(Laird) Yu Tian Zhou

MACP, RP

Registered Psychotherapist

CREDENTIALS

Laird Zhou is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). He holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP).

Verify registration: https://my.crpo.ca/publicregister

AREAS OF FOCUS

Laird supports adolescents and adults navigating emotional, relational, and identity-related challenges. His areas of focus include:

Emotional & Mental Health
  • Anxiety and excessive worry
  • Depression and low mood
  • Stress management and overwhelm
  • Distress tolerance and coping skills
Attention & Motivation
  • ADHD-related focus and attention difficulties
  • Procrastination and goal planning
  • Executive functioning challenges
Relationships & Identity
  • Interpersonal and family relationship concerns
  • Cultural identity and bicultural stress
  • 2SLGBTQ+ identities and lived experiences
  • Men’s issues
Life Transitions & Trauma
  • Navigating major life changes
  • Trauma and healing from difficult experiences

Laird offers a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, build insight, and move toward meaningful personal growth.

LANGUAGES

Laird speaks English and Mandarin, with conversational proficiency in Cantonese.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Laird completed his Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Urban Studies at the University of Toronto before earning his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.

His professional experience includes:

  • Providing crisis response and emotional support to individuals in moments of acute distress

  • Supporting youth with ADHD-related challenges, including focus, organization, and emotional regulation

  • Working with diverse communities across a range of cultural identities and lived experiences

These roles have strengthened his ability to remain grounded, empathic, and attuned during challenging moments while supporting clients through long-term healing and growth.

APPROACH TO TREATMENT

Laird’s therapeutic approach is client-centered, multicultural, body- and sex-positive, and grounded in anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive values. He strives to create a safe, affirming, and collaborative space where clients feel supported exactly as they are.

He views clients as the experts of their own lives, bringing his knowledge and perspective while honouring each person’s inner wisdom and lived experience.

Laird integrates several evidence-based modalities, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Exploring and shifting patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
  • Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Developing grounding, presence, and emotional awareness
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – Strengthening emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) – Building on strengths and identifying practical steps forward

He tailors his approach to each client’s cultural identity, personal history, and goals. For one person, this may mean developing coping strategies through DBT; for another, exploring thought patterns using CBT or building on strengths through solution-focused work. Together, you will discover what fits best for your healing journey.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Laird has a bi-cultural background, having lived in both Canada and China. These experiences give him a deep appreciation for the richness and complexity of cultural identity, belonging, and navigating life between different worlds—whether that involves immigration, inter-generational relationships, or finding one’s place within shifting cultural expectations.

Outside the therapy room, Laird nurtures his creativity and joy through gaming, cooking, singing, and staying active. He is also a pop music songwriter and producer, having collaborated with various Chinese artists. This creative work influences his therapeutic approach and reflects his belief in the power of expression, exploration, and discovering one’s authentic voice.

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