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 currently located in Toronto, Ottawa, Oshawa, and Markham/Thornhill

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

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

👉 Contact our Client Care Team: LINK — we’ll help you find the right fit.

NEW CLIENTS: Free Consult (available across Canada) - Psychotherapist

Interested in therapy and want to find a good fit? We offer a 20-minute complimentary phone or video consultation to help answer any questions you may have and get to speak with a qualified therapist who may be a good fit. **You can book one consult or a few to find the best fit!**

Note: For RP/RP Qualifying, services are available to individuals across Canada.


NEW CLIENTS: Free Consult - Affordable Therapy Program (Sessions starting from $25)

Our Affordable Therapy Program is run by master's level practicum students who are completing their graduate-level program. The initial assessment session is free, followed by affordable rates after the first session. The program is best for short-term counselling (6-8 months) to help you with improving overall functioning and working through life difficulties. **It is not recommended fo... Read More

Our Affordable Therapy Program is run by master's level practicum students who are completing their graduate-level program.

The initial assessment session is free, followed by affordable rates after the first session. The program is best for short-term counselling (6-8 months) to help you with improving overall functioning and working through life difficulties.

**It is not recommended for individuals with complex mental health concerns that may require long-term clinical experience.**

Rates range from $0-$85 and are determined by clients within the initial intake assessment session, which is offered at no cost.


NEW CLIENTS: Free Consultation (Couples Therapy) 💙 - Psychotherapist

Couples counselling provides a supportive space for partners to explore relationship challenges, improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen emotional connection. Whether you're navigating conflict, life transitions, or seeking greater intimacy, this service helps you and your partner develop healthier patterns and shared understanding. Sessions are collaborative and tailored to your uniqu... Read More

Couples counselling provides a supportive space for partners to explore relationship challenges, improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen emotional connection. Whether you're navigating conflict, life transitions, or seeking greater intimacy, this service helps you and your partner develop healthier patterns and shared understanding. Sessions are collaborative and tailored to your unique relationship goals.

Offered by our Registered Psychotherapists & Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) team members.


RETURNING CLIENTS: Psychotherapy: Individual Therapy Sessions

One-on-one psychotherapy sessions providing a safe, warm, and non-judgmental space for you to learn, heal, and grow.


RETURNING CLIENTS: Affordable Therapy Program: Individual Sessions

These sessions are for those who have completed a consultation call or wish to book an initial intake/assessment session with a member of the affordable therapy program directly.


RETURNING CLIENTS: Psychotherapy: Couples Sessions

We offer a space for both men and their partners to learn about each other and themselves with our couples sessions. These sessions allow for time to learn, grow, and heal with a qualified therapist aimed at listening and working with both partners in a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment.

About Darryl

Online and In Person - York Region

Credentials and Qualifications:

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) - College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario # 15684

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology - Yorkville University (in progress)

Fundamentals of EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy) Externship - International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Specializations:

Specializations:

Anxiety

Stress

Emotional Disturbance

ADHD

Coping Skills

Depression

Family Conflict

Grief

Men’s Issues

Parenting

Peer Relationships

Relationship Issues

Self Esteem

Favourite Book: One of the books that I would recommend to help individuals struggling with communication in their relationship and developing a secure sense of connection with others is “Hold Me Tight” by Sue Johnson.

In a world that often expects men to mask their emotions and tough it out, the struggle with mental health can be a silent battle, impacting every aspect of life. As a therapist specializing in men’s mental health, I recognize the unique challenges men face, from relationship hurdles to self-esteem issues, anxiety, and beyond.

Many men grapple with relationship conflicts, family pressures, emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief, and the complexities of modern masculinity. These challenges can weigh heavily, affecting personal well-being and relationships.

My mission is to help men break free from these burdensome patterns, empowering them to build healthier connections, find inner peace, and rediscover a sense of purpose and confidence. Together, we’ll navigate through the layers of self-beliefs, communication barriers, and societal pressures, unlocking your true potential.

With over five years of frontline experience in mental health, I’ve guided men through anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, ADHD, and relationship issues. My approach integrates practical tools like self-regulation techniques, mindfulness practices, and effective communication strategies to facilitate lasting change.

