Karis Mitchell

Karis has experience addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety, panic, grief, mood and emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships, stress management, self-harming behaviors, suicidal ideations, and relapse prevention. Specializing in trauma, couples therapy, behavioral addictions, and substance use disorders, Karis works primarily with first responders (veterans, RCMP, and DND), providing compassionate care to support their mental health and well-being. Karis employs evidence-based treatment modalities, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, HOPES Couples Therapy for PTSD, The Gottman Method for couples, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).

Karis earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Waterloo in Ontario. She brings a strong clinical foundation in mental health and addictions, supported by diverse experience across community-based and health authority settings. Karis has worked as an Addictions Counsellor with Tobacco Free Nova Scotia, as a Social Worker within an Opioid Treatment Program with Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), and prior to joining True North Psychological Services provided psychotherapy as a Clinical Therapist in Mental Health and Addictions with NSHA. She is committed to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development to ensure high-quality, client-centred care.

I chose to become a clinical social worker with a focus on trauma and addiction because I have seen how deeply both can impact individuals and families, particularly through my family’s history in policing and military service. These experiences shaped my understanding of service-related stress, trauma, and substance use as often interconnected responses to overwhelming experiences. In my practice, I value safety, trust, and genuine human connection, and I take a trauma-informed, collaborative approach that recognizes each person’s unique experiences while supporting empowerment, resilience, and healing.

Outside of the office, I value balance, connection, and time spent in nature and with loved ones. I am a foster parent and enjoy being actively involved with my family. I prioritize self-care through activities such as hiking, yoga, and kickboxing, which help me stay grounded and energized. At home, I enjoy spending time with my pets including my dogs, cats, and chickens, who bring a great deal of joy and perspective to my life.