
Catalog Advanced Search
-
Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 05/01/2026 at 10:00 AM (EDT)
This one-day workshop will explore creative ways that occupational therapists can utilize various acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) processes to support their clients in living well.
Friday, May 1, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and occupational therapy share a consistent body of philosophical assumptions and practical modalities of facilitating health and well-being. For example, both occupational therapy and ACT emphasize meaningful activity, values-based living, pragmatism, and health and the promotion of well-being. Soft and hard skills (concepts and interventions) that work transdiagnostically (Dindo et al., 2017) provide tools to address human suffering in an effective way (Hofmann et al., 2021). Learning ACT will expand the intervention options of occupational therapists to promote a life enriched by participation in meaningful roles and valued occupations, even in the presence of pain.
This one-day workshop will explore creative ways that occupational therapists can utilize various acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) processes to support their clients in living well. Throughout the workshop, connections will be drawn between ACT as an intervention and occupational therapy as a profession. ACT will be described and compared to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Foundational concepts and processes in ACT – including functional contextualism, pragmatism, creative hopelessness, workability, psychological flexibility, the Hexaflex model, acceptance, experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion and defusion, and contact with the present moment – will be explored and applied to occupational therapy practice. The structure of ACT sessions in single-session and multiple-session therapy will be outlined. Experiential exercises, metaphors, and small group discussions will be used throughout the workshop to support participants in applying the information from the workshop to their practice.
Preliminary workshop agenda
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (ET) ACT as part of the third wave of cognitive behavioural therapies. Behaviour and context ACT as a CBT therapy - Similarities and differences - CBT and ACT interventions side by side - illustration.
ACT as a transdiagnostic modality
Human suffering - Healthy normality vs. destructive normality: Assumptions that shape the way we act as health care providers
ACT foundation - Functional contextualism. Pragmatism. A pragmatic truth.11:30 - 11:45 a.m. (ET) Break 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. (ET) Why do people come to therapy? The control agenda.
Creative hopelessness and workability - A possible way to start ACT work.
Psychological flexibility - The Holy Grail of ACT. The Hexaflex model. Processes associated with well-being and psychopathology, respectively.
Acceptance and experiential avoidance. Promoting acceptance and willingness through experiential exercises and metaphors. Building skills to promote acceptance and willingness.
Cognitive fusion and defusion. Building skills to promote cognitive defusion - Experiential exercises and metaphors.
Contact with the present moment. Promoting contact with the present moment - Experiential exercises and metaphors1:15 - 1:45 p.m. (ET) Break 1:45 - 3:15 p.m. (ET) Self as context - The observing self. Expanding the sense of self to promote the observing self - experiential exercises and metaphors.
Values clarification. Helping the client clarify their values. Experiential exercises and metaphors.
Committed action. Establishing and maintaining patterns of value-based behaviours. Building skills through experiential exercises and metaphors.
A deeper dive in understanding the power and utility of therapeutic metaphors in initiating and supporting change. Principles of change and the use of metaphors to promote behavioural change.
The ACT Matrix - Conceptualizing the clients' presentation and structuring interventions. Using the ACT Matrix for single session intervention. Applications and examples. In session modelling and practice.3:15 - 3:30 p.m. (ET) Break 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (ET) The ACT Matrix - Conceptualizing the clients' presentation and structuring interventions.
Using the ACT Matrix for single session intervention. Applications and examples.
In session modelling and practice.Learning objectives
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Explain some basic ACT assumptions and philosophical foundations, including functional contextualism, pragmatism, ACT as a third wave CBT modality, and healthy normality vs. destructive normality.
- Apply the ACT Hexaflex to address psychopathology and promote well-being in occupational therapy.
- Promote psychological flexibility by using these six processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, contact with the present moment, self as context, values clarification, and committed action.
- Use therapeutic metaphors to initiate and support healthy behavioural change as well as to facilitate occupational participation.
- Use the ACT Matrix process to conceptualize clinical presentations transdiagnostically, and to promote and support healthy behavioural change in various health care settings.
Target audience
Occupational therapist clinicians and educators who wish to learn how to use acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) effectively to support their clients in living well, even in the presence of psycho-emotional pain. Students in occupational therapy programs are also welcome to participate.
Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.
Client age group
Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old), Older adults (65+ years old)
Areas of practice
Case Management, Chronic Disease Management, Chronic Pain, Cognition, Forensic Mental Health, Mental Health, Primary Care, Psychotherapy, Return to Work, Substance Use/Addiction.
Workshop level
Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area)
Please note: Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 3-5 years of experience.
Presenter
Catalin Fecior, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Cata Fecior has been practicing as an occupational therapist/mental health counsellor in primary care for 13 years. He currently works for the Hamilton Family Health Team where he facilitates therapeutic change via individual and group therapy. After training and practicing with more traditional CBT models, he found himself attracted (and at times confused and perplexed) by the philosophy of functional contextualism and the practice of acceptance and commitment therapy. He has been infected with an indelible virus: the virus of the ACT Matrix, which has fundamentally changed the way he relates and practices with clients (and himself). At his current workplace, he has been facilitating an acceptance and commitment therapy community of practice, where clinicians with ACT affinities meet to discuss and practice ACT-related skills. He developed an ACT-based therapeutic group that has been running for the last three years. He has facilitated ACT workshops, more recently for the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists and as part of the continuing professional education for The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neuroscience at McMaster University. His interests outside work include playing music with no audience, being on a tennis court, as well as reading and practicing Zen Buddhism to the best of his abilities.
Registration fees
Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by March 4, 2026
CAOT Members and Associates CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members Non-member* $220 $195 $275 Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after March 4, 2026
CAOT Members and Associates CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members Non-member* $270 $245 $325 Registration deadline: May 1, 2026 at 9:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)
Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.
*It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.
Included in your registration fee:
Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.
Cancellation/refund policy
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by April 15, 2026 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after April 15, 2026. Substitutions and transfers requests received by April 15, 2026 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.
If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration.
CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before March 20, 2026, if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until April 3, 2026. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.
Provide suggestions for Professional Development
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.Please note that workshop is offered in English.
