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!

Pride began as protest. As we celebrate, we remember the Black and Brown queer and trans communities who led the way.At Shanti Psychotherapy, solidarity means unlearning, growing, and showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Because if liberation doesn’t include queer and trans people, it’s not liberation.This Pride Month, and always, we honour the legacy, resilience, and joy of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. 🌈💖#PrideMonth #2SLGBTQIA #QueerJoy #TransRightsAreHumanRights #TherapistsForJustice #ShantiPsychotherapy #MentalHealthMatters #PrideIsPolitical

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Are you mad at me? Did I do something wrong?Sometimes it’s not just anxiety, it’s a nervous system shaped by childhood and intergenerational trauma. When you grow up reading the room for safety, even small mood shifts can feel like danger. Healing means learning you’re safe now. 💭🧠Reach out to us on our website to access support.#intergenerationaltrauma #traumahealing #nervoussystemsupport #innerchildhealing #mentalhealthawarenes #southasiantherapy #southasianmentalhealth #southasiantherapist #therapistsofinstagram #traumatherapy #grouptherapy

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Feeling drained or unmotivated lately? You might be experiencing burnout. 💭 Here are a few gentle check-in questions to help you tune into what your mind and body might be telling you:✨ Are you holding tension in places like your shoulders or stomach?
✨ Have you stopped prioritizing things that bring you joy?
✨ Are you neglecting parts of yourself that truly matter?
Burnout can creep in quietly—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.Feel free to reach out for support or therapy. You deserve care, too. 💛You can find lots of resources for support on our blog, which you can access on our website using the link in our bio.#BurnoutSupport #TherapyIsForEveryone #SelfCompassion #southasiantherapy #mentalhealthmatters #torontotherapy #southasiantherapist #southasianmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

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Join us for at THRIVE 2025 for a Healing from Intergenerational Trauma Workshop: The Socialization of the “Good Girl” in South Asian Women and Girls.A full day event dedicated to unpacking cultural narratives, fostering self-awareness, and supporting healing within our communities, including a workshop facilitated by us at Shanti Psychotherapy.📅 May 25th | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎙 Workshop facilitated by Angie Agrawal Holstein, Rohama Kabeer, and Rashmi Kumar.
🔗 Tickets available via the link in our bioThis event is hosted by @sawcollective_canada & @laadliyan , and we at Shanti Psychotherapy are excited to be part of it.We invite South Asian women and girls to explore the roots of intergenerational patterns and connect in a space of growth and reflection. Let’s break cycles and build new legacies together. 💜#IntergenerationalHealing #SouthAsianMentalHealth #GoodGirlSyndrome #CulturalHealing #TraumaInformedCare #SouthAsianTherapist #SouthAsianMentalHealth

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We’re growing to serve you better!We’re pleased to announce that Shanti Psychotherapy is now offering sessions at our satellite office in Etobicoke. If you or a loved one are seeking support, we invite you to reach out and book a free consultation. We’re here to walk alongside you in your healing journey. 🌿#EtobicokeTherapist #PsychotherapySupport #CompassionateCare #SouthAsianTherapist #bipoctherapy

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Starting therapy can feel like a big step and it’s totally okay to feel a little nervous or unsure. The first session is really about getting to know each other and making sure you feel safe, seen, and supported.We’ll talk about things like consent and confidentiality, what’s been bringing you to therapy, and what you’ve been struggling with lately. I’ll share how I work and we’ll explore how we can tailor the process to meet your needs. We might set a few gentle goals, and you’re always welcome to ask any questions that come up.Think of it as laying the foundation for a space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered, at your pace, and on your terms.#TherapyJourney #FirstSessionSupport #MentalHealthMatters #CompassionateCare #HealingStartsHere #TorontoPsychotherapy #GroupTherapy #SouthAsianTherapist

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