DCO Discourse...

Distress and Crisis Ontario
DCO Discourse...

Discussions on topics related to mental health, addictions, and life in Ontario, Canada. We aim to provide our listeners with tools and resources that will help them to improve their own mental health and wellness, as well as tools to help them support their family members, loved ones, and their communities at large. If you would like to provide feedback and/or request future topics, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/MhSNiyMm2c2xsiv8A. We regret to announce that the ONTX text and chat program will cease operations on November 30th, 2023. Text and chat services will remain available until that date, however, they will no longer be accessible starting December 1st, 2023. If you are seeking support alternatives, we encourage you to visit our website at www.dcontario.org/locations to locate your nearest Member centre, some of which provide their own text and/or chat support services.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Episode 337: On Men’s Mental Health & Why It Matters pt 2

    In this second of the 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 growth. From societal expectations around "being strong" to the importance of male role models in mental health, this conversation offers professional insight and compassionate reflection. Whether you're a man navigating your own mental health, a support to someone who is, or simply curious about how we can do better by men, this episode invites you to listen, reflect, and help de-stigmatize men's mental health. 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 centres operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8." Resources: Libby Lee Colman, Arthur D. Colman (1981), Earth Father/Sky Father: the Changing Concept of Fathering. Prentice Hall Alan Jenkins (1990), Invitations to Responsibility: the Therapeutic Engagement of Men who are Violent and Abusive. Dulwich Centre Publications, Adelaide, South Australia Daniel Goleman (2020), Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More Than IQ. New York: Bantam Books Steven Stosny (2008), Love Without Hurt: Turn Your Resentful, Angry, or Abusive Relationship into a Compassionate, Loving One. New York: Hachette Go Books Patricia Love and Steven Stosny (2007), How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It. New York: Broadway Books Terrence Real (2024), I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression. New York: Scribner Terrence Real (2007), The New Rules of Marriage: What you Need to Know to Make Love Work. New York: Ballantine

    39 min

  2. 9 JUN

    Episode 336: On Men’s Mental Health & Why It Matters pt 1

    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 growth. From societal expectations around "being strong" to the importance of male role models in mental health, this conversation offers professional insight and compassionate reflection. Whether you're a man navigating your own mental health, a support to someone who is, or simply curious about how we can do better by men, this episode invites you to listen, reflect, and help de-stigmatize men's mental health. 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 centres operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8." Resources: Libby Lee Colman, Arthur D. Colman (1981), Earth Father/Sky Father: the Changing Concept of Fathering. Prentice Hall Alan Jenkins (1990), Invitations to Responsibility: the Therapeutic Engagement of Men who are Violent and Abusive. Dulwich Centre Publications, Adelaide, South Australia Daniel Goleman (2020), Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More Than IQ. New York: Bantam Books Steven Stosny (2008), Love Without Hurt: Turn Your Resentful, Angry, or Abusive Relationship into a Compassionate, Loving One. New York: Hachette Go Books Patricia Love and Steven Stosny (2007), How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It. New York: Broadway Books Terrence Real (2024), I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression. New York: Scribner Terrence Real (2007), The New Rules of Marriage: What you Need to Know to Make Love Work. New York: Ballantine

    40 min

  3. 2 JUN

    Episode 335: On Healing Beyond Words: Understanding Art Therapy’s Impact

    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 recreational art. Who can benefit from art therapy — including those who don’t see themselves as artistic. Examples where art therapy helped individuals express emotions they couldn’t verbalize, and how art therapy can help with trauma, anxiety, grief, and emotional overwhelm. The episode closes with a message of compassion for those struggling in silence: art can be a gentle, nonverbal bridge to healing, even before you're ready to reach out for formal help. 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 centres operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8." Resources: Canadian Art Therapy Association: https://www.canadianarttherapy.org American Art Therapy Association: https://arttherapy.org Ontario Art Therapy Association:

    42 min

  4. 26 MAY

    Episode 334: On Healthy Boundaries, Healthy Minds: Teen Consent & Mental Health Wellness

