Karina Kays | Shanti Psychotherapy

Meet Karina Karys

Registered Social Worker

RSW MSW

She/Her

As an EMDR and Trauma Therapist, I know that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable.  Typically people carry so much on their own. With support, this can change. 

In our work together, you can expect sessions where you feel seen, respected and deeply understood, without judgment. A collaborative journey, where your lived experiences, identities and ways of knowing are honored and where you are recognized as the expert of your own life.

As a Polish-speaking clinician, I also offer therapy in Polish and English, creating space for people who feel most comfortable expressing themselves in their first language.

I support individuals (14+) navigating a range of concerns, including Trauma (interpersonal and systemic), Anxiety (rumination, overthinking), Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Borderline Personality Disorder, Chronic Illness, Attachment and challenging Relationship patterns, Low Self-Worth, Perfectionism, Poor Body Image and Identity exploration. 

I also specialize and have extensive experience working with people impacted by Gender-Based Violence, Intimate Partner Violence, Human Trafficking, Adverse Childhood Experiences and Intergenerational Trauma.

In our sessions, we may draw from approaches such as Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Informed CBT, DBT, mindfulness and EMDR. These approaches can help, whether you’re looking to process trauma, build coping tools or reconnect with parts of yourself that feel lost or silenced.

I recognize how systemic and structural factors, such as racism, migration and discrimination, impact mental health and I am committed to supporting BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities with both care and advocacy.

Having migrated from Poland to Canada as a youth, I hold a deep understanding of cultural identity, integrating to a new culture and the complexities of navigating multiple worlds. This shapes how I show up in the therapy room. It is important to me that I show up with care, humility and a commitment to reducing power imbalances. 

Above all, I want you to feel that you don’t have to navigate things alone. Therapy can be a place of grounding, to learn and unlearn by healing and even moments of lightness. Together, we can begin to find those moments, at your pace, in your way.

In my own personal life, I am mindful of “glimmers” and activities that feel like sunshine: spending as much time as possible with dogs; learning about geology, art, and animal behavior; and listening to music – I never leave home without at least 1 pair of earphones 🙂 

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

Not every relationship that starts with connection ends in safety.Toxic relationships often develop slowly — through patterns that create confusion, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion. Over time, you may find yourself questioning your feelings, minimizing your needs, or walking on eggshells.Recognizing these patterns is the first step.�Healing takes time, support, and self-compassion.
You deserve relationships that feel safe, respectful, and steady.If you’re navigating the impact of a toxic relationship, therapy can help you rebuild your sense of self and move forward with clarity.#toxicrelationships #mentalhealthawareness #therapy #healingjourney #selfworth boundaries emotionalwellbeing

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“Narcissism” is a word we hear often — but it’s more than confidence or a big ego.
Narcissistic patterns can include manipulation, lack of accountability, and a strong need for admiration, often leaving others feeling confused, invalidated, or emotionally drained.Understanding these dynamics can help you recognize what’s happening and begin to set healthier boundaries.
You are allowed to protect your well-being.If you’re struggling in a relationship impacted by these patterns, therapy can provide support, clarity, and tools to move forward.Learn more on our website, in a blog post by Registered Psychotherapist Rashmi Kumar!#narcissism #mentalhealth #therapy #boundaries selfawareness healing emotionalhealth psychotherapy

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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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Sitting with feelings, especially difficult ones, is a hard but important skill. Tolerating and soothing difficult feelings until they pass is an important skill that for most people is not taught or modeled well in our society that tends to avoid intense feelings. 💪🏽This ability bolsters our other skills of practicing grace, processing our emotions and allowing ourselves to move forwards towards the goals and life we want to curate. It’s important to explore and be curious about the emotions we are experiencing, to recognize what they are, to allow yourself to feel them. All emotions can be observed and supported with compassion until the feelings lesson.✨#emotionfocusedtherapy #therapytoronto #therapiststoronto #southasiantherapist #

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a little tour of our etobicoke space ✨
this is where anhad and our team of therapists work with teens, adults, couples, and families.

we support adhd, ocd, mood challenges, relationship concerns, and mental health struggles — in a space designed to feel calm, safe, and welcoming.#etobicoke #therapyspace #mentalhealthsupport #adhdsupport #ocdsupport

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