FIRST STEP MEN'S THERAPY
Therapy for Couples: Available in Toronto, Ottawa and Virtually Across Canada
Supporting men and their partners
Services Available across Canada
Online & In-Person Sessions, Guaranteed No Waitlist
Accepted by most major insurance providers
Suivis/services thérapeutiques offerts en français
Are you…
✓ Feeling disconnected and alone in your marriage or relationship?
✓ Noticing negative changes in your dynamic and communication?
✓ Constantly arguing with your partner or feeling unheard?
​
You can have a healthy, happy relationship!
Our goal is to help you feel comfortable and supported as you work through your relationship struggles.
It's common for couples to face challenges, such as miscommunication, changes in responsibilities, or even infidelity, which can lead to feelings of isolation and detachment. However, with the help of a compassionate and experienced couples therapist, you can revive your relationship and feel fulfilled again. In couples therapy, you can work through the root causes behind your relationship struggles and develop strategies to reconnect with your partner.
Remember, every couple goes through bumps on the road, but with therapy, you can learn how to change, grow, and heal within your relationship. Couples therapy is an investment in yourself and your relationship, and it can significantly reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety that arise during times of conflict.
Couples therapy may be for you if…
​
✓ You're feeling disconnected from your partner
✓ Struggling with communication
✓ Dealing with stress or anxiety related to your relationship
Finding the Right Couples Counselling Therapist For You
Couples therapy can be a valuable tool for improving your relationship. Ultimately, the decision to attend couples therapy is a personal one and should be based on your individual needs and goals for your relationship.
If you're interested in couples therapy, we encourage you to reach out to our clinic to be connected with a registered therapist. A qualified therapist can provide you with the support and guidance you need to improve your relationship and find greater fulfillment and happiness in your life.
Why Choose First Step Men's Therapy
First Step Men's Therapy is more than a clinic; it's a living, breathing testament to resilience, compassion, and the unwavering belief that every man deserves a space to embark on a journey towards mental well-being.
Specialized Focus on Men's Mental Health
Unlike general therapy practices, we exclusively focus on the unique mental health needs of men.
Experienced, Gender-Inclusive Team
While 85% of our therapists are male, our team includes a diverse group of professionals, all committed to men's mental health.
Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Approach
Based on your unique situation, we utilize a wide range of evidence-based therapy approaches and trauma-informed care.
Flexible In-Person & Virtual Sessions
We offer in-person sessions at our offices in downtown Toronto & Ottawa, as well as virtual therapy sessions for clients across Canada.
We offer couples therapy in Ontario and virtually across Canada
While there is limited data on the effectiveness of virtual versus in-person couples counselling, there are a few benefits to virtual couples counselling:
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is psychotherapy?Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that aims to help improve and maintain one's mental health and face challenges both in the present and going forward.
-
Is a therapist covered by OHIP? How about my company's health insurance plan?Unfortunately, OHIP does not currently cover the cost of psychotherapy services. Some insurance providers may cover the cost, however, you will have to check whether your insurance provider covers the designation (i.e. Registered Psychotherapist or Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist/Registered Social Worker) prior to starting therapy to ensure coverage.
-
How long does each session last?Each individual session lasts 50 minutes. We use the final 10 minutes to finish up our documentation such as case notes that are required by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and when developing a tailored treatment plan to help guide us in our work.
-
I have insurance. Can you direct bill to my provider?To keep things simple, we ask that you pay for our services first, then submit any claims directly to your own insurance provider. Check with your insurance providers to learn more about whether you are covered for services offered by your individual therapist's designation (i.e. Social Worker, Registered Psychotherapist, & Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist).
-
Do you have a physical location?Yes, we have an office in Ottawa, Ontario located at Bank & Cooper in the heart of Centretown. Don't live in Ottawa? We offer online therapy options for individuals residing across Ontario. We have clients in Windsor, Kingston, Toronto, London, Hamilton, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Niagara Falls - and everywhere in between!
-
I have never done therapy online. Is is safe? What can I expect?Working with a therapist requires an environment that is safe, private, and secure. We use a telehealth platform that enables us to work together in such an environment. There is also an added layer of comfort for many clients, as you can meet us in the safety and privacy of your own space. We ask that you minimize any distractions prior to our session, such as silencing all cell phones and ensuring you have water or a pen/paper prior to joining the session.
-
Do you provide receipts?Yes, we provide you with a .pdf receipt after each session to allow you to keep for your own records and, if needed, submit it for your insurance coverage or tax records (if applicable).
-
My partner isn't convinced he needs therapy. Can I book an appointment for him?While understandable, we ask that the individual who requires our services make the first step and reach out to us directly. We are unable to book appointments from partners, friends, or family.
-
How many sessions will it take to feel better?The answer depends on many factors/variables. Some individuals start to feel better quickly as a result of simply talking open and honestly about their concerns for the first time. However, deeper level change does take time. The longer you have been struggling with your concern the more therapy sessions you will most likely need. On average many clients do notice some progress within the first 2-3 months of therapy.
-
Is therapy confidential?Your privacy and confidentiality are crucial. The information that you share will not be disclosed without your consent. There are some exceptions to this (required by Ontario law): You disclose information that indicates you or someone else is in imminent danger You disclose information about abuse or neglect of a child under the age of 16 You disclose information about abuse by a health care professional You disclose information about the abuse or neglect of a senior The court subpoenas your records The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario requests your records as part of an audit Before and throughout therapy, we will discuss these circumstances in detail and you will have an opportunity to ask questions.
-
How is my personal health information stored?Your personal health information is stored on a secure and private PIPEDA and PHIPA compliant electronic record management software, Jane Practice. PIPEDA: The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act PHIPA: Personal Health Information Protection Act
-
I have some things I am not ready to talk about. Will I have to speak about them early on in therapy?The short answer is no. You will never be forced to discuss something that you don’t feel comfortable disclosing. It can help to think of therapy like driving a car – you’re in the driver’s seat, the therapist is the passenger. A therapist can work with you to determine a better roadmap, but ultimately the decision to turn is yours. You can always discuss the pros and cons of discussing a certain topic with your therapist.
-
What will a 20-minute consultation help me with?An important predictor of success in therapy is fit between client and therapist. While it will take you some time to develop trust, after this call you should have an idea of whether this is someone you’d like to work with. We will review basic questions that you have and determine if fees and appointment availability work for you. You do not have to make a decision during this call about proceeding with therapy. You can take your time, think about it, and reach out at a later time to schedule your appointment.
-
I am ready to get started. What's the process look like?Once ready to book a first session, we will send you an intake form and informed consent form that outlines all the policies and procedures within the course of your therapeutic relationship (confidentiality, cancellation, fees etc). Once your form has been completed and signed, you will be ready to start your session. ** A valid credit card is required prior to starting your first session and throughout the therapeutic relationship.
