A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

By: CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • A Way Forward podcast, presented by Beem Credit Union, examines the challenges that can wear down our individual and collective mental health. Host Jessica Samuels focusses on the stressors, the core issues and contributing factors, and the approaches and practices that can help address these issues. Listeners will leave feeling they have the information and tools to better manager their well-being and able to find...a way forward.
    © 2025 CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels
    Show More Show Less
Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Show More Show Less
activate_mytile_page_redirect_t1
Episodes
  • Central Okanagan Rent Bank | Forward Focus #1 | A Way Forward Podcast

    Central Okanagan Rent Bank | Forward Focus #1 | A Way Forward Podcast
    Apr 2 2025

    Welcome to the first episode of Forward Focus, our quick-hit, bit-sized episodes that gives you insight and information about the things you want to know.

    Today's episode focuses on the Central Okanagan Rent Bank. CMHA Kelowna believes that everyone has the right to safe and affordable housing. The rising cost of living means that there are many people who are only a paycheque or two away from not being able to pay their rent. When we can remove the stress of choosing between paying rent and paying for life’s necessities like food – an incredible burden is lifted and leaves room for us to move forward in our lives. At CMHA Kelowna we have a mission to create a mentally healthy community, and we believe that having a place to call home is part of the foundation of good mental health.

    The Central Okanagan Rent Bank program helps to increase the housing stability in our community for individuals who are experiencing short-term financial difficulties. The rent bank offers interest–free repayable loans as well as access to relevant support services to eligible renters in the Central Okanagan (Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland).

    To learn more about the Central Okanagan Rent Bank, visit https://www.cmhakelowna.com/programs-supports/foundry-kelowna
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Episode 10: Housing First & Complex Care

    Episode 10: Housing First & Complex Care
    Mar 26 2025
    In Episode 10: Why Supportive Housing Matters of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, hosts Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawiuk to discuss the critical role of supportive housing in addressing homelessness and mental health. They delve into key topics such as Housing First, complex care, and the broader systemic issues impacting affordable housing in Canada.Key Topics Discussed:1. Understanding Supportive HousingThe difference between Housing First and complex care.Why supportive housing is a crucial component in addressing homelessness.The role of wraparound services in housing stability.2. Housing as a Social Determinant of HealthHow access to safe, stable housing impacts mental and physical health.The historical recognition of housing as a human right (e.g., UN declaration, Canadian Housing Strategy Act).The significance of federal funding through the Reaching Home initiative.3. The Evolution of Housing FirstOrigins of Housing First: Developed by Sam Tsemberis and the Pathways to Housing model in New York City.The At Home/Chez Soi study in Canada and its impact on policy.Challenges in implementing Housing First effectively, including the need for adequate funding and comprehensive support services.4. Complex Care and Its Role in Supportive HousingThe introduction of complex care by the BC government.Differences between Housing First and complex care, particularly in levels of autonomy and service provision.How complex care supports individuals with high needs, including mental health, substance use, and brain injuries.5. Addressing Misconceptions and Policy ChallengesWhy Housing First has received criticism and how misinterpretations of the model have affected its implementation.The need for a multi-faceted approach ("silver buckshot" rather than a "silver bullet").How systemic issues like housing affordability and the toxic drug crisis impact supportive housing efforts.Key Takeaways:Supportive housing is more than just shelter; it includes necessary wraparound services to ensure stability.Housing First works when implemented correctly, but requires proper funding and comprehensive support.Complex care provides a higher level of support for individuals with severe needs but operates differently from Housing First.There is no single solution to homelessness; a combination of strategies is necessary to address diverse needs.**Resources**Housing – a SDoHhttps://www.cpha.ca/what-are-social-determinants-healthhttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/housing-and-health#key-factorsHousing Strategy / Reaching Homehttps://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/housing-logement/ptch-csd/index-eng.htmlhttps://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/homelessness-sans-abri/index-eng.htmlHousing First – history and practical applicationhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36092852https://www.journeyhome.ca/stories/solving-homelessness-it-just-makes-sense/https://homelesshub.ca/collection/programs-that-work/housing-first/https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/homelessness-sans-abri/resources-ressources/housing-first-logement-abord-eng.htmlhttps://homelesshub.ca/collection/programs-that-work/housing-first-for-youth/Is Housing First Working?https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/why-housing-first-failed-in-canadahttps://ciceroinstitute.org/research/housing-first-is-a-failure/https://endhomelessness.org/blog/the-truth-about-housing-first/https://www.city-journal.org/article/states-say-no-to-housing-firstComplex Carehttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/complex-care-housinghttps://www.kelowna.ca/our-community/social-wellness/complex-careSupportive Housing – here to stay? https://globalnews.ca/news/8824827/homelessness-kelowna/https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2024/01/why-its-so-hard-to-end-homelessness-in-america/https://caeh.ca/six-measures-the-federal-government-can-introduce-in-budget-2024-to-fix-the-housing-crisis-and-solve-homelessness/Thank you for tuning in to A Way Forward Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with others who may benefit. Stay tuned for more conversations on mental health in future episodes.Follow CMHA Kelowna:Website: CMHA KelownaInstagram: @cmhakelownaFacebook: CMHA KelownaA Way Forward Podcast is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union. BlueShore Financial, GFCU Savings, Gulf & Fraser, Interior Savings, and North Peace Savings are trade names of Beem Credit Union
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Episode 9: Exploring Counselling

