DCO Discourse...

As AI becomes a growing part of how people seek support, what happens when human connection is replaced by conversations with chatbots? This study followed nearly a thousand people over four weeks as they exchanged hundreds of thousands of messages with ChatGPT, examining how factors like tone, conversation style, and interaction type shape emotional wellbeing. Tune in as we unpack what the researchers found, from the short-term comfort chatbots can provide, to the risks of emotional dependence and loneliness with heavy use. We also discuss what these findings mean for the future of mental health technology, and how to balance innovation with care, empathy, and safety.

This week on DCO Discourse, host Caitlin Plant has a conversation with returning guest Regan about the complexities of Thanksgiving. Specifically, they discuss the impact of Thanksgiving on Indigenous communities and Regan's personal journey of becoming more aware of colonialism's ongoing effects. They explored the holiday's historical context and evolving perspectives, emphasizing the importance of education, awareness, and compassion in discussing difficult topics. The conversation concluded with Regan offering guidance on how listeners can learn about Thanksgiving's history through Indigenous voices and suggested approaches for celebrating the holiday with gratitude and awareness. If you would like to explore Indigenous stories and resources, the following links could be a great place to start: Mixed media list (https://www.dcontario.org/wp-content/uploads/NDTR-Resources-2023.pdf) Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Circles (https://ofifc.org/) Resources for support (https://www.dcontario.org/supports-for-persons-of-colour-and-marginalized-communities/) 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 centers 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

This week on DCO Discourse, host Vijay speaks with Dr. Neta Gear, Executive Director of DCO and a longtime leader in the mental health field. Together, they dive into a challenging, but crucial conversation: race in therapeutic settings. Dr. Gear unpacks why therapy is rarely truly “race-neutral,” how systemic inequities shape mental health, and why representation among counselors matters for trust and outcomes. Drawing on her own experiences as an immigrant, mother, and practitioner, she also reflects on generational trauma, cultural mismatches in care, and what it takes to make Canada’s counseling field more inclusive and responsive. 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 centers 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

In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Vijay continues with the mini-series entitled "Crisis Reports", looking at current literature in the sector. This installment, we look at a paper entitled "Burnout and Professional Quality of Life Amongst Crisis Hotline Responders: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Canada During COVID-19". How are Canada’s crisis-line responders coping with the pressures of their own work? What factors, like age, experience, and overnight shifts, make burnout and secondary traumatic stress more likely? Tune in as we explore new research on responder wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the supports that help most, the gaps that remain, and what can be done to sustain the people behind the phones. 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 centers 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

In this deeply personal and candid conversation, Vijay sits down with their friend "Sarah" (a pseudonym to protect her privacy), a trans woman with lived experience navigating systemic barriers in mental health care. Recorded in an intimate setting, this episode explores Sarah’s mental health journey and her firsthand experiences with emergency services, psychiatric wards, and crisis lines. She shares how systemic underfunding, lack of training, and resource shortages shaped her care, and how individual acts of compassion by staff often weren’t enough to overcome structural problems. Through Sarah’s story, listeners will hear the cracks in our mental health systems, the ways they fall short, and the human resilience it takes to navigate them. Despite hardship, Sarah emphasizes that the people working within these systems care deeply and it’s the systems themselves that need transformation. If you want to better understand the realities of mental health care from the perspective of someone directly affected, this episode is for you. 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 centers 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

In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Vijay and Caitlin turn the spotlight on World Suicide Prevention Day, reflecting on how awareness days help bring vital attention to urgent mental health issues. Together, they explore the work of programs aimed at Suicide Prevention, highlighting the diversity of programs aimed at a common goal. From Sri Lanka’s national pesticide ban to Canada’s Buddy Up campaign, which tackles men’s mental health and suicide prevention, they discuss how different approaches can make a life-saving impact. They also highlight Roots of Hope, a national suicide prevention initiative here in Canada, the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and share ways you can get involved in upcoming World Suicide Prevention Day activities. 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 centers 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