Catalin Fecior, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Cata Fecior has been practicing as an occupational therapist/mental health counsellor in primary care for 13 years. He currently works for the Hamilton Family Health Team where he facilitates therapeutic change via individual and group therapy. After training and practicing with more traditional CBT models, he found himself attracted (and at times confused and perplexed) by the philosophy of functional contextualism and the practice of acceptance and commitment therapy. He has been infected with an indelible virus: the virus of the ACT Matrix, which has fundamentally changed the way he relates and practices with clients (and himself). At his current workplace, he has been facilitating an acceptance and commitment therapy community of practice, where clinicians with ACT affinities meet to discuss and practice ACT-related skills. He developed an ACT-based therapeutic group that has been running for the last three years. He has facilitated ACT workshops, more recently for the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists and as part of the continuing professional education for The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neuroscience at McMaster University. His interests outside work include playing music with no audience, being on a tennis court, as well as reading and practicing Zen Buddhism to the best of his abilities.
-
You must log in to register
- Early bird pricing available!
- Non-member - $275
- Members and Associates - $220
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $195
- New Practitioner - $220
- OTA - $220
- Regular Price after 03/04/2026 2:55 AM
- Non-member - $325
- Members and Associates - $270
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $245
- New Practitioner - $270
- OTA - $270
- More Information
-
Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 01/09/2026 at 10:00 AM (EST)
In this workshop, we will explore nervous system regulation, brain retraining, and relevant OT strategies for managing anxiety. We’ll discuss techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and sensory modulation to help clients regulate their nervous system. The session will cover brain retraining through neuroplasticity, focusing on reshaping anxiety-related thought patterns. Participants will learn practical OT strategies such as graded exposure, self-compassion, and cognitive restructuring to enhance emotional regulation and daily functioning. Emphasizing a client-centered approach, we will provide tools for OTs to tailor interventions and support clients with anxiety, fostering resilience and improving overall well-being.
Online Workshop
Friday, January 9, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Anxiety disorders are prevalent in Canada, affecting approximately 5.2% of individuals aged 15 and older, with a notable increase from 2.6% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2022. These conditions significantly impact daily functioning, with 27% of those affected reporting substantial interference in their lives. Occupational therapists (OTs) are uniquely positioned to assist clients with anxiety by employing therapeutic interventions that address the physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of anxiety. Through personalized strategies, OTs can enhance clients' coping mechanisms, improve daily functioning, and promote overall well-being. Given the rising prevalence of anxiety disorders in Canada, integrating OT services into mental health care is essential to provide comprehensive support for individuals affected by anxiety.
In this workshop, we will explore nervous system regulation, brain retraining, and relevant OT strategies for managing anxiety. We’ll discuss techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and sensory modulation to help clients regulate their nervous system. The session will cover brain retraining through neuroplasticity, focusing on reshaping anxiety-related thought patterns. Participants will learn practical OT strategies such as graded exposure, self-compassion, and cognitive restructuring to enhance emotional regulation and daily functioning. Emphasizing a client-centered approach, we will provide tools for OTs to tailor interventions and support clients with anxiety, fostering resilience and improving overall well-being.
Preliminary workshop agenda
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (ET) - The science of anxiety
11:30 - 11:45 a.m. (ET) Break 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. (ET) - OT role in anxiety management
1:15 - 1:45 p.m. (ET) Break 1:45 - 3:15 p.m. (ET) - Intervention strategies and practice sessions
3:15 - 3:30 p.m. (ET) Break 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (ET) - Intervention strategies and practice sessions continued
By the end of this workshop, you will learn evidence-based strategies for nervous system regulation, brain retraining, and client-centered OT interventions to effectively support clients managing anxiety
Target audience
Occupational therapist clinicians and educators who wish to learn how to use acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) effectively to support their clients in living well, even in the presence of psycho-emotional pain. Students in occupational therapy programs are also welcome to participate.
Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.
Client age group
Children (5-12 years old) Adolescents (13-19 years old) Adults (20-64 years old) Older adults (65+ years old)
Areas of practice
Acute Care Autism/Neurodiversity Brain injury/Concussion/Spinal Cord Cancer Care Cardio-Respiratory Care Case Management Chronic Disease Management Chronic Pain Education & Fieldwork Forensic Mental Health Generalist Global Health Hand Therapy Health Promotion & Wellness Indigenous Health Mental Health MSK Rehabilitation MVA Rehabilitation Neurology Older Adults Primary Care Psychotherapy Return to Work Sensory Integration & Processing Service/Business Administration Sexuality & Gender Substance Use/Addictions Veterans Affairs or Armed Forces
Workshop level
Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)
Please note: Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 3-5 years of experience.
Presenter
Zara Dureno
Zara Dureno is an Occupational Therapist with extensive experience and training in Mental Health, ME/CFS, long COVID, chronic pain, and concussion recovery. With a compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based approach, she helps clients regulate their nervous systems, build resilience, and reclaim their lives. Informed by her own recovery from chronic conditions and her love of neuroscience, Zara integrates many holistic and evidence-based to support lasting change. As a presenter, she is passionate about sharing practical strategies that empower both clients and clinicians in their journey toward healing and well-being.
Registration fees
Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by November 12, 2025
CAOT Members and Associates CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members Non-member* $220 $195 $275 Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after November 12, 2025
CAOT Members and Associates CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members Non-member* $270 $245 $325 Registration deadline: January 9, 2026 at 9:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)
Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees. *It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.
Included in your registration fee:
Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.
Cancellation/refund policy
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by December 24, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after December 24, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by December 24, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.
If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration. CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before November 28, 2025 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until December 12, 2025. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.
Provide suggestions for Professional Development
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.Please note that workshop is offered in English.
-
You must log in to register
- Early bird pricing available!
- Non-member - $275
- Members and Associates - $220
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $195
- New Practitioner - $220
- OTA - $220
- Regular Price after 11/13/2025 2:55 AM
- Non-member - $325
- Members and Associates - $270
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $245
- New Practitioner - $270
- OTA - $270
- More Information
-
Contains 8 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 12/11/2025 at 12:30 PM (EST)
This experiential workshop will expand occupational therapy professionals’ knowledge of theories and techniques that can have a positive impact on teaching self-regulation to children and adolescents. Participants will learn how the relationship and application of Polyvagal theory, the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, interoception, and sensory-enhanced movement contribute to the development of self-regulation skills. A variety of experiential learning activities and resources will be used to support participants in learning and practicing evidence-based techniques to teach self-regulation to children and adolescents.