Through our work, you’ll emerge stronger, more resilient, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and authenticity. Experience the transformation of reconnecting with yourself, building fulfilling relationships, and stepping into a brighter future. Take the courageous step forward and reach out to learn more today! Learn more about Darryl

About Darryl Online and In Person - York Region Credentials and Qualifications: Registered Psy... Read More

About Pouria

In Person - York Region

Credentials and Qualifications:

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) - CRPO Reg #14737

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University

Specializations:

Anxiety & Depression

Stress Management/Burnout

Addiction

Trauma

Imposter Syndrome/Self-Esteem

ADHD

Emotional Regulation/Anger

Relationship Issues/Communication

Life transitions/Cultural Adjustment

Types of therapy:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Narrative Therapy

Emotion-Focused Therapy

My work

Our work together can help you — perhaps for the first time — notice and understand your emotions and make sense of why you engage in certain unhealthy behaviors. By exploring the “why” behind these experiences, you can begin to relate to yourself with more compassion and authenticity. This deeper awareness reveals your core values and strengths, paving the way toward creating your own solutions and living a life that feels meaningful to you.

I integrate different therapeutic interventions to meet your specific needs, story, and goals. We regularly check in on the direction and progress of our work together. I draw from Emotion-Focused Therapy and mindfulness practices to develop emotional awareness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions to identify the limiting thoughts we often carry without question, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help you clarify how you want to take agency in your life, and Narrative Therapy to help you re-author your story in a way that feels fair and empowering. Along the way, we may use other approaches that support your growth. I’ll be an empathic co-explorer walking beside you on this journey.

My own journey to find answers led me to years of volunteer work with nonprofit organizations, supporting people through life’s challenges. Through these experiences, I found clarity about who I wanted to become — and transitioned from a career in environmental engineering to the path of psychotherapy.

A meaningful turning point in this journey was reading On Becoming a Person by Carl Rogers. It reflected back one of the most important life lessons I’ve learned: the answers are within us — and true help empowers us to see them.

About Pouria In Person - York Region Credentials and Qualifications: Registered Psychotherapis... Read More

About Dennis

Credentials and Qualifications:

Intern Therapist

Affordable Therapy Program

Online/ In-Person (York Region)

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology – Yorkville University

ASIST Suicide Intervention – LivingWorks

TASC Suicide Safety – LivingWorks

Eating Disorders Competency – NEDIC

Violent Situation De-Escalation – Hope + Me

Specializations:

Men’s mental health

Gaming and internet use

Social anxiety & depression

Emotional regulation and stress

Relationship challenges and dating stress

Favourite Book:

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

I work with men who feel stuck or behind in life, even if it looks like everything is fine on the outside. You might feel constantly on edge, unsure of your direction, or frustrated that things aren’t moving the way you expected. Some men feel anxious, socially uncomfortable, or disconnected. Others feel numb or burnt out from pushing through on their own.

I often support men who feel misunderstood or overlooked, especially gamers and former gifted children who have relied on the internet to cope. For many, online spaces are the only places that feel engaging or make sense. Therapy can be a place to pause, understand these patterns, and start reclaiming a sense of control, focus, and purpose in your offline life.

My approach is practical, collaborative, and client-centered. I draw from CBT, humanistic, and strengths-based approaches to help you notice patterns, explore possibilities, and find directions that feel right for you. We brainstorm practical strategies together, drawing from research, resources, and what I have learned from supporting other clients, so you can take confident steps forward while staying in the driver’s seat of your own life.

I have a strong interest in working with men who struggle with excessive gaming or internet use, social anxiety, emotional regulation, or feeling stuck in life or relationships. I also work with second-generation immigrants who are balancing family expectations, cultural values, and personal goals. Many clients come in believing their struggles are personal flaws. Part of our work is learning how those same traits can be transformed into strengths that support growth and stability.

About Dennis Credentials and Qualifications: Intern Therapist Affordable Therapy Program Onli... Read More

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Located at: 125 Commerce Valley Dr W, Suite 823, Thornhill
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