    Episode 9: Exploring Counselling
    Mar 12 2025
    Welcome to Episode 9: Exploring Counselling of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union. In this episode of A Way Forward, Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk dive into the topic of counselling. They discuss when it might be time to seek counselling, what to look for in a counselor, and share helpful resources for those considering counselling. With personal insights and professional expertise, they explore the value of therapy as a tool for well-being.Key Discussion Points:Personal Journeys with CounsellingBoth Jessica and Mike share their personal experiences with seeking therapy.The importance of recognizing when to seek help.Recognizing When to Seek CounsellingCommon reasons for accessing therapy (e.g., life transitions, grief, stress, or simply feeling “off”).The misconception that counselling is only for crisis situations.The benefits of early intervention and preventative mental health care.Types of Mental Health Professionals & Their RolesPsychiatrists: Medical doctors specializing in mental health; can prescribe medication.Psychologists: PhD-trained professionals focusing on therapy and mental health assessments.Counsellors: Professionals with various designations, all trained to provide mental health support.How to Choose a CounsellorThe importance of finding the right fit.Questions to ask a potential therapist (e.g., experience, specialties, approach to therapy).Understanding different types of counselling credentials in British Columbia.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) & Other Therapeutic ApproachesOverview of CBT: A structured, short-term therapy focused on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.The benefits and limitations of CBT.Other therapy types, such as EMDR and somatic experiencing, for trauma-focused work.The importance of selecting the right therapy approach based on individual needs.Preparing for Your First Counselling SessionUnderstanding what to expect in the first session.Tips on how to articulate your concerns and goals.Emphasizing that clients have control over their therapy journey.Key Takeaways:Counselling can be beneficial for a wide range of mental health concerns—not just crises.There are different types of mental health professionals, and finding the right one is crucial.CBT is a widely used therapy but may not be the best fit for everyone.Individuals have control over their mental health journey and can explore different approaches.**Resources Mentioned:When to get helphttps://www.talkspace.com/blog/do-i-need-therapy/https://ancorawellness.com/you-dont-need-crisis-to-see-counselor/https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/202009/7-signs-you-should-talk-therapist What is CBT https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview/#:~:text=CBT%20aims%20to%20help%20you,on%20issues%20from%20your%20past.https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/cognitive-behavioural-therapy#:~:text=CBT%20is%20a%20structured%2C%20time,reactions%20that%20cause%20them%20difficulty. Advantages / Disadvantages of CBThttps://www.thecbtclinic.com/pros-cons-of-cbt-therapy/https://mindvoyage.in/why-cbt-doesnt-work-with-trauma/https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/what-therapy-is-and-isnt/202203/cbt-may-be-mistaken-about-mental-illnesshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3673298/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3584580/How to prepare for therapyhttps://www.sunlife.ca/en/tools-and-resources/health-and-wellness/mental-wellness/what-you-need-to-know-before-you-see-a-therapist/https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-therapy-session Is my therapist right for me?https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/supersurvivors/201710/five-questions-decide-if-therapist-is-right-youhttps://www.verywellmind.com/7-signs-a-therapist-is-not-the-right-fit-6374190Thank you for tuning in to A Way Forward Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with others who may benefit. Stay tuned for more conversations on mental health in future episodes.Follow CMHA Kelowna:Website: CMHA KelownaInstagram: @cmhakelownaFacebook: CMHA KelownaA Way Forward Podcast is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union. BlueShore Financial, GFCU Savings, Gulf & Fraser, Interior Savings, and North Peace Savings are trade names of Beem Credit Union
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins

What listeners say about A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
No Reviews are Available
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.