Online workshop
December 11 & 12, 2025
12:30 to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Occupational therapy professionals can offer input into the design of internal and external environments to support, develop, and motivate children and adolescents’ self-regulation skills. Shanker (2017) stated “the ability to self-regulate — to strategically modulate one’s emotional reactions or states to be more effective at coping and engaging with the environment — is a critical aspect of human development”. While many children can develop self-regulatory skills on their own, either by trial and error or by observing others (Bandura, n.d.), others have significant difficulties in developing these skills. By examining principles of Polyvagal theory (Porges, 2022), the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (Perry, 2019), and sensory-enhanced movement (Stoller, 2019), occupational therapy professionals can facilitate children and adolescents’ learning of self-regulation skills, which then facilitates their participation in occupations.
This experiential workshop will expand occupational therapy professionals’ knowledge of theories and techniques that can have a positive impact on teaching self-regulation to children and adolescents. Participants will learn how the relationship and application of Polyvagal theory, the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, interoception, and sensory-enhanced movement contribute to the development of self-regulation skills. A variety of experiential learning activities and resources will be used to support participants in learning and practicing evidence-based techniques to teach self-regulation to children and adolescents.
Preliminary workshop agenda
Day 1 — December 11, 2025
12:30 - 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) The stress continuum and neurodiversity affirming practices and their impact on teaching self-regulation 2:00 – 2:15 p.m. (Eastern Time) Break 2:15 – 3:45 p.m. (Eastern Time) The role of windows of tolerance and vagus nerve activation in self-regulation 3:45 – 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Break 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Practical and evidence-based strategies to use the vagus nerve to teach self-regulation Day 2 — December 12, 2025
12:30 - 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Evidence-based teaching tools and techniques for self-regulation: vagus nerve and sensory-enhanced movement 2:00 – 2:15 p.m. (Eastern Time) Break 2:15 – 3:45 p.m. (Eastern Time) Using your therapeutic self, the environment, and hormones for teaching self-regulation 3:45 – 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Break 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics activation and interoception activities and exercises Learning objectives:
- Understand and apply relevant principles of Polyvagal theory to the development of self-regulation skills.
- Understand and apply relevant principles of the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics to the development of self-regulation skills.
- Understand and apply relevant principles of interoception to the development of self-regulation skills.
- Understand and apply relevant principles of sensory-enhanced movement to the development of self-regulation skills.
- Utilize a variety of evidence-based techniques for teaching self-regulation to children and adolescents.
Target audience:
Occupational therapist clinicians, occupational therapist assistants, students in occupational therapy programs, students in OTA/PTA programs, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and teachers/educators who wish to improve their ability to effectively teach self-regulation to children and adolescents. The tools and interventions discussed are meant to be delivered in a multi-tiered, Response to Intervention (RTI) model.
Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc. To fully participate in the workshop, participants will need to be in a space where they can move, be active, and participate in discussions that require privacy and focused attention. Activewear clothing and shoes are recommended. A chair and/or yoga mat will be helpful to participate in workshop activities.
Areas of practice:
Autism/Neurodiversity, Chronic Pain, Cognition, Developmental Disability, Health Promotion & Wellness, Mental Health, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Parental Health, Pediatrics, Sensory Integration & Processing, Universal Design
Client age group:
Children (5–12 years old), Adolescents (13–19 years old)
Workshop level:
Intermediate (3–5 years of experience in this specific practice area)
Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 3–5 years of experience.
Presenter
Alex Thompson, Reg. OT (BC)
Alex Thompson is the executive director and founder of Power for All, a charity that has been offering nature-based occupational therapy services to clients of all ages and abilities in the Fraser Valley, BC for the last 15 years. Alex has a background and a variety of credentials in the areas of early years and school age education, outdoor recreation, adventure therapy, mental health, trauma, self-regulation, yoga, fitness, and occupational therapy. She shares her passion and knowledge for an accessible world by teaching at the University of the Fraser Valley in the Child, Youth, and Family Studies department. She is a speaker at conferences and offers training at various local Parks and Recreation departments, private and public-school districts, community, and early years organizations. She has also worked in Inuit communities and abroad in a variety of countries as a pediatric school therapy consultant. She is a published author and researcher in the Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation. In her spare time, she loves being in nature, seeking community, and volunteering to social justice, environmental, and sport causes.
Registration fees
Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by October 15, 2025 Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after October 15, 2025 CAOT Members and Associates $305 $355 CAOT Student/Provisional Associates & Retired Members $270 $320 Non-member* $380 $430 Registration deadline: December 11, 2025 at 12:29 p.m. (Eastern Time)
CAOT does not offer group registration fees. Pending sufficient space, CAOT offers late registration for workshops at the regular rate plus a $50 administration fee. *It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.
Included in your registration fee: Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.
Cancellation/refund policy
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by November 26, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after November 26, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by November 26, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.
If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration.
CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before October 31, 2025 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until November 14, 2025. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.
Provide suggestions for Professional Development
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.
Please note that workshop is offered in English.
Alex Thompson, Reg. OT (BC)
Alex Thompson is the executive director and founder of Power For All, a charity that offers nature-based occupational therapy services to clients of all ages and abilities. Alex has a background and a variety of credentials in the areas of early years and school age education, outdoor recreation, adventure therapy, mental health, trauma, self-regulation, and occupational therapy. She shares her passion and knowledge for an accessible world by teaching at the University of the Fraser Valley in the Child, Youth, and Family Studies department. She is a speaker at conferences and offers training at various local Parks and Recreation departments, private and public school districts, community, and early years organizations. She has also worked in Inuit communities as a pediatric school therapy consultant for the University of Manitoba and the Government of Nunavut. She is a published author and researcher in the Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation. In her spare time, she loves being in nature and volunteering to social justice causes in her community.
-
You must log in to register
- Early bird pricing available!
- Non-member - $270
- Members and Associates - $380
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $270
- New Practitioner - $305
- OTA - $305
- Regular Price after 10/16/2025 2:59 AM
- Non-member - $430
- Members and Associates - $355
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $320
- New Practitioner - $355
- OTA - $355
- More Information
-
Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 12/04/2025 at 10:00 AM (EST)
This one-day practical skills workshop will focus on providing a structure for occupational therapy assessment and interventions and clarifying outcomes for mental health discharge.
