Trauma & PTSD Therapy for Men in Markham

Our York Region office is located at 125 Commerce Valley Drive West, Thornhill, Ontario, in the heart of York Region. We are situated near the intersection of Highway 7 and Leslie Street, just minutes from Highway 404 and Highway 407, making it easily accessible from across Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, and North York.

Free parking is available on-site, and detailed directions are provided upon booking.

Yes, we offer in-person therapy sessions at our York Region office, as well as secure virtual therapy options for those located anywhere in Ontario or across Canada.

Our York Region therapists specialize in working with men on a variety of issues, including:

• Anxiety & depression

• Pornography & sex addiction

• Relationship and marriage issues

• Anger management

• Trauma and PTSD

• Self-esteem and identity

• Infidelity and trust repair

• Stress and burnout

We also work with partners of men and couples.

Absolutely. First Step Men’s Therapy was founded to help men build better relationships with themselves and others. Our team in York Region is trained and experienced in male-focused therapy, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges men face today.

You can book a free 20-minute consultation directly on our website, completing the form on this page, or by calling/emailing us.

Our intake team will help match you with the best therapist for your needs and schedule.

Yes, we provide couples counselling and individual therapy for partners of men as well. While our name emphasizes men’s therapy, we recognize the importance of healing relationships and supporting those connected to the men we serve.

Fees vary based on the therapist and session length. Many clients have extended health insurance that covers therapy with a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) or Registered Social Worker (RSW). We provide receipts for insurance reimbursement and offer direct billing to some providers when possible.

Yes, all therapy sessions are confidential. Our therapists follow strict professional and ethical guidelines under the CRPO and OCSWSSW. Your privacy is our priority. When you enter our office, we protect your confidentiality and have a safe, warm, secure space for you to share your issues and challenges.

Unlike many generalist therapy practices, we are dedicated to supporting men and their partners with a focus on emotional intelligence, healthy masculinity, relational repair, and personal growth. Our therapists are hand-picked for their clinical expertise, real-world experience, and passion for working with men.

Trauma therapy is designed to help individuals process and overcome the effects of traumatic experiences. It provides a safe space to confront challenging emotions and memories, often reducing symptoms like anxiety, anger, or detachment that can linger from trauma.

If past events or traumas continue to affect your everyday life, relationships, or job performance, trauma therapy can help. Men may notice issues with trust, emotional numbness, or heightened stress responses, which are all indicators that trauma support could be beneficial.

Look for licensed therapists, such as registered psychotherapists or social workers, who specialize in trauma. Many are certified in methods like EMDR or somatic therapy, which can be particularly helpful in processing and releasing trauma.

Therapy can address a wide range of traumatic experiences, from recent incidents to childhood trauma or complex trauma due to repeated negative events. Whether trauma stems from abuse, loss, or other major life events, therapists tailor treatment to meet individual needs.

The duration of trauma therapy depends on individual goals, trauma history, and therapy style. Some may find relief within a few months, while others with more complex trauma may benefit from a longer engagement.

Trauma therapists often use methods like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to shift negative thinking patterns, EMDR to reprocess trauma memories, or mindfulness and somatic practices to reconnect the mind and body. Many therapists tailor these approaches to help men work through trauma at their own pace.

Yes, trauma can manifest physically through muscle tension, headaches, or chronic stress. Therapists trained in somatic or body-oriented techniques can help address these physical symptoms, providing a more holistic approach to healing.

Finding a therapist who makes you feel comfortable and understands your needs is key. Many men benefit from working with a trauma-informed therapist who is sensitive to how trauma affects men uniquely. An initial consultation can help you gauge if a therapist’s style aligns with your goals.

Our Toronto and Ottawa-based therapists offer in-person trauma therapy sessions while other clinicians offer virtual trauma therapy, allowing flexibility for those with busy schedules or limited access to in-person sessions. Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person and is a convenient way to receive support.

While every person’s journey is different, many individuals experience significant relief from trauma symptoms and lead fulfilling lives post-therapy. Trauma therapy aims to help individuals regain control over their responses to past experiences, fostering resilience and healing.