YYZ Talks Origin Story and Values
First and foremost, this practice was born out of a shared passion for Psychotherapy and creating something different. Mental Health in Toronto is unfortunately and inevitably under-served in one way or another. We know we can't change the whole game, but we want to try to do our part.
We are devoted to professional development and introduce each other to new ideas regularly. Our goal is to always make sure we're the therapists we wanted to be.
While our approaches to therapy vary, our work with you starts with a position of non-judgmental inclusivity. The world can offer enough judgment sometimes. We're aiming to provide an emotionally safe space for you to explore, grow, learn, and heal.
We approach each case with integrity and humility. The fit between you and your therapist is vital, and it works both ways.
What Sets YYZ Talks Apart?
A client-centred approach.
Our unique intake process begins with a direct consultation with Clinical Director Zell, not administrative staff, and you’re not matched using spreadsheets or just sent to the first free therapist. Zell's deep knowledge of his team's working styles, having trained many of them since their internships, enables him to match you with the most suitable therapist. This approach has resulted in one of the highest successful match rates we know of.
Following your free consultation with Zell, you'll have a complimentary 15-minute meeting with the recommended therapist to ensure compatibility. Research and experience have shown the crucial importance of a good client-therapist fit. We prioritize this by offering free consultations and never booking sessions without them.
If you request a specific therapist or area of expertise in your intake email, Zell may bypass the initial consultation and connect you directly with the relevant counsellor for a consultation.
We Are A Therapist-Led Practice
I'll be uncomfortably blunt with you on this: the counselling industry is rife with practices that prioritize profit over patient care. Many are run by individuals with no counselling expertise, outsourcing every aspect of their operation. Their primary focus? Maximizing client charges while minimizing counsellor compensation. These environments are detrimental to counsellor development, often resulting in high turnover rates and subpar care quality that falls short of what you rightfully deserve.
Our approach is refreshingly different.
It's just us and our marketing team. Our virtual setup allows us to pass on savings to you wherever possible. We don't splurge on hefty advertising budgets. Instead, we rely heavily on the quality of our work, which naturally leads to word-of-mouth referrals. It's both validating and humbling that approximately one-third of our referrals come from existing clients. This speaks volumes about the trust and satisfaction we've cultivated.
Dedicated To Professional Development
We are honoured to get to do what we do for work, and we are dedicated to professional development. This ensures that we are always delivering ethical and optimal care to you. We’re always engaged in professional development, taking courses, working on certifications, or attending group supervisions to keep learning.
Our team consists of Independent Registered Psychotherapists and Social Workers who meet regularly to discuss our professional development, support each other, and exchange theories and techniques. This ensures our whole team is continuously growing and learning, able to support you through an ever-widening set of struggles. We are devoted to professional development and introduce each other to new ideas regularly. Our goal is to always make sure we're the therapists we wanted to be.
Why are our rates significantly lower?
Because most of our growth comes from word of mouth, so we don’t have a giant ad budget
Because we are virtual, we’ve passed on that saving to you
Because we’re trying to balance the needs of the practice, and the economy, and making it accessible to the greatest number of people
Therapist Matching and Free Consultation
At YYZ Talks, we understand that finding the right therapist is crucial for your mental health journey. That's why we offer a personalized therapist-matching service tailored to your unique needs. We take into account factors like therapeutic approach, areas of expertise, and personal compatibility to ensure you're paired with the best therapist for you.
We're confident in our ability to help, which is why we offer a free initial consultation to all prospective clients. This no-obligation session gives you the opportunity to:
Discuss your concerns openly
Ask any questions you may have
Get a feel for our therapeutic process
We believe this approach helps alleviate any anxiety or uncertainty you might have about starting therapy. It's our way of demonstrating our commitment to your well-being and ensuring you feel comfortable before committing to ongoing treatment.
Your mental health journey is important to us, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