Online
Thursday, December 4, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Occupational therapists have a recognized importance in mental health care delivery given their unique strengths for task analysis and assessing function, but can be quite varied in how assessments and interventions are carried out. Four factors that promote positive mental health outcomes and decrease readmission to hospital include psychoeducation to improve well-being (Tyler et al., 2019), medication adherence, decreasing suicide, and ensuring transition of support to community (Tyler et al., 2019; Owusu et al., 2022). Having agreed upon core outcomes for mental health discharge, as well as a clear description of occupational challenges that the therapy aims to address, will provide structure and transparency to service, and lead to greater understanding of effective therapy (Tyler et al., 2019).
This one-day practical skills workshop will focus on providing a structure for occupational therapy assessment and interventions and clarifying outcomes for mental health discharge. The workshop will provide an overview of the following entry points for occupational therapists to assess needs: activation, assess/facilitate occupational possibilities, coping strategy training, and relapse prevention. At each of these entry points, case studies will illustrate the content and process to deliver interventions. The benefits of task sessions, functional assessments, and standardized assessments will be overviewed to provide a cognitive functional profile for the client and team. Coping strategies will be organized in four coping categories, with a summary of what each category brings to managing the stress response, participating in valued occupations, and promoting function. Kolb's Adult Learning Model (Kolb, 2014) will be described and illustrated as a tool to teach coping strategy content. Four coping modules will be reviewed specifically to target outcomes for successful transition to the community. These modules will address healthy and meaningful routines, medication adherence, suicide safety, and communication tools to connect with personal and professional supports.
Small group discussions and practice opportunities in breakout rooms will be utilized to support occupational therapists in gaining efficiencies in clinical reasoning and decision making, collaborating with clients, and delivering interventions in mental health. By the end of this workshop, occupational therapists will have the tools and language to advocate and illustrate their role with clients experiencing mental health challenges.
Preliminary workshop agenda
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (ET) - Four points of entry for assessments and interventions: Activation, assess/facilitate occupational possibilities, coping strategy training, relapse prevention
- Empowerment techniques
11:30 – 11:45 a.m. (ET) Break 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. (ET) - Formal and informal assessments to aid in establishing a cognitive functional profile, related to various occupations
- Coping strategies survey and the stress response
- Four coping categories, associated benefits, and strategies
1:15 – 1:45 p.m. (ET) Break 1:45 – 3:15 p.m. (ET) - Constructing a learning session
- Kolb's Adult Learning Model (Kolb, 2014) as a teaching process to promote knowledge, skills, and affect domains of learning
- Practice using Kolb’s Adult Learning Model (group discussion)
3:15 – 3:30 p.m. (ET) Break 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. (ET) - Six key elements for suicide prevention with emphasis on how to create a collaborative suicide safety plan using Kolb's Adult Learning Model
- Unique occupational therapy contributions for relapse prevention through four coping strategy modules
Learning objectives
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Structure mental health interventions based on four levels of needs (activation, assess/facilitate occupational possibilities, coping strategy training, relapse prevention).
- Identify six techniques to activate and empower clients.
- Name one formal and one informal assessment to aid in determining functional cognitive profiles related to various occupations.
- Define benefits for four coping categories and name corresponding coping strategies.
- Demonstrate Kolb's Adult Learning Model (Kolb, 2014).
- Justify four coping modules for relapse prevention.
Target audience
Occupational therapist clinicians and educators who are seeking a structured approach for assessment and interventions to ensure greater transparency of service, inform clinical reasoning, and promote efficiencies in mental health service delivery.
Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.
Client age group
Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old)
Areas of practice
Acute Care, Advocacy, Education & Fieldwork, Mental Health, Psychotherapy
Workshop level
Beginner (0-2 years of experience in group therapy)
Please note: Participants with more than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 0-2 years of experience in this specific area of practice.
Presenter
Theresa Straathof, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Theresa Straathof has worked 32 years as a clinical occupational therapist in acute mental health. She completed her Diploma in Adult Education through St. Francis Xavier University, where she received the Lynn Irlam "Make a Difference Award" for her development of coping strategies modules. She has written two manuals to facilitate teaching a variety of coping strategy content using Kolb's Adult Learning Cycle (Kolb, 2014). She has presented nationally, internationally and is a guest lecturer with three Canadian universities on topics related to behaviour activation, coping strategy training, adult learning, and suicide prevention. She is a member of the CAOT network: Addressing Suicide in Occupational Therapy Practice.
Registration fees
Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by October 8, 2025 Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after October 8, 2025 AOT Members and Associates $220 $270 CAOT Student/Provisional Associates
& Retired Members$195 $245 Non-members* $275 $325 Registration deadline: December 4, 2025 at 9:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)
Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.
*It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.
Included in your registration fee:
Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.
Cancellation/refund policy
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by November 19, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after November 19, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by November 19, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.
If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration.
CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before October 24, 2025 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until November 7, 2025. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.
Provide suggestions for Professional Development
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.Please note that workshop is offered in English.
Theresa Straathof
Theresa Straathof has worked 32 years as a clinical occupational therapist in acute mental health. She completed her Diploma in Adult Education through St. Francis Xavier University, where she received the Lynn Irlam "Make a Difference Award" for her development of coping strategies modules. She has written two manuals to facilitate teaching a variety of coping strategy content using Kolb's Adult Learning Cycle (Kolb, 2014). She has presented nationally, internationally and is a guest lecturer with three Canadian universities on topics related to behaviour activation, coping strategy training, adult learning, and suicide prevention. She is a member of the CAOT network: Addressing Suicide in Occupational Therapy Practice.
-
You must log in to register
- Early bird pricing available!
- Non-member - $275
- Members and Associates - $220
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $195
- New Practitioner - $220
- OTA - $220
- Regular Price after 10/09/2025 3:00 AM
- Non-member - $325
- Members and Associates - $270
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $245
- New Practitioner - $270
- OTA - $270
- More Information
-
Contains 7 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 11/28/2025 at 12:00 PM (EST)
This workshop will provide an opportunity for occupational therapy professionals in or interested in formal management activities to reflection upon the skills and tools they need to be successful in management positions.
