DCO Discourse...

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.

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.

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.

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

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.