DCO Discourse...

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...

In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, continues her discussion with Sabrina Popernitsch, a Registered Psychotherapist, delving into complex challenges that often arise during the holiday season. They address practical strategies for managing holiday budgeting, coping with seasonal affective disorder, and navigating grief during this...

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, speaks with Sabrina Popernitsch, a Registered Psychotherapist, about navigating the emotional challenges of the holiday season. Together, they explore ways to manage expectations, avoid the stress of perfectionism, and support loved ones without overstepping boundaries. Sabrina also shares pract...

In this episode, Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, speaks with Anna Najcler, Volunteer Coordinator at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC). Anna shares her journey to her current role, highlighting the essential qualities she looks for in volunteers, how SASC provides comprehensive training and support, and the unique needs of survivors from dive...

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen speaks with Julie Earle, NP-PHC MScN, the Most Responsible Provider Nurse Practitioner on the Geriatric Dementia Unit at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. Julie shares insights from her career, including co-leading Ontario’s first NP-led hospital and serving on the Consent and Capacity Board. They discuss unique mental health challenges in older a...

In Part 2 of this episode, Marissa Rasmussen continues her conversation with Valéry Brosseau, mental health advocate and founder of Validate Mental Health Consultants. Valéry shares insights from her TEDx talk on destigmatizing suicide, essential tools for supporting mental health, and how her extensive training has shaped her approach to advocacy. They also discuss the challenges of self-care in...

In Part 1 of this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, sits down with Valéry Brosseau, mental health advocate and founder of Validate Mental Health Consultants. Valéry shares her journey from volunteering at Distress Centre Durham to founding her own consulting firm, where she now leads workshops and training on mental health awareness an...

In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, sits down with Caitlin Jasulaitis, who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Windsor, for a conversation about the unique and universal challenges of life in your twenties. While Marissa and Caitlin both bring the fresh perspective of young adults, they also recognize that many o...