-
You must log in to register
- Early bird pricing available!
- Non-member - $165
- Members and Associates - $130
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $105
- New Practitioner - $130
- OTA - $130
- Regular Price after 10/01/2025 11:59 PM
- Non-member - $215
- Members and Associates - $180
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $155
- New Practitioner - $180
- OTA - $180
- More Information
-
You must log in to register
-
Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 11/21/2025 at 11:00 AM (EST)
This one-day workshop will help occupational therapists support clients with ADHD by deepening their understanding of sensory processing differences and learning to apply research-based strategies and accommodations.
Friday, November 21, 2025
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Though research on sensory processing is limited, literature suggests that there is an increased prevalence of sensory processing differences including sensory sensitivity in individuals with ADHD compared to neuro-typicals (Panagiotidi et al., 2020; Adra et al., 2021). It appears that many ADHDers experience hypo-registration and hyper-registration of stimuli daily, causing challenges in their daily function and mental health.
This one-day workshop will help occupational therapists support clients with ADHD by deepening their understanding of sensory processing differences and learning to apply research-based strategies and accommodations. Through research-backed knowledge in the occupational therapy field regarding strategies for sensory challenges, this workshop aims to educate attendees on how sensory challenges often manifest, and what strategies, accommodations and modifications can be made to improve daily comfort and function. Participants will learn what sensory processing is and how we can tailor our environments and behavior in a way that meets our sensory needs. Participants will gain reflection skills to implement relevant sensory strategies to improve productivity and increase comfort in their daily lives. The workshop first describes the various “stimuli” we experience daily by highlighting our 8 senses. Following this, the presenter will introduce Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing (Dunn, W., 1997, 2014) which classifies sensory responses into four quadrants based on their sensory registration and self-regulation strategies. Participants will learn to identify their patterns within these quadrants and how they can tailor their environments and routines to better align with their sensory preferences, thus increasing productivity and reducing overstimulation and discomfort. Strategies for managing sensory challenges are multifaceted, combining practical approaches with mindfulness-based emotional regulation techniques to increase tolerance to stimulating environments.
Preliminary workshop agenda
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (ET) Understanding Sensory Processing and ADHD
• SPD
• ADHD
• 8 Senses
• Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing12:30 - 12:45 p.m. (ET) Break 12:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (ET) Understanding the impacts of overstimulation and emotional regulation challenges
• Intervention practice - group Mindful Activity
• Overstimulation, analysis paralysis
• Executive functions
• Emotional regulation2:00 - 2:30 p.m. (ET) Break 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (ET) Intervention strategies and case studies/practice
• Sensory Preferences Screeners
• Sensory strategies (rooms, carts)
• The ‘Stimulation Battery’ ©3:30 - 3:35 p.m. (ET) Break 3:35 - 5:00 p.m. (ET) Intervention strategies and case studies/practice Continued
• Tailoring Environments (low/high stim enviros)
• Dopamine button
• Mindfulness
• OT classics - Pacing, Just right challenge, co-regulation
• Bonus: compensatory cognitive strategies for executive function challenges if time allowsLearning objectives
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Explain the relationship between Sensory Processing Disorder and ADHD, including common manifestations in daily life.
- Identify personal sensory preferences and challenges using reflective frameworks.
- Apply strategies such as pacing (via the Stimulation Battery) and mindfulness-based emotional regulation to enhance comfort and productivity in daily routines.
- Modify home and work environments to align with sensory preferences and reduce overstimulation.
- Differentiate between low-stimulation and high-stimulation environments to support effective daily planning and prevent sensory overload.
Target audience
Occupational therapist clinicians, Students in occupational therapy programs, Occupational therapist educators who wish to support clients with ADHD by deepening their understanding of sensory processing differences and learning to apply research-based strategies and accommodations.
Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.
Client age group
Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old)
Areas of practice
Autism/Neurodiversity, Mental Health, Sensory Integration & Processing
Workshop level
Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)
Please note: Participants with more than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 0-2 years of experience.
Presenter
Krysta Longridge, MScOT
Krysta is the founder of Mindful Mountains, an Occupational Therapy Clinic that specializes in working with Adults with ADHD. She has a Master of Sciences in Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film with an extended minor in Communications. Krysta’s experience in physical, neurological, and mental health have allowed for a holistic approach to wellness. Her desire is to empower individuals to thrive through an improved understanding of their bodies, brain, and abilities.
Registration fees
Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by September 24, 2025
CAOT Members and Associates CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members Non-member* $220 $195 $275 Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after September 24, 2025
CAOT Members and Associates CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members Non-member* $270 $245 $325 Registration deadline: November 21, 2025 at 10:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)
Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.
*It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.
Included in your registration fee:
Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.
Cancellation/refund policy
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by November 5, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after November 5, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by November 5, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.
If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration.
CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before October 10, 2025, if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until October 24, 2025. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.
Provide suggestions for Professional Development
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.Please note that workshop is offered in English.
Moira Peña
BScOT, MOT, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Moira is an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience supporting autistic children, youth, and their families. She works at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and is the founder of Moira Peña Sensory Workshops, where she delivers professional development trainings. She is the creator and host of Holland Bloorview’s Autism Summit, a knowledge-sharing initiative featuring two international summits, a coaching program for occupational therapists, an open-access autism toolkit, and the Autism Occupational Therapy Guiding Principles—co-developed in collaboration with autistic individuals, families, and professionals. Moira is also an Expert Hub Team member of the ECHO Ontario Autism Program, supporting clinicians and educators in implementing best practices in autism care. She is a published author, an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto, and a certified Solution-Focused Healthcare Facilitator and Coach (C-SFHC).
-
You must log in to register
- Early bird pricing available!
