Melissa Bandura
Occupational Therapist | Cordova Bay
Areas of Expertise: Chronic Pain, Mental Health, Chronic Fatigue, ADHD, Addictions Support, Neuroaffirming Care, Post-concussion
Programs: Sleep
The BioPsychoSocialSpiritual lens guides my practice as an Occupational Therapist. This multi-systems, trauma-informed approach is meant to promote transparency, advocacy, and shared purpose, ensuring the client feels centred in their treatment.
I utilize a range of psychoeducational approaches, including CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness, and somatic experiencing. I also incorporate traditional Occupational Therapy concepts such as energy conservation, pacing, positioning, and musculoskeletal and ergonomics principles.
Treatment focuses on the fit between the individual and their environment, including how to advocate for environment- and task-based modifications that support participation in meaningful daily activities.
My areas of expertise include mental health and addictions support, chronic pain and fatigue, and return-to-work support.
Let’s stay in touch:
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Anxiety and depression - support for anxiodepressive symptoms, emotional regulation, behavioural strategies, exposure-based approaches
OCD - support for obsessive compulsive symptoms, exposure therapy, habit and thought pattern management
Bipolar disorder - support for mood regulation, routine building, energy management, and daily functioning
Trauma and cPTSD - trauma-informed care, nervous system regulation, safety and stabilization, support for daily activities
Addictions - support for substance use and behavioural addictions, habit change, coping strategies, and relapse prevention
ADHD and autism - support for executive functioning, sensory processing, routine building, and daily life skills
Chronic pain - support for widespread (e.g. fibromyalgia), specific (e.g. low back pain), neuropathic, nociplastic, and CRPS-related pain, with a focus on function, pacing, and quality of life
Post-concussion - cognitive rehabilitation, energy conservation skills, return to work/school planning, sensory sensitivities, and gradual return to daily activities
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Somatic Experiencing (informed by Yoga Therapy, IAYT-certified)
Mindfulness, Ergonomics
Pain Education
Energy Conservation Education
Sleep Education and CBTi
Neuroaffirming Lens
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Masters in OT & Diploma in Chronic Pain management (McGill University)
IAYT-certified & Trauma-informed Yoga Therapist (Ajna Yoga)
BSc (Ecology) and Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Contemporary Dance (Simon Fraser University)
Book with Melissa
Call: 1 (250) 658-9222
Email: cordovabay@talltreehealth.ca
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