to overwhel... Read More
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Located at: 1 Dundas St W, Suite 2563, Toronto
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Need Help? 289-352-9485 info@firststepmenstherapy.com