- Non-member - $275
- Members and Associates - $220
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $195
- New Practitioner - $220
- OTA - $220
- Regular Price after 09/24/2025 2:55 AM
- Non-member - $325
- Members and Associates - $270
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $245
- New Practitioner - $270
- OTA - $270
- More Information
-
Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 10/24/2025 at 10:00 AM (EDT)
This one-day workshop will explore creative ways that occupational therapists can utilize various acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) processes to support their clients in living well. Throughout the workshop, connections will be drawn between ACT as an intervention and occupational therapy as a profession. ACT will be described and compared to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Friday, October 24, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and occupational therapy share a consistent body of philosophical assumptions and practical modalities of facilitating health and well-being. For example, both occupational therapy and ACT emphasize meaningful activity, values-based living, pragmatism, and health and the promotion of well-being. Soft and hard skills (concepts and interventions) that work transdiagnostically (Dindo et al., 2017) provide tools to address human suffering in an effective way (Hofmann et al., 2021). Learning ACT will expand the intervention options of occupational therapists to promote a life enriched by participation in meaningful roles and valued occupations, even in the presence of pain.
This one-day workshop will explore creative ways that occupational therapists can utilize various acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) processes to support their clients in living well. Throughout the workshop, connections will be drawn between ACT as an intervention and occupational therapy as a profession. ACT will be described and compared to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Foundational concepts and processes in ACT – including functional contextualism, pragmatism, creative hopelessness, workability, psychological flexibility, the Hexaflex model, acceptance, experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion and defusion, and contact with the present moment – will be explored and applied to occupational therapy practice. The structure of ACT sessions in single-session and multiple-session therapy will be outlined. Experiential exercises, metaphors, and small group discussions will be used throughout the workshop to support participants in applying the information from the workshop to their practice.
Preliminary workshop agenda
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (ET) - ACT as part of the third wave of cognitive behavioural therapies. Behaviour and context ACT as a CBT therapy - Similarities and differences - CBT and ACT interventions side by side - illustration.
- ACT as a transdiagnostic modality
- Human suffering - Healthy normality vs. destructive normality: Assumptions that shape the way we act as health care providers
- ACT foundation - Functional contextualism. Pragmatism. A pragmatic truth.11:30 - 11:45 a.m. (ET) Break 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. (ET) - Why do people come to therapy? The control agenda.
- Creative hopelessness and workability - A possible way to start ACT work
- Psychological flexibility - The Holy Grail of ACT. The Hexaflex model. Processes associated with well-being and psychopathology, respectively.
- Acceptance and experiential avoidance. Promoting acceptance and willingness through experiential exercises and metaphors. Building skills to promote acceptance and willingness.
- Cognitive fusion and defusion. Building skills to promote cognitive defusion - Experiential exercises and metaphors.
- Contact with the present moment. Promoting contact with the present moment - Experiential exercises and metaphors1:15 - 1:45 p.m. (ET) Break 1:45 - 3:15 p.m. (ET) - Self as context - The observing self. Expanding the sense of self to promote the observing self - experiential exercises and metaphors.
- Values clarification. Helping the client clarify their values. Experiential exercises and metaphors.
- Committed action. Establishing and maintaining patterns of value-based behaviours. Building skills through experiential exercises and metaphors
- A deeper dive in understanding the power and utility of therapeutic metaphors in initiating and supporting change. Principles of change and the use of metaphors to promote behavioural change.
- The ACT Matrix - Conceptualizing the clients' presentation and structuring interventions. Using the ACT Matrix for single session intervention. Applications and examples. In session modelling and practice3:15 - 3:30 p.m. (ET) Break 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (ET) - The ACT Matrix - Conceptualizing the clients' presentation and structuring interventions.
- Using the ACT Matrix for single session intervention. Applications and examples.
- In session modelling and practice.Learning objectives
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Explain some basic ACT assumptions and philosophical foundations, including functional contextualism, pragmatism, ACT as a third wave CBT modality, and healthy normality vs. destructive normality.
- Apply the ACT Hexaflex to address psychopathology and promote well-being in occupational therapy.
- Promote psychological flexibility by using these six processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, contact with the present moment, self as context, values clarification, and committed action.
- Use therapeutic metaphors to initiate and support healthy behavioural change as well as to facilitate occupational participation.
- Use the ACT Matrix process to conceptualize clinical presentations transdiagnostically, and to promote and support healthy behavioural change in various health care settings.
Target audience
Occupational therapist clinicians and educators who wish to learn how to use acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) effectively to support their clients in living well, even in the presence of psycho-emotional pain. Students in occupational therapy programs are also welcome to participate.
Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.
Client age group
Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old), Older adults (65+ years old)
Areas of practice
Case Management, Chronic Disease Management, Chronic Pain, Cognition, Forensic Mental Health, Mental Health, Primary Care, Psychotherapy, Return to Work, Substance Use/Addiction.
Workshop level
Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area)
Please note: Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 3-5 years of experience.
Presenter
Catalin Fecior, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Cata Fecior has been practicing as an occupational therapist/mental health counsellor in primary care for 13 years. He currently works for the Hamilton Family Health Team where he facilitates therapeutic change via individual and group therapy. After training and practicing with more traditional CBT models, he found himself attracted (and at times confused and perplexed) by the philosophy of functional contextualism and the practice of acceptance and commitment therapy. He has been infected with an indelible virus: the virus of the ACT Matrix, which has fundamentally changed the way he relates and practices with clients (and himself). At his current workplace, he has been facilitating an acceptance and commitment therapy community of practice, where clinicians with ACT affinities meet to discuss and practice ACT-related skills. He developed an ACT-based therapeutic group that has been running for the last three years. He has facilitated ACT workshops, more recently for the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists and as part of the continuing professional education for The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neuroscience at McMaster University. His interests outside work include playing music with no audience, being on a tennis court, as well as reading and practicing Zen Buddhism to the best of his abilities.
Registration fees
Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by August 27, 2025
CAOT Members and Associates CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members Non-member* $220 $195 $275 Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after August 27, 2025
CAOT Members and Associates CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members Non-member* $270 $245 $325 Registration deadline: October 24, 2025 at 9:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)
Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.
*It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.
Included in your registration fee:
Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.
Cancellation/refund policy
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by October 8, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after October 8, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by October 8, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.
If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration.
CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before September 12, 2025, if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until September 26, 2025. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.
Provide suggestions for Professional Development
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.Please note that workshop is offered in English.
