Can Occupational Therapy Help with Anxiety?

Anxiety can make everyday activities feel overwhelming for children, adolescents and young people, affecting their ability to focus, manage emotions and interact with others. Many families wonder if there are ways to support anxiety beyond traditional therapy and medication. So, can Occupational Therapy help with anxiety?

The good news is, yes, Occupational Therapy (OT) provides practical, evidence-based strategies to help young people develop coping skills, regulate emotions and create daily routines that promote mental well-being. By addressing sensory sensitivities, self-regulation and confidence-building techniques, OT empowers kids, adolescents and young people to feel more in control of their emotions and daily lives.

In this blog, we’ll look at how occupational therapy helps individuals manage anxiety, the strategies therapists use, and when professional support may be beneficial.

Quick Overview: How Occupational Therapy Helps with Anxiety

Occupational therapy equips children, adolescents and young people with practical strategies to manage anxiety, build confidence and navigate daily life with ease. Key focus areas include:

• Emotional Regulation: Teaching calming techniques and coping skills.

• Sensory Processing: Identifying triggers and using sensory-friendly tools.

• Daily Routines: Creating structure to reduce stress and improve transitions.

• Cognitive Strategies: Strengthening problem-solving and self-awareness.

• Social Confidence: Enhancing communication and peer interactions.

Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact

Anxiety is more than just occasional stress—it can affect daily functioning, relationships and overall quality of life. Common symptoms include:

Excessive Worrying

Individuals with anxiety often experience persistent, uncontrollable worries about various aspects of life, such as school, work or social situations.

Physical Symptoms

Anxiety can manifest physically through muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue or difficulty sleeping.

Difficulty Managing Stress

Everyday challenges may feel overwhelming, leading to avoidance behaviours or difficulty concentrating.

Social Challenges

Some individuals with anxiety struggle with social interactions, experiencing discomfort in group settings or fear of being judged.

Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach to addressing these challenges and helping individuals find effective ways to cope.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Anxiety Management

Occupational therapy provides targeted strategies to help children, adolescents and young people manage anxiety and build resilience. 

Emotional Regulation Techniques

Anxiety can make it difficult for individuals to stay calm in stressful situations. Occupational therapists help by teaching:

• Breathing exercises to reduce physical tension and promote relaxation, especially before school or social activities.

• Mindfulness techniques to improve self-awareness and manage anxious thoughts in classrooms and social settings.

• Journaling, play therapy or expressive arts to provide safe outlets for processing emotions.

Sensory Strategies for Anxiety Reduction

Many children and teenagers with anxiety experience sensory sensitivities, where certain sounds, lights or textures increase stress. OT supports them by:

• Identifying sensory triggers and finding ways to reduce exposure.

• Introducing calming tools, such as weighted blankets, fidget items or deep-pressure activities.

  Creating sensory-friendly environments at school and home to minimise overstimulation.

Establishing Healthy Routines and Daily Structure

A predictable routine can help young individuals feel more secure and reduce anxiety. OT assists in:

• Developing structured morning and evening routines to create stability before and after school.

• Using visual schedules and planners to improve organisation and reduce being overwhelmed with schoolwork.

• Teaching time management skills to help balance homework, extracurricular activities and relaxation time.

Cognitive and Behavioural Strategies

Occupational therapists help children, adolescents and young people reframe anxious thoughts and build resilience by:

• Encouraging cognitive reframing to shift worries into more balanced perspectives.

• Breaking down homework, chores or school tasks into manageable steps to reduce being overwhelmed.

• Teaching self-advocacy skills so kids can express their needs and seek help when necessary.

Improving Social Confidence and Engagement

For individuals struggling with social anxiety, OT offers:

• Role-playing and social scripts to help prepare for conversations and group interactions.

• Gradual exposure techniques to increase confidence in social settings like classrooms, sports teams or friendships.

• Communication skills training to enhance verbal and non-verbal expression.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Anxiety

Occupational therapy provides a personalised approach to anxiety management, helping kids and adolescents:

• Build independence by managing anxiety in everyday situations.

• Improve emotional stability with long-term techniques for self-regulation.

• Sleep better through calming bedtime routines and sensory strategies.

• Increase focus and productivity in school and extracurricular activities.

• Strengthen social skills to form positive friendships and connections.

When to Consider Occupational Therapy for Anxiety

OT can be beneficial if your child:

• Experiences anxiety that interferes with school, friendships or daily life.

• Struggles with emotional regulation and managing stress.

• Finds certain environments overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities.

• Has tried traditional therapy but needs additional, practical strategies.

Seeking early support can prevent anxiety from significantly affecting a child’s long-term well-being. With the right strategies, occupational therapy helps young people develop confidence, resilience and emotional strength for the future.

How OT Works with Other Therapies

Occupational therapy often works alongside other forms of treatment, such as:

• Psychological Therapy: OT complements cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) by providing hands-on coping strategies.

• Medication Management: Some individuals use OT to manage anxiety symptoms alongside prescribed medications.

• Speech Therapy: For individuals with communication-related anxiety, OT and speech therapy together can enhance confidence in social interactions.

A collaborative approach ensures that individuals receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

Get Professional Anxiety Support at Youth OT

Are you looking for professional support to manage anxiety? At Youth OT, we specialise in helping individuals develop skills to regulate emotions, manage daily stressors and build confidence in daily life. Our experienced occupational therapists offer personalised strategies to support children and families on their journey to improved well-being.

Located on the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers, our team provides compassionate, expert care designed to help individuals take control of their anxiety and thrive. Contact us today to learn how occupational therapy can help you or your loved one develop confidence, resilience and practical coping strategies.

Final Thoughts

Anxiety can be overwhelming, but occupational therapy offers valuable strategies to help individuals manage stress, regulate emotions, and improve daily life. Occupational therapists focus on addressing sensory sensitivities, building structured routines and developing practical coping techniques to empower individuals to take control of their mental health.

If your child, teenager, or young person is struggling with anxiety, Youth OT is here to help. Reach out today to start their journey toward a calmer, more confident life!