The anxious brain: How occupational therapy can help clients with anxiety (October 2, 2026)

Online Workshop

Friday, October 2, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

What time is this for me?

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 ( Statistics Canada, 2023). These conditions significantly impact daily functioning, with 27% of those affected reporting substantial interference in their lives (Government of Canada, 2014). Occupational therapists (OTs) are uniquely positioned to assist people 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 and occupational participation. Given the rising prevalence of anxiety disorders in Canada, integrating occupational therapy services into mental health care is essential to provide comprehensive support for individuals affected by anxiety.

In this workshop, participants will explore nervous system regulation, brain retraining, and relevant occupational therapy strategies for managing anxiety. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and sensory modulation to help clients regulate their nervous system will be discussed. The workshop will cover brain retraining through neuroplasticity, focusing on reshaping anxiety-related thought patterns. Participants will learn practical strategies such as graded exposure, self-compassion, and cognitive restructuring to enhance emotional regulation and daily functioning. Tools will be provided for occupational therapists to tailor interventions and support their clients with anxiety, fostering resilience and improving overall well-being.

Preliminary workshop agenda

Learning objectives

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Explain the role of the nervous system in anxiety and describe how regulation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and sensory modulation can support emotional balance.
2. Understand the principles of neuroplasticity and how brain retraining techniques can help reframe anxiety-related thought patterns.
3. Apply evidence-based occupational therapy strategies including graded exposure, self-compassion, and cognitive restructuring—to support clients living with anxiety in achieving occupational goals.
4. Tailor anxiety interventions, considering sensory profiles, personal values, and occupational demands.
5. Integrate nervous system regulation and cognitive strategies into practical therapy planning, enhancing client resilience and long-term well-being.

Target audience

Occupational therapist clinicians and educators working in mental health and other settings who wish to learn more about anxiety disorders and strategies for helping people with anxiety disorders participate in their desired occupations. Students in occupational therapy programs are also welcome to participate.

Please note: The workshop is tailored to the occupational therapy community. 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

Chronic Conditions, Forensic Mental Health and Corrections, Generalist, Health Promotion & Wellness, Mental 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

Zara Dureno, Reg. OT (BC)
Zara Dureno is an occupational therapist with 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

Registration deadline: October 2, 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.  

Registration fee includes:

• Access to the online workshop platform
• Access to the workshop recording for 1 month following the live sessions
• An electronic copy of the presentation slide handouts
• Opportunities to network with other occupational therapists with an interest in this topic
• An electronic certificate of attendance

Cancellation/refund policy

All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to [email protected]. All cancellation requests received by September 16, 2026 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after September 16, 2026. Substitutions and transfers requests received by September 16, 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 [email protected] 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 August 21, 2026 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until September 4, 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.

  Professional Development FAQs

 

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The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (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 [email protected] or 1-800-434-2268.  

Please note that workshop is offered in English.