Catalin Fecior, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Cata Fecior has been practicing as an occupational therapist/mental health counsellor in primary care for 13 years. He currently works for the Hamilton Family Health Team where he facilitates therapeutic change via individual and group therapy. After training and practicing with more traditional CBT models, he found himself attracted (and at times confused and perplexed) by the philosophy of functional contextualism and the practice of acceptance and commitment therapy. He has been infected with an indelible virus: the virus of the ACT Matrix, which has fundamentally changed the way he relates and practices with clients (and himself). At his current workplace, he has been facilitating an acceptance and commitment therapy community of practice, where clinicians with ACT affinities meet to discuss and practice ACT-related skills. He developed an ACT-based therapeutic group that has been running for the last three years. He has facilitated ACT workshops, more recently for the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists and as part of the continuing professional education for The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neuroscience at McMaster University. His interests outside work include playing music with no audience, being on a tennis court, as well as reading and practicing Zen Buddhism to the best of his abilities.
-
You must log in to register
- Early bird pricing available!
- Non-member - $275
- Members and Associates - $220
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $195
- New Practitioner - $220
- OTA - $220
- Regular Price after 08/27/2025 2:55 AM
- Non-member - $325
- Members and Associates - $270
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $245
- New Practitioner - $270
- OTA - $270
- More Information
-
Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 10/17/2025 at 10:00 AM (EDT)
This one-day, virtual workshop is designed for occupational therapy professionals working with neurodivergent children and youth—especially those supporting families in home settings.
Friday, October 17, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
With an increase in dedicated sensory-friendly spaces for neurodivergent children and youth in schools and their community, sometimes their own home setting can be overlooked. With over 9% of children in Canada being diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder such as ADHD or ASD, there is a need to ensure that this population has tailored spaces available for them (Kids Brain Health Network, 2021).
This one-day, virtual workshop is designed for occupational therapy professionals working with neurodivergent children and youth—especially those supporting families in home settings. While many therapeutic strategies begin in the clinic, sustainable impact happens when these supports are embedded into daily routines and into the physical home environment. Through a practical, room-by-room approach (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, dining space, play area and bedroom), this workshop will guide participants in co-creating with families and adapting home spaces to support occupational participation at home. Drawing on the BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory, Thinking) Strategies Framework, participants will explore key assessment and intervention components that promote psychological and physical safety. Participants will gain practical tools, renewed confidence, and an evidence-based framework to guide families in creating neurodivergent-affirming spaces that support regulation, occupational participation and family well-being.
Preliminary workshop agenda
Time (ET) Session Details 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Welcome + Introductions
- Group Introductions and “Best Hopes”
- Why OTs need to champion and advocate for physical and psychologically safe environments
Setting the Foundation: Neurodivergent-Affirming Practice
- Overview of common neurodivergent profiles (e.g., sensory, motor, executive function)
- Core principles of neurodivergent-affirming practice
11:30 - 11:45 a.m. Break 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Room-by-Room Deep Dive: BEST Practical Adaptations
Using the BEST Framework to guide both home assessment and environmental modifications:
- Kitchen & Dining: Supporting mealtimes and picky eating
- Bathroom: Bathing, showering, toothbrushing, toileting, and other hygiene supports
- Bedroom: Sleep environments and dressing zones
- Living/Shared Spaces: Creating sensory safe spaces that support distinct sensory profiles
1:15 - 1:45 p.m. Break 1:45 - 3:15 p.m. Case Studies: Real-World Problem Solving
- Scenarios tackling common challenges (elopement, risky play, shared spaces, etc.)
- Group reflection and discussion
- Key Solution-Focused Coaching Strategies
- Coaching questions that support caregiver participation
- Recommended assessments and documentation (goals, outcome measures, etc.)
3:15 - 3:30 p.m. Break 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Reflection: Tools for Your OT Toolbox
- Share favourite tools to move forward in your practice
- Develop your own BEST Checklist, planning template, or family-facing guide
- Peer feedback
Wrap-Up + Next Steps
- Key takeaways
- Setting intentions for clinical practice
- Q&A and discussion
Learning objectives
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Define key principles of neurodivergent-affirming practice and their relevance to home settings.
- Become familiar with the most common neurodivergent profiles and how they may impact participation
- Apply the BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory, Thinking) Approach to environmental assessment to identify adaptations that support occupational participation at home
- Identify practical, renter-friendly, and cost-conscious strategies to modify home spaces to best support neurodivergent children and youth
- Problem-solve environmental adaptations for common challenges such as elopement, navigating shared spaces, risky play and difficulties with transitions.
- Develop skills to effectively collaborate with and coach families in sustaining supportive home environments that align with each child’s unique needs.
Target audience
Occupational therapist clinicians; Occupational therapist educators; and/or Occupational therapist assistants who wish to feel more confident in their ability to co-create home spaces that better address the sensory, emotional, motor, and cognitive needs of neurodivergent clients.
Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.
Client age group
Young children (0-4 years old) Children (5-12 years old) Adolescents (13-19 years old)
Areas of practice
Autism/Neurodiversity Developmental Disability Sensory Integration & Processing
Workshop level
Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area)
Please note: Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 3-5 years of experience.
Presenter
Moira Pena, BScOT, MOT, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Moira is an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience supporting autistic children, youth, and their families. She works at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and is the founder of Moira Peña Sensory Workshops, where she delivers professional development trainings. She is the creator and host of Holland Bloorview’s Autism Summit, a knowledge-sharing initiative featuring two international summits, a coaching program for occupational therapists, an open-access autism toolkit, and the Autism Occupational Therapy Guiding Principles—co-developed in collaboration with autistic individuals, families, and professionals. Moira is also an Expert Hub Team member of the ECHO Ontario Autism Program, supporting clinicians and educators in implementing best practices in autism care. She is a published author, an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto, and a certified Solution-Focused Healthcare Facilitator and Coach (C-SFHC).
Registration fees
Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by September 3, 2025
CAOT Members and Associates CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members Non-member* $220 $195 $275 Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after September 3, 2025
CAOT Members and Associates CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members Non-member* $270 $245 $325 Registration deadline: October 17, 2025 at 9:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)
Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.
*It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.
Included in your registration fee:
Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.
Cancellation/refund policy
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by October 1, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after October 1, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by October 1, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.
If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration.
CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before September 5, 2025, if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until September 19, 2025. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.
Provide suggestions for Professional Development
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.Please note that workshop is offered in English.
