DCO Discourse...

Distress and Crisis Ontario
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Here at DCO Discourse we have discussions related to mental health, addictions, and life. We aim to provide listeners with tools and resources that will help them improve their own mental health and wellness, and support their family members, loved ones, and their community at large. If you would like to provide feedback or request future topics, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/MhSNiyMm2c2xsiv8A. If you are seeking support, we encourage you to visit our website at www.dcontario.org/locations to locate your nearest member centre.

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 371: On Women's Mental Health in a Culture of Comparison

    In this episode, Caitlin and Lexie sit down with Cassandra Petrella, Registered Psychotherapist, Doctoral Candidate, Clinical Director of Senta Counselling, and founder of the I Love Me Campaign, for a conversation in honour of International Women's Day. Together, they explore women's mental health, the pressures many women carry, and how anxiety, perfectionism, and comparison culture can shape the way women see themselves. Drawing on over a decade of clinical experience, Cassandra shares insights from her work supporting teen girls and women through counselling, education, and advocacy. The conversation explores how anxiety can show up in women, the impact of social media and achievement culture on self-worth, and what meaningful self-love actually looks like beyond the buzzwords. Cassandra also reflects on the importance of early mental health education for young women and how initiatives like the I Love Me Campaign can help in working towards building confidence, resilience, and healthier relationships with one's self. The discussion also connects to the work of distress centres across Ontario, highlighting how anxiety and distress may present in women during moments of crisis and what helps callers feel genuinely heard and validated. In recognition of International Women's Day, the episode also reflects on the importance of inclusive conversations about women's mental health that honour diverse experiences and perspectives. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8.

    1h 14m

  2. MAR 16

    Episode 370: On Crisis Care in a Changing World with Jessica Ferne

    In this episode, Caitlin and Lexie sit down with Jessica Ferne, Executive Director of the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region, for a conversation on leadership, accessibility, and the evolving landscape of crisis response. Jessica shares her vision for DCOR, what it means to work with her team through transformation, and how innovation, funding pressures, and emerging technologies like AI are reshaping the way distress centres operate. Drawing on her global humanitarian experience and past work with the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children's Health, Jessica reflects on universal truths human distress and crises, the importance of culturally and linguistically responsive care, and how standardized excellence can coexist with community-specific needs. In recognition of International Women's Day, the conversation also explores inclusive approaches to women's mental health, and the policy shifts needed to better support distress centres across Ontario. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8.

    54 min

  3. MAR 2

    Episode 369: On Suicide Prevention: WRSPC

    In this episode, Vijay speaks with Elisa Brewer-Singh, Executive Director of the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council, about what suicide prevention looks like beyond crisis lines and emergency response. The conversation explores WRSPC’s role in the broader mental health ecosystem, the risks of focusing only on moments of acute crisis, and the often-invisible work of prevention and community care. Together, they unpack the challenges of building connection around a deeply stigmatized topic and how everyday acts of “community maintenance” can help create a more compassionate, supportive Waterloo Region.

    32 min

  4. FEB 16

    Episode 368: On Mental Health for leaders

    In this episode, Vijay sits down with Hailey Hechtman, Executive Director of Unsinkable, to unpack what it really means to treat mental wellbeing as a leadership practice. They explore burnout, workplace vulnerability, and how organizations can move beyond stigma to create cultures that actually support people. Drawing on Hailey’s lived experience and crisis-sector leadership, the conversation dives into the power of mental health storytelling and what it takes to sustain optimism while doing emotionally demanding work. Visit Unsinkable to see the great work they're doing in supporting mental health through story telling

    39 min

  5. FEB 2

    Episode 367: Archived Episode: On Black History Month

    This week, to celebrate Black History Month in Canada, we are sharing a list of resources that can be used to explore conversations around concepts like decolonization, intersectional feminism, and the impact of race on social and economic justice.

    12 min

  6. JAN 19

    Episode 366: On Bell Let's Talk Day 2026 with Mary Deacon

    In this episode, we’re focusing on the power of conversation and the ongoing effort to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health support across Canada through Bell Let's Talk Day. We’re honoured to be joined by Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk, and we'll be speaking about the evolution and impact of the Bell Let’s Talk initiative, the importance of national dialogue on mental health, and how organizations and individuals can continue to drive meaningful change. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8. Editor's note: Hi Editor Damien here. This is the first episode we've implemented Riverside and we're still getting up to speed with multitrack editing. We'll have it fixed shortly. Thank you

    37 min

  7. JAN 5

    Episode 365: On DCO Discourse's 2025 Highlights

    In this episode, we listen to clips from our top five episodes of 2025, you’ll hear from current and previous staff at DCO including Marissa R, Caitlin P, Prabhvir G, Christina D, with guests including community members, and therapists such as Chad Mackintosh and Tracey Sebastian. It’s a reminder that the DCO discourse podcast is inherently a community initiative with many voices attached to it. I hope you enjoy! And we look forward to releasing more episodes in 2026. Check out the full episodes here: https://dcontario.fireside.fm/316 https://dcontario.fireside.fm/317 https://dcontario.fireside.fm/321 https://dcontario.fireside.fm/331 https://dcontario.fireside.fm/328

    25 min

  8. 2025-12-22

    Episode 364: On CPBAO's Cuts to Training for Psychologists

    In this episode, Vijay breaks down the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario’s proposed reforms, which aim to speed up licensure and increase access to care. While supporters argue these changes could reduce wait times, many psychologists, educators, and community organizations warn they may compromise the quality and safety of mental health care. Featuring insights from the Psychology Advocacy Network, this episode explores what’s at stake, the growing pushback from professionals, and what these decisions could mean for patients across the province. Check out the Psychology Advocacy Network's website here: https://www.psychadvocacy.ca/ and on social media @psychologyadvocacynetwork to stay updated on the incredible work they're doing! Read articles on the subject here: www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/psychologists-rally-on-parliament-hill-against-proposed-cuts-to-training/ https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/health/college-looks-to-cut-psychologist-training-requirements-citing-ford-government-changes-11280859 https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-psychologists-ontario-plans-lower-training-requirements-worry/ To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8.

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Here at DCO Discourse we have discussions related to mental health, addictions, and life. We aim to provide listeners with tools and resources that will help them improve their own mental health and wellness, and support their family members, loved ones, and their community at large. If you would like to provide feedback or request future topics, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/MhSNiyMm2c2xsiv8A. If you are seeking support, we encourage you to visit our website at www.dcontario.org/locations to locate your nearest member centre.

Information

  • Creator
    Distress and Crisis Ontario
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    372
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 DCO Discourse...
  • Show Website
    DCO Discourse...