This week, Caitlin Plant and Sabrina Popernitsch, a registered psychotherapist and person with lived experience, discuss Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) as an important tool for increasing accessibility to mental health support and reducing stigma. They explored the key components of MHFA, including the ALGES approach and the importance of person-first care and self-care for those providing support. If you are interested in learning more about MHFA, a great starting point is with the Mental Health Commission of Canada at https://openingminds.org/?source=mhcc. 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. If you have feedback or future content requests, please email us at info@dcontario.org or use the following link: https://forms.gle/iG2JiZL7AMyiFhY46.

In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Vijay starts a new mini-series entitled "Crisis Reports", looking at current literature in the sector. This installment, we look at a paper entitled "Enhancing Equity on Crisis Lines: Understanding the Background, Practices, and Learning Needs of Responders in Canada". How well do responders handle crises involving mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts? What gaps exist in their ability to support marginalized groups such as Black communities, Indigenous peoples, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals? Tune in as we discuss the importance of cultural humility, the role of training, and the resources needed to improve support for these critical populations. 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 centers 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

This week, on DCO Discourse… we’ve done something a little bit different. In this episode, Caitlin Plant, Director of Operations at DCO, sat down with her young son to read the book “Grumpy Monkey” by Suzanne Lang. After reading the story they talk about what strategies we can use when we are grumpy to feel better, and how we might support others. A synopsis of the story is as follows: “Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can't understand it--how can he be in a bad mood when it's SUCH a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can't take all the advice...and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?” To connect with support please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member Centre. Many of our centres operate 24/7. If you have feedback or future content requests, please email us at info@dcontario.org or use the following link: https://forms.gle/iG2JiZL7AMyiFhY46.

In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Vijay talks with master's student Tristan, Dr. Monica Sesma-Vazquez, and Dr. Tara Collins, academic researchers involved in a study looking at queer callers in crisis line settings. The discussion focused on the challenges faced by queer service users in crisis lines, highlighting the significant mental health disparities within the LGBTQ+ community. Tara and Tristan shared alarming statistics, such as 27% of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing major depressive episodes and 40% having lifetime suicide ideation, while emphasizing the impact of discrimination and the importance of gender-affirming care. Monica noted that while statistics are crucial for strategic decisions, they cannot fully capture the callers lived experiences, and the team aims to use these numbers to transform crisis response by addressing the underlying social conditions. The conversation also touched on the politicization of LGBTQ+ issues, which can hinder support and implementation of effective interventions. 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 centers 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

On this week’s episode of DCO Discourse… Caitlin Plant is joined by her brother, a teacher with six years of experience, to explore how parents can prepare for back-to-school season with intention. Using added insights from a Psychology Today article, also titled Back-to-School Parenting (https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/a-different-kind-of-therapy/202408/back-to-school-parenting), they explore strategies for building excitement in your kids, suggestions for connecting with teachers and school administrators, share tips for where to start with back-to-school prep, and more. 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. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/iG2JiZL7AMyiFhY46.

This week on DCO Discourse, host Christina Droumtsekas is joined by Caitlin Plant to talk about the hidden emotional weight of summer. From FOMO and disrupted routines to grief triggers and social media comparison, we’re holding space for the parts of summer no one talks about. Summer is often portrayed as a season of joy, sunshine, and connection—but for many, it can be a time of stress, pressure, and unexpected loneliness. We also explore what summer looks like for parents—especially single parents—who are working and juggling the pressure to create memorable experiences for their kids while holding everything together. We are here to remind listeners: your summer doesn’t have to look a certain way to be meaningful. If summer has ever left you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or out of sync—you’re not alone. Tune in for a gentle, honest conversation about permission, presence, and self-care. 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. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8." References: Bonjour-santé article: Bonjour-santé. (n.d.). Summer performance syndrome: Stop the pressure to have a perfect summer. https://bonjour-sante.ca/blogue/articles-en/summer-performance-syndrome-stop-the- pressure-to-have-a-perfect-summer.html WellNest article by Zainib Abdullah: Abdullah, Z. (2021, August 5). Summer-time sadness is real. WellNest. https://blog.well-nest.ca/2021/08/05/summer-time-sadness-is-real/ Psychology Today article: LaRocque, J. (2024, July 2). Alleviate summer pressure and enjoy the season your way. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/everyday-resilience/202407/alleviate-summer-pressure-and-enjoy-the-season-your-way