Moira Peña
BScOT, MOT, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Moira is an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience supporting autistic children, youth, and their families. She works at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and is the founder of Moira Peña Sensory Workshops, where she delivers professional development trainings. She is the creator and host of Holland Bloorview’s Autism Summit, a knowledge-sharing initiative featuring two international summits, a coaching program for occupational therapists, an open-access autism toolkit, and the Autism Occupational Therapy Guiding Principles—co-developed in collaboration with autistic individuals, families, and professionals. Moira is also an Expert Hub Team member of the ECHO Ontario Autism Program, supporting clinicians and educators in implementing best practices in autism care. She is a published author, an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto, and a certified Solution-Focused Healthcare Facilitator and Coach (C-SFHC).
-
You must log in to register
- Early bird pricing available!
- Non-member - $275
- Members and Associates - $220
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $195
- New Practitioner - $220
- OTA - $220
- Regular Price after 09/04/2025 2:55 AM
- Non-member - $325
- Members and Associates - $270
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $245
- New Practitioner - $270
- OTA - $270
- More Information
-
Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/25/2025 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
This one-day interactive workshop will focus on building a strong foundation for how to assist with healing work-related burnout and how to foster work/life balance using occupational therapy intervention and skills. Participants will learn about the nervous system, the occupational and functional life impacts of burnout, and the aftermath of providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic on health care professionals.
September 10 to 24, 2025 (on your own)
Thursday, September 25, 2025 - 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Burnout has been a hot topic during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it didn't start there (e.g., Murthy, 2022). Health care workers have been placed in health systems that value quantity over quality and are increasingly being asked to work beyond their physical and emotional limits to provide services for clients at a high volume, with pressure from management and billing targets (e.g., Koinis et al., 2015).
This one-day interactive workshop will focus on building a strong foundation for how to assist with healing work-related burnout and how to foster work/life balance using occupational therapy intervention and skills. Participants will learn about the nervous system, the occupational and functional life impacts of burnout, and the aftermath of providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic on health care professionals. Participants will explore burnout in acute, outpatient and private practice settings and evaluate the impact of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and self-efficacy on return to work. The unique position of occupational therapists in assisting with burnout prevention, management and recovery will be discussed. Opportunities will be provided to network and to practice skills in small groups throughout the workshop. Journaling throughout this workshop is encouraged and a template will be provided. There will also be several stretch and movement breaks throughout the day.
Preliminary workshop agenda
Pre-workshop lecture: September 10 to 24, 2025
Approximately 1 hour The basics: How we are wired and why we are tired
Thursday, September 25, 2025
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. (ET) Introductions (group) and guided journal exercise (individual)
12:30 - 12:45 p.m. (ET) The basics: How we are wired and why we are tired
Pre-workshop lecture review
12:45 to 1:00 p.m. (ET) Break
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (ET) Burnout: Signs, symptoms, and impact on function 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. (ET) Break 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. (ET) Occupational therapy assessment and interventions
4:15 to 4:30 p.m. (ET) Break 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. (ET) Skills practice and Q&A Learning objectives
By the end of this workshop, you will:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the nervous system's response to stress.
- Be able to identify symptoms of burnout in yourself and your clients.
- Understand the occupational therapy role in burnout management/recovery.
- Apply occupational therapy practice skills to burnout recovery.
- Gain confidence in your ability to identify and manage work-related burnout.
Target audience
Occupational therapy clinicians and students in occupational therapy programs who wish to be able to identify symptoms of burnout and to develop a plan to prevent or manage burnout, for themselves and for their clients.
Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.
Client age group
Adults (20-64 years old)
Areas of practice
Acute Care, Chronic Disease Management, Chronic Pain, Forensic Mental Health, Health Promotion & Wellness, Intensive Critical Care Unit (ICU)/ Emergency Department (ED), Medical-Legal Services, Mental Health, MVA Rehabilitation, Neurology, Palliative/EOL Care, Parental Health, Primary Care, Return to Work, Role-Emerging, Substance Use/Addictions, Women’s Health
Workshop level
Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area) Please note: Participants with more than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 0-2 years of experience
Presenter
Kat Dikeakos, Reg. OT (BC)
Kat Dikeakos is a Vancouver-based occupational therapist and provides therapy to clients via telehealth across Canada. Her practice is focused on supporting high-functioning clients to recover from accidents, illness, and burnout. Many of her clients work in health care, management, entertainment, or other high-pressure fields. A holistic health nerd from the very beginning, Kat has a special interest in recovery from complex health conditions and uses an integrative medicine approach to foster healing from the inside out. Her practice includes advanced training in chronic pain management, concussion, rheumatology, and perinatal health. Kat also has a special interest in women’s health and the unique challenges that come alongside pregnancy, parenting, pelvic pain and menopause. Skilled in the understanding of how the body and brain function together, Kat works to educate her clients and help them to develop the skills to manage their health while restoring work life balance and quality of life. In addition, Kat spends time as a mentor for PainBC's British Columbia Adaptive Mentorship Network (BCAMN), chairing the CAOT Chronic Pain & Occupational Therapy Practice Network and sitting on the CAOT-BC Advisory Committee for Chronic Pain, Mental Health and Substance Use.
Registration fees
Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by July 30, 2025
CAOT Members and Associates CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members Non-member* $215 $190 $270 Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after July 30, 2025
CAOT Members and Associates CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members Non-member* $265 $240 $320 Registration deadline: September 25, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)
Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees. Pending sufficient space, CAOT offers late registration for workshops at the regular rate plus a $50 administration fee.
*It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.
Included in your registration fee:
Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.
Cancellation/refund policy
All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by August 27, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after August 27, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by August 27, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.
If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration. CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before July 30, 2025 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until August 8, 2025. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.
Provide suggestions for Professional Development
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.Please note that workshop is offered in English.
-
You must log in to register
- Non-member - $320
- Members and Associates - $265
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $240
- New Practitioner - $265
- OTA - $265
- More Information
-
Contains 8 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 09/19/2025 at 10:00 AM (EDT)
This workshop provides occupational therapists with the knowledge and skills to offer DBT-ST using a neurodivergence-informed approach to promote the occupational participation of adults with ADHD. Live session dates: September 19 & 26, 2025
-
You must log in to register
- Non-member - $570
- Members and Associates - $465
- Student/Provisional/Retured - $415
- New Practitioner - $465
- OTA - $465
- More Information
-
You must log in to register