Joel Helland
Occupational Therapist
MOT, Reg. OT (BC)
After working in trades for several years, Joel began his career in rehabilitation by completing the Therapist Assistant Diploma at Okanagan College. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies at University of Calgary, and received a Master of Occupational Therapy from University of British Columbia. Before moving to the island, Joel worked in rural Northern BC in a rich variety of clinical contexts including: mental health, acute and long-term care, return-to-work, home modifications / equipment and specialized / custom wheelchair seating. Using a warm, empathetic and person-centered approach, Joel supports each client to pursue recovery and overcome challenges that interfere with their daily activities. He draws from his diverse background and expertise as he services clients throughout Vancouver Island and the surrounding Gulf Islands.
Office:
Nanaimo
Areas of Service:
Vancouver Island (Nanaimo, Parksville, Cumberland, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, Port McNeill, Port Hardy, Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet, Lake Cowichan, Port Renfrew, Sooke, Victoria, Duncan, and Ladysmith)
Northern and Southern Gulf Islands
Sunshine Coast (Powell River, Sechelt)
Recent Professional Development:
2023 Attachment, Trauma, and Mental Illness: Intersections and Implications at the Micro, Meso, and Macro Levels of Care, CAOT
2023 Creating Systematic Desensitization Protocols for Clients with Phobia, Trauma, and Eating Disorders, CAOT
2022 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Practical Applications in Occupational Therapy Practice, CAOT
2022 The Role of Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), CAOT
2022 Wheelchair Seating and Positioning in Community: Practical Applications, Access
2022 Community-based, Task-specific Exposure Therapy for Trauma and Mental Illness, CAOT
2022 Mental Health, Functional Cognition and Return to Work: The Critical Role of Occupational Therapists in Facilitating Successful Outcomes, CAOT
2022 Foundations in Mental Health and Well-being: Occupational Therapy and Building Resilience Skills
2022 MoCA Cognitive Assessment Certification
2021 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Level 2 for Occupational Therapy
2020 Anxiety Management, Assertiveness Training and Exposure Therapy
2019 Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP)
2019 Pain Management for Occupational Therapists
2018 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Level I for Occupational Therapy
2018 Brief Action Planning
2018 Access Therapists – Seating Bootcamp
2017 Rehab Works – Concussion Management
2017 CAOT Workshop – Advanced Level II Motivational Interviewing
