FIRST STEP MEN'S THERAPY

Anxiety Therapy for Men 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

Does this sound like you...

✓ Are you struggling with persistent worry, fear, or panic attacks?
✓ Do you find yourself avoiding certain situations or activities due to anxiety?
✓ Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and limited by your anxiety?
✓ Is it possible to overcome anxiety and regain control of your life?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! And we can help.

anxiety therapy - first step mens therapy

Do You Want to Break Free from Anxiety?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, anxiety therapy for men may be the solution you need. Anxiety can be a debilitating condition that affects your quality of life, relationships, and ability to function. But you don't have to suffer alone. Anxiety therapy can help you identify and manage the underlying causes of your anxiety, so you can regain control and live a more fulfilling life. While anxiety may be a part of life, for some men it can lead to impaired functioning, difficulty focusing, and trouble being present.

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Anxiety Affects Many Men in Canada

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in Canada, affecting 12% of the population.

Anxiety can manifest in different ways, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias.

While anxiety is a common condition, it can be challenging to manage on your own, and seeking help can be a sign of strength.

Can Therapy for Anxiety Help Me?

Anxiety therapy treatment can help you develop effective coping strategies to manage your anxiety symptoms. By working with a trained therapist, you can learn how to challenge negative thoughts, regulate your emotions, and face your fears in a safe and supportive environment.

Over time, you can develop the skills and confidence to manage anxiety and live a more fulfilling life. A knowledgeable therapist will help you to examine triggers that lead to anxiety, the role of avoidance in prolonging anxiety, and developing healthier tools to better treat and manage anxiety moving forward.

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What do the Symptoms of Anxiety Typically Look Like?

Anxiety can manifest in different ways, and the symptoms can vary from person to person.

Some common symptoms of anxiety include:

Persistent worry or fear
Restlessness or irritability
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Muscle tension or physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue
Panic attacks, including rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, and a feeling of impending doom
Avoidance of certain situations or activities that trigger anxiety

What Types of Anxiety Therapy Treatments are Available?

There are many different types of anxiety therapy, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best approach for your individual needs. Some common types of anxiety therapy include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. By recognizing and challenging negative beliefs, you can learn to cope with your symptoms in a healthier way.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to situations or activities that trigger your anxiety, in a safe and supportive environment. By facing your fears, you can learn that you are capable of managing your anxiety and that the feared outcome is unlikely to occur.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-based therapy can help you develop a greater awareness of your thoughts and emotions. By learning to be present in the moment, you can reduce the intensity of your symptoms and develop greater resilience.

Comfort, Safety, and Knowledge are Key in Finding an Anxiety Therapist

Ontario-based therapists that are comfortable and experienced working with anxiety

When choosing an anxiety therapist, it's important to find someone who is trained and experienced in working with anxiety. Look for a therapist who has specialized training in anxiety therapy and who is familiar with evidence-based treatments for anxiety. It's also important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust. You may want to schedule an initial consultation with a potential therapist to get a sense of their approach and see if it feels like a good fit.

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What to Do When Experiencing Anxiety

Anxiety attacks can be very distressing and overwhelming, but there are some techniques that can help to reduce the intensity and duration of the attack. Here are some tips that may help:

Deep breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths can help to calm the body and reduce feelings of anxiety. Try to breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and then breathe out for 8 seconds.

Grounding techniques: Focus on your surroundings and try to describe what you see, hear, smell, and touch. This can help to bring you back to the present moment and reduce feelings of dissociation.

Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and then relax each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head. This can help to release physical tension and reduce feelings of anxiety.

Mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Try to observe them as if you are an outsider looking in. This can help you to feel more in control and reduce the intensity of the anxiety.

Talking to someone: Reach out to a friend, family member, or mental health professional who can provide support and help you to work through the anxiety attack.

Remember that everyone's experience with anxiety is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you find that you're struggling to manage your anxiety attacks, it's important to seek professional help from a mental health provider.

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What to Expect in Your First Anxiety Therapy Session

In the first therapy session, the therapist will meet the individual where they are in their struggle with anxiety. The therapist will seek to understand how anxiety is impacting the individual's life and explore their goals for therapy. Given that anxiety affects people in different ways, the therapist will customize their approach to meet the individual's unique needs and objectives.

After establishing the desired changes, the therapist will work collaboratively with the individual to develop a plan for achieving those goals. Throughout therapy, the therapist will incorporate various evidence-based techniques and strategies to help manage anxiety symptoms and challenge negative thought patterns that may be contributing to the individual feeling trapped.

What to Expect in Additional/Follow-Up Sessions

In following anxiety therapy sessions with us, clients can expect a supportive and non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and emotions. In the initial session, the therapist will work with the client to understand the nature of their anxiety, including triggers, symptoms, and how it impacts their daily life.

The therapist will tailor their approach to meet the client's unique needs and goals, drawing on evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation training. Through these techniques, clients can learn to identify negative thought patterns that contribute to their anxiety and develop strategies to manage and reduce symptoms.

The therapist will collaborate with the client to establish achievable goals for therapy and create a plan to work towards those goals. Sessions may involve practicing specific techniques, discussing progress, and exploring challenges that arise.

As therapy progresses, clients can expect to develop a greater understanding of their anxiety and build the skills and confidence needed to manage it effectively. By working with us, clients can take the first step towards feeling more in control of their lives and experiencing greater emotional well-being.

What if my Anxiety gets Worse?

Some individuals may be hesitant to seek help for anxiety due to a traumatic past event or loss that they find too overwhelming to confront. For others, anxiety may be rooted in genetics. Additionally, anxiety frequently co-occurs with depression, leading to racing thoughts and feelings of helplessness that can make it challenging to identify and address the issue.

Untreated anxiety can lead to significant health problems, underscoring the importance of seeking help as soon as possible. By working with an experienced therapist who specializes in anxiety, individuals can receive the guidance and support they need to feel more positive about their lives.

Help is Available for Men with Anxiety!

We’re accepting clients online across Canada and in-person in Ottawa and Toronto

Don't let anxiety hold you back any longer - take the first step towards healing and reclaiming your life.

If you're struggling with anxiety in Toronto, Ottawa, or across Ontario, First Step Men's Therapy is here to help. Our team of experienced therapists specializes in treating anxiety disorders and can provide you with the support and guidance you need to overcome your symptoms. We understand that anxiety can be overwhelming and debilitating, but with our help, you can learn to manage your anxiety and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a free 20-minute consultation and take the first step towards a happier, healthier you.

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Still Have Questions About Anxiety Therapy?

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.