DCO Discourse...

Distress and Crisis Ontario
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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. 1 day ago ·  Bonus

    Episode 377: On Perseverance in Response to Health Challenges with Alina Avram

    In this special edition, we sit down with Alina Avram, an Ottawa-based public servant and speaker who brings a lived experience perspective shaped by navigating significant physical health challenges and grief. We discuss her resilience, loneliness in sickness, and how able-bodied individuals can promote meaningful accessibility and inclusion practices in their lives. Alina is vulnerable and shares her story with us to instill those facing challenges to hold onto hope. 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 time. 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.

    18 min

  2. 8 Jun

    Episode 376: On Accessibility, Inclusion, and Connection with Heather Lacey

    In this episode, Caitlin and Lexie sit down with Heather Lacey, Executive Director of Able2, to reflect on National Accessibility Week and explore the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful connection. Heather shares an overview of Able2's work supporting people living with disabilities and discusses how the organization's unique matching program helps foster lasting relationships, reduce isolation, and create a greater sense of belonging. The conversation explores the barriers that people living with disabilities continue to face, the impact that connection and inclusion can have on well-being, and why conversations about accessibility need to continue beyond a single week of awareness. Together, they also discuss what meaningful allyship looks like in practice, the role volunteers play in building stronger communities, and the actions individuals, organizations, and community leaders can take to create more accessible and inclusive spaces for everyone. 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 time. 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.

    59 min

  3. 25 May

    Episode 375: On Gender Based and Sexual Violence Prevention

    May is Sexual Violence Prevention awareness month, and in light of this important topic, Caitlin and Lexie sit down with The Learning Network and The Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC). In our conversation with The Learning Network, we discuss their work and how it contributes to promoting gender equity through gender-based violence prevention, the intersection of gender-based violence and sexual violence prevention efforts, and the importance of community-based prevention when tackling gender-based and/or sexual violence. Learn more by visiting their website at Learning Network - LN - Western University. Then, we discuss with the OCRCC their role in sexual violence intervention and prevention, the importance of survivor-centred approaches, how increased funding is necessary to implement substantive change, and alternative approaches to justice in cases of sexual assault. Check out their website at Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres for more information/resources. 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 time. 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.

    1hr 7min

  4. 11 May

    Episode 374: On Mental Health, Movement, and Nature with Lauren Smith

    In this episode, Caitlin and Lexie sit down with Lauren Smith, Registered Psychotherapist, to explore the connection between mental health, movement, and spending time in nature. As the weather gets warmer, they discuss how being outdoors and in motion can support emotional well-being. Drawing on over 16 years of clinical experience, Lauren shares insights from her work supporting individuals, couples, and families through anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. She also highlights walk-and-talk and wilderness-based therapy, approaches that combine traditional therapy with outdoor settings to support emotional processing, mindfulness, and regulation. The conversation covers what these approaches can look like, why they may feel more accessible than traditional therapy, and how listeners can incorporate movement, nature, and mindfulness into daily life. It also connects to the work of distress and crisis centres across Ontario, highlighting simple grounding techniques that may help in moments of distress. 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 time. 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.

    46 min

  5. 27 Apr

    Episode 373: On Infertility-Related Distress and Premenstrual Mood Disorders with Dr. Jennifer Gordon

    In this episode, Caitlin and Lexie sit down with Dr. Jennifer Gordon, a registered clinical psychologist, associate professor of psychology at the University of Regina, and director of the Reproductive Mental Health Research Unit. We discuss her journey to becoming a pre-eminent researcher within women's mental health, how her research advances interventions for infertility-related distress and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and the importance of increasing PMDD awareness among healthcare practitioners. Dr. Gordon's expertise in infertility-related distress and PMDD provides listeners with accurate information about these conditions, new research intended to fill in the knowledge gaps, and clinical interventions that have been tested in randomized control trials. In this conversation, we emphasize the need for all healthcare practitioners to validate and recognize women's health concerns and identify resources such as www.iapmd.org to learn more about premenstrual disorders. 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 time. 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.

    43 min

  6. 13 Apr

    Episode 372: On Navigating Healthcare, Visibility, and Community as a Trans Person

    In this episode, Cassandra sits down with Adrian Kaleb Quijano, a writer, community member, and drag king in the Waterloo Region, for a conversation on visibility, identity, and navigating healthcare as a trans person. Drawing from his lived experience as a trans man with intersecting identities, Adrian reflects on the realities of accessing affirming care, the importance of community spaces, and how storytelling can help create greater understanding around gender and identity. In recognition of Trans Day of Visibility, the conversation explores how visibility can shape both personal experiences and broader conversations around mental health, belonging, and support. Adrian shares insights on the barriers trans people may encounter within healthcare systems, the role of chosen community, and the power of creativity, writing, and drag performance as spaces for expression and connection. Throughout the episode, Adrian highlights moments of resilience, joy, and collective care within trans communities, offering listeners an opportunity to reflect on how community support, inclusive systems, and compassionate listening can contribute to more affirming environments for everyone. 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.

    44 min

  7. 30 Mar

    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.

    1hr 14min

  8. 16 Mar

    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
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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
    378
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 DCO Discourse...
  • Show Website
    DCO Discourse...