AJ Ware | Therapist | Shanti Psychotherapy

Meet AJ Ware

Registered Social Worker

MSW RSW

She/They

Connected 

With a previous career as a writer, performer and theatre producer, I have always been known as someone who makes connections. My value system is rooted in the power of human-to-human connection as a generative force for growth and happiness in our lives. I believe that every person has a story worth telling and that true healing happens through genuine connection- whether that’s through a meaningful conversation, shared laughter, or a moment of breakthrough. 

I am dedicated to the support of sexual identity and gender spectra, as these are often issues that are accompanied by feelings of isolation and pain. 

I can support children, youth and young adults with common issues such as overwhelm and anxiety, feelings of depression and trauma, navigating friendships and romantic relationships, improving sexual well-being, as well as parenting support, family therapy and couples therapy. 

Collaborative 

Working in theatre is necessarily collaborative, and that is what makes it transformative. I bring connective collaboration to my work with my clients, not out of habit but because I know that everyone in the room brings vital knowledge to the process. As collaborators, we can connect our understanding in ways that challenge you toward growth, accountability, and healing. I connect with warmth and laughter from a place of loving encouragement. 

In my sessions, I use eclectic, trauma-informed approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Attachment work, Anti-colonial and anti-racist practices, Mindfulness, Arts-based practices, and Nature-based practices. 

About me! 

I am queer and gender fluid and immigrated to Toronto from the US in 2020. I live near High Park with my partner. I’m a step-parent to an awesome kid, and our family is rounded out with the world’s cutest dog, Demi! I find my happiness in connection to nature through gardening, cycling, sailing, camping, and digging my toes into any warm sand I can get to. I fill my cup by seeing live music with people I love and reading, and I really enjoy time spent doing textile arts like weaving, sewing, and embroidery. 

“You were not just born to center your entire existence on work and labour. You were born to heal, to grow, to be of service to yourself and community, to practice, to experiment, to create, to have space, to dream, and to connect.” 

― Tricia Hersey, Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto 

Please reach out to me for a 20-minute no-charge consultation to explore if we may collaborate and connect for a healthier you!

Are you 14–24 years old, based in Toronto, and ready for real conversations about sexual and reproductive health?
Join us at the Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH) Youth Summit, hosted by Our Kids’ Health Network, on March 29, 2026.
This full-day, in-person event will bring together youth, healthcare professionals, and community organizations for interactive workshops and discussions focused on evidence-based sexual and reproductive health education. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, challenge myths, and connect with trusted experts and organizations through engaging community booths.
✨This summit centers youth voices, credible information, and creating space for honest and respectful dialogue. This is a free event, and lunch will be provided. Attendees will also receive a digital certificate of attendance. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Event details:
📅 March 29, 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto
🎟️ Cost: FREE (a $10 gift card will be provided to support local transportation)
👥 Who: Youth ages 14–24
👉 Register by March 15 using the QR code or the following link: https://lnkd.in/esmqdPZk
👉 For more information about the event: https://bit.ly/srhinfo
Know someone who should attend? Please share this post!
#SRHYouthSummit #OurKidsHealth #YouthHealth #SexualHealth #YouthEngagement

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Meet Irem Koc, a compassionate Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Shanti Psychotherapy — where therapy is tailored to you. She offers a calm, supportive space to explore what’s beneath the surface of anxiety, stress, depression, relationship concerns, identity questions, and cultural pressure.With a person-centred, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach, Irem integrates evidence-based practices — including CBT, DBT, attachment-based and mindfulness-informed techniques — to help you feel more grounded, connected, and understood.Living between cultures herself, she deeply appreciates the challenges of navigating multiple identities and brings warmth, curiosity, and cultural awareness to every session.You can book with Irem here: https://www.shantipsychotherapy.ca/contact/#torontotherapy #torontotherapist #psychotherapist #couplestherapist #turkishtherapist

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