The Anxious Brain: How Occupational Therapy can Help Clients with Anxiety (January 6, 2026)

Online Workshop

Friday, January 9, 2026 

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

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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

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

Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after November 12, 2025

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.

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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.