This week on DCO Discourse, podcast host Christina Droumtsekas, is speaking about reimagining self-care—not as bubble baths or luxury escapes, but as everyday survival. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s maintenance, nourishment, and coming home to yourself in a world that constantly pulls you away. Whether you’re burnt out, grieving, caregiving—or just tired of “doing it all”—this episode is your reminder that small moments count. Tune in as we unpack what self-care really looks like, what gets in the way, and how to make space for yourself without guilt or shame. 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

In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Vijay talks with Dr. Michael Woodford and Dr. Tin Vo, two academic researchers involved in Thriving On Campus, an Ontario-wide study of 2SLGBTQ+ university students’ experiences, wellbeing, and academic development. The discussion centered on the "Thriving on Campus" project, a comprehensive study examining LGBTQ+ students' experiences in Ontario universities, highlighting its unique scope and commitment to fostering change through research. The conversation explored various aspects of the project, including intersectionality challenges, mixed-methods findings, knowledge mobilization efforts, and the importance of socially responsive program design for LGBTQ+ students. The discussion concluded with an optimistic outlook on the future of LGBTQ+ research in Canada, emphasizing the strong support for equity-focused research and the current safety of trans rights in the country. 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 centers 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

This week, in a miniature solo episode, Caitlin Plant, Director of Operations at Distress and Crisis Ontario, shares some research on parenting over the summer. Specifically, this episode explores strategies to support their summer experience including trying new things, fostering supportive relationships, providing opportunities for learning, managing screen time, and encouraging boredom. The resources used in this episode are as follows: Boosting Student Well-being Over the Summer: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/creative-development/202506/boosting-student-well-being-over-the-summer How to Encourage Summertime Learning: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/twin-dilemmas/202506/how-to-encourage-summertime-learning Balancing Summer Screen Time: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/screen-play/202506/balancing-summer-screen-time-a-healthy-play-diet-for-kids What if Summer Boredom is Actually Good for your Kid?: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/parenting-beyond-power/202507/what-if-summer-boredom-is-actually-good-for-your-child 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.

In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Co-hosts Vijay Moonilal and Caitlin Plant, talk about the experience of coming out to wrap a bow around the end of Pride month. In this (not so) mini episode, we’ll dive into three questions. What was your coming out experience like? What internalized notions have you had to unpack? And what advice would you give to your younger self about identity? As well as share some insights about how to support 2SLGBTQIA+ people in your life. Link to Pew Research Centre Coming Out Project: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2013/06/13/chapter-3-the-coming-out-experience/ 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

In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, host Christina Droumtsekas, and guest advocate Regan Roberts shed light on the lived experience of traumatic brain injury (TBI) during Brain Injury Awareness Week. Roberts, a student intern, writer, and survivor of a life-altering car accident in 2021, shares her deeply personal journey—from a seven-day coma and relearning basic functions to a delayed diagnosis nearly two years later. Drawing from her blog post "Living with Hidden Damage," Roberts explores the challenges of navigating life with an invisible injury. She discusses the emotional toll, workplace struggles, misdiagnosis, and how TBI impacts identity and mental health—especially for women. The episode also highlights systemic gaps in healthcare and calls for more trauma-informed support in medical, social, and workplace settings. This episode is a moving call to action—for better diagnosis, compassionate care, and a deeper understanding of living with hidden damage. Link to Blogpost: https://www.dcontario.org/brain-injury-awareness-month/ 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

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

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

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: