DCO Discourse...

In this 2 part series, episode of DCO Discourse for Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, host Christina Droumtsekas sits down with registered psychotherapist Carlton Brown to explore the unique challenges men face regarding mental health. Together, they unpack how masculinity, stigma, and silence can impact men's emotional well-being and how therapy can be a space for healing, vulnerability, and g...

In this episode of DCO Discourse, host Christina Droumtsekas sits down with Melanie Brakel, a professional art therapist and registered psychotherapist, to explore the world of art therapy—a practice that uses creative expression to support mental and emotional healing. Together, they discuss: What art therapy is and how it differs from traditional talk therapy or rec...

As we continue with Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of Healthy Boundaries, Healthy Minds: Teen consent and mental health, Sex Educator Sandra Allen joins host Christina Droumtsekas to dive into what consent looks like, and mental health. We will unpack what it means to support teens through one of their most formative – and often confusing times. Together, we explore how to talk about...

In this solo episode, Christina Droumtsekas reflects on how digital culture—and the constant stream of filtered images—shapes our self-esteem. Drawing from her personal experiences and art therapy research, she explores how selfies and self-portraiture can serve as tools for reflection, healing, and reclaiming one’s identity. Whether you’re navigating a life transition or simply feeling the weight...

In this solo episode, podcast host Christina Droumtsekas reflects on the kind of grief that lingers—the kind that reshapes who we are and how we move through the world. She opens up about the recent passing of her grandmother and the end of her marriage, sharing honest stories about how loss can show up in unexpected ways. Christina explores how grief isn’t limited to death—it can also come from l...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in this episode of Stressed Out: How to Cope Before You Burn Out, host Christina Droumtsekas is joined by Registered Psychotherapist Tracey Sebastian for an honest conversation about one of the most common mental health struggles we all face—stress. Together, they explore how stress shows up in our bodies and minds, the connection between chronic stress and...

In this episode, Christina Droumtsekas is joined by Val Brosseau, and together they explore the difference between being in distress or in crisis, and knowing when to reach out for help. They will also discuss the role of a crisis responder and what you can expect when you call a support line. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit...

In the final episode of this series, Vijay, a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, continues to share their experiences as a trans non-binary individual of color, as well as sharing the experiences of others in the queer community. The discussion between Vijay and Caitlin focuses on the importance of timely and appropriate interventions for queer individuals, the need for better understanding and t...

In this episode as the new host, Christina Droumtsekas is joined by Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, to explore the organization at the core of this podcast. Together, we dive into DCO’s mission, its evolution, and the powerful ways it supports individuals and communities across the province. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going...

In today’s episode Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, is joined by Ryan to discuss mental health in the workplace. Specifically, Ryan share’s his experience of seeing how mental health is approached in the food service and construction industries. This episode does contain some rather heavy discussion of mental health, substance use, and suicidality. To connect with sup...

In this episode, Caitlin continues her conversation with Vijay, a Psychology & Neuroscience student and mental health professional, sharing their journey of self-discovery as a trans, nonbinary person of color. In part three Caitlin and Vijay delve a little deeper into some of the tougher questions surrounding identity, coming out, the suicide crisis in the trans community, and more. As discus...

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen speaks with Kyla Salliss, a professional makeup artist and young entrepreneur, about navigating the challenges of pursuing a non-conventional career in the arts while maintaining mental well-being. Kyla shares her journey from starting out in the creative industry to building her own business, offering valuable advice on managing the pressures of entrepreneurship...

In this episode, Navigating Political Stress: Strategies for Mental Well-Being, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager, is joined by Amanda Giorgini, a thanatology graduate from King’s University, to discuss how to manage stress in today’s political climate. We explore how to recognize when political events are impacting mental health, ways to stay informed without feeling overwhe...

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Vijay, a Psychology & Neuroscience student and mental health professional. Vijay shares their journey of self-discovery as a trans, nonbinary person of color, offering insight into the differences between trans and cis experiences, common misconceptions about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and the importance of allyship. We discuss how small acts o...

In this episode, Prabhvir Gill, a student placement at Distress and Crisis Ontario, speaks with Neta Gear, Executive Director of the Delton Glebe Counselling Centre and Distress and Crisis Ontario. As a registered social worker with extensive experience in crisis services, brain injury support, and community care, Neta brings valuable insight into the mental health challenges faced by immigrants....

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, speaks with Christina Droumtsekas, a therapist with a background in both therapy and the arts, about building healthy and fulfilling romantic relationships. Christina shares insights on key relationship dynamics including communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. She explo...

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, is joined by Program Manager Caitlin Plant to explore the importance of fostering positive workplace relationships. Using insights from Psychology Today, they discuss key elements like trust, communication, setting boundaries, and managing conflicts professionally. They also touch on the role o...

In this episode, Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, speaks with Vijay, a Psychology & Neuroscience student and mental health professional, about their journey as a trans, nonbinary individual of color. Vijay shares their personal experiences navigating identity, mental health, and some of the challenges of being part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. They discuss the imp...

Editors note: sorry for the delay in the podcast upload I (Damien) was busy having a baby over the weekend and i'm just getting back up to speed now. In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen speaks with Samantha Cranston, a Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate, about the emotional and psychological impact of divorce on children and young adults. Samantha shares insights on navigating major life changes, setti...

This week on the podcast, Prabhvir Gill, a Humber College student completing his placement with DCO, sits down with Zeryab Ayub, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental studies at York University. Together, they explore the crucial topic of children’s mental health. From recognizing early warning signs to understanding the long-term effects of trauma, Prabhvir and Zeryab discuss pract...

Continuing last week’s conversation on masculinity, Marissa Rasmussen is joined by therapist Chad MackIntosh from The Delton Glebe Counselling Centre. Together, they delve deeper into the impact of toxic masculinity, discussing societal pressures, media influences, and practical ways to foster healthier perspectives on masculinity and emotional well-being. To connect with support related to this e...

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen has a thoughtful conversation with Caleb Pauze about toxic masculinity and its impact on individuals, relationships, and society as a whole. They discuss how societal expectations and media influence shape ideas of masculinity and explore the challenges men face in expressing emotions and breaking free from harmful stereotypes. Caleb also shares insights on foste...

In this episode, I’m joined by Caleb Pauzé, a Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate, Wilderness First Responder, and experienced canoe trip leader, to explore the transformative power of wilderness adventures on mental health. Caleb shares what canoe tripping is and reflects on how extended time in nature impacts mental clarity and mood, the role of solitude and disconnection from technology, and the res...

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, chats with Program Manager Caitlin Plant about tackling the annual challenge of New Year’s resolutions. Instead of setting lofty, unsustainable goals, they dive into practical tips for realistic goal setting, based on the Positive Psychology article What is Goal Setting and How to Do it Well by...

In this holiday episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, chats with Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at DCO, about navigating the festive season. They share personal stories, tips for handling holiday stress, managing family dynamics, and setting boundaries, while offering simple self-care tools like the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique. Join them...