    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 consent in language that resonates with teens, navigate the complexities of identity and shame, and understand the impact of digital culture on sexuality. 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 centres operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link:link:https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8  Resources: For teens: • SexandU.ca – A Canadian resource created by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. It’s medically accurate, teen-friendly, and covers everything from relationships to identities to contraception. • Amaze.org – Offers short, animated videos on a huge range of topics. The content is inclusive, affirming, and developmentally appropriate for varying ages ranging from young kids to middle and high school-age teens. • Scarleteen.com – A well-established, inclusive resource for older teens and young adults. It covers not just sex-ed, but also identity, relationships, boundaries, and navigating consent. • You Know, Sex by Cory Silverberg – An inclusive, illustrated book for tweens and early teens that covers puberty, identity, and consent in a smart, affirming way. For parents and caregivers: • SexPositiveFamilies.com – Provides excellent guidance on how to talk to kids and teens about bodies, consent, and relationships in age-appropriate, non-shaming ways. • TeachingSexualHealth.ca - Developed in Alberta, this site includes age-specific resources for parents, FAQs, and video modules to help support conversations at home. • Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights – Planned Parenthood of Canada, complete with quality education materials for parents and teachers, including tips for supporting teens in making informed, autonomous choices. • Sex, Teens & Everything in Between by Shafia Zaloom – A great resource for parents and educators navigating consent and healthy decision-making with teens.

    46 min

  5. 19 MAY

    Episode 333: On Self-Worth in the Age of Social Media: Self-Esteem and the Selfie

    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 of comparison, this episode offers gentle prompts and grounding practices to reconnect with your authentic self. 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 centres operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8 Resources Mentioned: • Selfies, Social Media, and the Quantified Self by Katrin Tiidenberg • The Self-Portrait Experience by Christina Nuñez • Art Therapy and Self-Esteem by Ellen G. Horovitz • Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff • Body Image, Self-Esteem, and the Influence of Digital Media (research articles) • Midlife Transformation by Ralph Metzner • https://thriveworks.com/help-with/self-improvement/self-worth-vs-self-esteem/#:~:text=But%20two%20appear%20to%20mean,in%20your%20worth%20and%20abilities.

    18 min

  6. 12 MAY

    Episode 332: The Loss That Lingers: Holding Space for Grief

    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 losing a friendship, a dream, a role, or a version of ourselves we once held onto. These kinds of losses are often minimized or overlooked, but they can be heavy. Through her reflections, Christina creates space for listeners to refect with their own experiences of grief, giving permission to feel what they need to feel, and to see grief not as a weakness, but as part of being human. Whether you're grieving someone, something, or a path not taken, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone. 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 centres operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8

    19 min

  7. 5 MAY

    Episode 331: On “Stressed Out: How to Cope Before You Burn Out”

    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 mental well-being, and practical strategies for managing it before it leads to burnout. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or need a mental health check-in, this episode offers insight and everyday tools to help you care for yourself more intentionally. 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 centres operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8."

    48 min

  8. 28 APR

    Episode 330: On Understanding Distress, Crisis, and How to Support Others

    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 www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member Centre. Many of our centres operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8."

    35 min
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About

Discussions on topics related to mental health, addictions, and life in Ontario, Canada. We aim to provide our listeners with tools and resources that will help them to improve their own mental health and wellness, as well as tools to help them support their family members, loved ones, and their communities at large. If you would like to provide feedback and/or request future topics, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/MhSNiyMm2c2xsiv8A. We regret to announce that the ONTX text and chat program will cease operations on November 30th, 2023. Text and chat services will remain available until that date, however, they will no longer be accessible starting December 1st, 2023. If you are seeking support alternatives, we encourage you to visit our website at www.dcontario.org/locations to locate your nearest Member centre, some of which provide their own text and/or chat support services.

Information

  • Creator
    Distress and Crisis Ontario
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    338
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 DCO Discourse...
  • Show Website
    DCO Discourse...

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