As a first-generation child of South Asian immigrants, my childhood was a rich blend of joy and conflict. I grew up in the 1970s in small-town Ontario. The experience of navigating academic pressures, straddling different cultural norms and simply trying to “fit in” shaped my outlook. Even my name became part of my blended experience. My father named me Anjali, a Sanskrit word that means “divine offering.” It’s how he made amends for forgetting his prayers on the morning of my birth. However, my parents called me Angie as a way of acculturating. That’s how I’ve identified ever since, though I hold my birth name close to my heart.

The immigrant experience of resilience, adaptation and community forged my path forward. My journey in the mental health field began 28 years ago. I hold an Honours BA from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. I spent 12 years at CAMH, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, where I gained invaluable experience in the complex mental health challenges facing adults, children and youth. Following this, I dedicated four years to a therapy and wellness program for students at Havergal College. 

My passion is supporting individuals, families, youth, and children in their healing journeys. I feel blessed by my calling, knowing that what I do every day makes a tangible difference in someone’s life.

Founding Shanti Psychotherapy

My extensive frontline work became instrumental in shaping Shanti Psychotherapy. We are a polycultural group practice with a community and grassroots focus. We welcome clients from all backgrounds while providing a unique specialization in South Asian mental health. Our team of therapists offer compassionate support to children, youth, families, individuals, couples, and international students.

Practising Psychotherapy

For the last eight years, I have specialized in psychotherapy for youth and families. I am EMDR-certified and offer Deep Brain Reorienting Therapy, and other evidence-based neuroscientific approaches, to support transformative healing for my clients. I am presently not accepting new clients and focus part of my time on current clients,  leading & mentoring the clinical team at Shanti Psychotherapy, consulting, clinical supervision, outreach and coaching.

Clinical Supervision

For the past 15 years, I have provided clinical supervision to students and therapists, taking a person-centred approach to supporting clinicians in their professional growth. Understanding the therapist within the work is essential to fostering confidence, skill development, and ethical practice. I integrate multiple modalities, including relational and neuroscientific frameworks, to help therapists enhance their therapeutic effectiveness and achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients. My supervision style is collaborative, reflective, and tailored to each clinician’s unique strengths and challenges.

Community Advocacy, Outreach and Media

Beyond the therapy room, I work with community groups to raise awareness of intergenerational trauma. I have had the privilege of mentoring youth and supporting organizations like Regent Park Mental Health Matters and institutions like Sunnybrook and the University Health Network, where we provide accessible and meaningful mental health care and participate in mental health research. I also focus my media speaking engagements on compassion, hope and healing to empower others to create positive change within and around them.

Corporate Workshops

I continue to consult with and train organizations to foster healthy corporate cultures with wellness initiatives and impactful workshops about unconscious bias, front-line staff trauma, embracing diversity, building trust and growing high-functioning teams.

Mindset Business Coaching

Having navigated a journey on my own as a therapist and entrepreneur, I now offer high-value, comprehensive, and one-on-one coaching to psychotherapy professionals looking to scale their practices while remaining true to their values. Through Mindset Business Coaching for Therapists, I provide the mentoring I wish I had received when I started out.

Outside of work, I live in Toronto with my partner of 25 years. We have three teenage children and a black lab puppy called Fred. My heart-centred place is being out in our community, enjoying connection and nature.