Shows
DCO Discourse...Episode 343: On Loneliness in the Summer: When Everyone Else Seems FineThis 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...
2025-07-2839 minDCO Discourse...Episode 342: On Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s SurvivalThis 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 wit...
2025-07-2112 minDCO Discourse...Episode 338: On Brain Injury Awareness Week with Regan RobertsIn 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 id...
2025-06-2335 minDCO Discourse...Episode 337: On Men’s Mental Health & Why It Matters pt 2In 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...
2025-06-1639 minDCO Discourse...Episode 336: On Men’s Mental Health & Why It Matters pt 1In 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...
2025-06-0940 minDCO Discourse...Episode 335: On Healing Beyond Words: Understanding Art Therapy’s ImpactIn 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 ove...
2025-06-0241 minDCO Discourse...Episode 334: On Healthy Boundaries, Healthy Minds: Teen Consent & Mental Health WellnessAs 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 fo...
2025-05-2646 minDCO Discourse...Episode 333: On Self-Worth in the Age of Social Media: Self-Esteem and the SelfieIn 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/loca...
2025-05-1917 minDCO Discourse...Episode 332: The Loss That Lingers: Holding Space for GriefIn 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...
2025-05-1218 minDCO Discourse...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 fo...
2025-05-0548 minDCO Discourse...Episode 330: On Understanding Distress, Crisis, and How to Support OthersIn 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...
2025-04-2835 minDCO Discourse...Episode 328: On exploring the heart of Distress and Crisis OntarioIn this episode as the new host, Christina Droumtsekas is joined by Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, to explore the organization at the core of this podcast. Together, we dive into DCO’s mission, its evolution, and the powerful ways it supports individuals and communities across the province.
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 yo...
2025-04-1432 minDCO Discourse...Episode 321: On the Foundations of a Healthy Relationship with Christina DroumtsekasIn this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, speaks with Christina Droumtsekas, a therapist with a background in both therapy and the arts, about building healthy and fulfilling romantic relationships. Christina shares insights on key relationship dynamics including communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. She explores how attachment styles shape the way people connect, how past trauma can impact relationships, and ways couples can foster intimacy and appreciation in everyday life. They also discuss external pressures such as family expectations, career stress, and social media and how they influence modern relationships.
...
2025-02-2456 minDCO Discourse...Episode 248: On How to Help Children Cope with Graphic ImagesThis special episode of the podcast is being shared in response to events currently occurring globally that may be causing distress for our listeners and those they support. In this episode, Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, and Christina Droumtsekas, Waterloo-based art therapist, discuss information from a Global News article written by Katie Dangerfield, titled, “Israel attack: How to help young people cope with graphic images on social media”. You can view the full article here: https://globalnews.ca/news/10014724/israel-attack-mental-health-talking-to-children/. If you need support for any reason, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your n...
2023-10-1715 min