Dorota Hall, RSW, Mental Health Therapist
Operational Stress Injury Clinic at Deer Lodge Centre
Dorota Hall, Registered Social Worker (RSW),works as a Mental Health Therapist at the Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic at Deer Lodge Centre, where she supports military members, veterans, RCMP officers, and their families as they navigate the impacts of trauma and operational stress.
Before moving into a role in health care, Dorota worked as a Probation Officer, where she witnessed firsthand how critical mental health support was for the individuals she supervised.
After earning her Bachelor of Social Work in 2013 and Master of Social Work in 2017,Dorota began a health-care career with the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), an outreach community treatment, rehabilitation, and support service designed to meet the needs of people with severe and persistent mental illness.
“I was familiar with PACT as many program participants were also clients on probation. Aside from that, I’ve always had an interest in mental health. I have a natural ability to relate and connect with people, which is essential in a therapeutic relationship.”
Transitioning to the OSI clinic felt like a natural next step – not just professionally, with her background in both mental health and justice, but personally as well. With a strong family history of military service, including a grandfather who fought in WWII, Dorota feels a special connection to the clients she now serves.
“The military and veteran population is very near and dear to my heart. I’ve also worked alongside police officers throughout my career and know how difficult these jobs are. There is something really special about people who choose to put their lives at risk for us. I feel honoured to be able to help them continue to do that.”
At the OSI clinic, Dorota is part of a multidisciplinary team that brings together social workers, occupational therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, data analysts, and administrative professionals. The OSI clinic’s varied professionals address individual client needs with well-rounded, holistic care, from emotional regulation and chronic pain management to sleep hygiene and sensory coping tools.
“Each discipline brings a unique perspective, and I am constantly learning. While psychiatrists are often involved short-term for diagnosis and medication, allied health providers and nurses walk alongside clients throughout their recovery.”
Like many areas of Manitoba’s health-care system, mental services are in high demand and often in short supply. Dorota hopes that one day, access to care will match the need. In the meantime, she continues to show up for her clients with empathy, skill, and unwavering commitment.
For those who might be considering a career in mental health, Dorota has some advice:
“Let your clients matter to you, but at the same time, have good boundaries and take care of your own well-being.”
Outside of work, Dorota is busy raising two young boys (ages 4 and 2) with her husband, in a renovated farmhouse just outside of Winnipeg. When she’s not chasing her kiddos, she’s reading, appreciating art and fashion, or spending time with her family and their dog, Pete.
After years of change, Dorota’s current goals are simple: keep growing as a therapist and soak in the everyday moments with her loved ones.
On this PTSD Awareness Day, we thank Dorota and the rest of our members at the OSI clinic for the crucial work they do and the difference they make in the lives of Manitobans in service.
Understanding PTSD & Occupational Risk
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
While anyone can develop PTSD, some are at higher risk due to the nature of their work, such as military personnel and veterans, police officers and first responders, health care professionals in volatile environments (emergency departments or mental health and addictions facilities), and emergency dispatchers.
These professionals often witness or experience traumatic events such as violence, severe accidents, disasters, or death as part of their everyday duties. Over time, this can contribute to cumulative psychological stress and trauma.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
- Distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
- Avoidance of trauma-related thoughts or situations
- Negative changes in thoughts or mood
- Heightened arousal, including irritability, difficulty sleeping, or hyper-vigilance
By the numbers:
- Approximately 75% of Canadians will experience at least one potentially traumatic event in their lifetime.
- Women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD and often experience more avoidance and mood symptoms.
- Men may show more irritability and are more likely to report substance use alongside PTSD.
How PTSD Affects Daily Lives and Why Care Matters
PTSD can profoundly affect quality of life, relationships, and the ability to work. With supports like therapy, medication, and peer connection, recovery is possible. Recognizing the signs, and acknowledging the unique stressors some professionals face at work, are vital to reducing stigma and ensuring access to care.
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