
This transformative event was much more than a conference — it was a gathering of compassionate clinicians, empowered survivors, leading researchers, and yoga professionals working toward change.The 2023 theme: Creating Cultures of Prevention.
Addiction and eating disorders are not merely biological illnesses, but also deep-seated social phenomena. While much effort has focused on treatment, we urgently need effective strategies to prevent addiction and eating disorders from taking root in the first place.
You can now purchase the video package of the full event and learn l how yoga can make a difference. You’ll come away with insights, practices, and support to make a real impact in your community.
VIDEO PACKAGE NOW AVAILABLE
FOR PURCHASE!
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Hear from world-renowned innovators from across many disciplines — including scientists, clinicians, and community leaders. Whether you attend live or watch the recordings after the event, you’ll come away with actionable insights from some of the brightest minds in their fields.

Dr. Gabor Maté
Physician and Author of The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture

Ashley Judd
Actress, Activist Author, and Profound Speaker,

Ethan Watters
New York Times Journalist and Author of Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche

Dr. John Kelly
Professor of Psychiatry in Addiction Medicine at Harvard Medical School

Dr. Jennifer Webb
Associate Professor of Psychology and Health Psychology at UNC Charlotte

Dr. Niva Piran
Clinical Psychologist, Researcher, and Professor Emerita at the University of Toronto

Dr. Erikka Dzirasa
Double Board Certified Psychiatrist and Consulting Associate in the Department of Psychiatry at Duke University

Dr. Nzinga Harrison
Board-certified Physician Specializing in Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine

Dr. Norman Kim
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Columbia University Department of Psychiatry

Octavia Raheem
Award-Winning Author, Rest Coach, Yoga and Meditation Teacher

Vimalasara
Life Coach & Addictions Coach

Nikki Myers
Founder and Director, Yoga of 12-Step Recovery

Chelsea Roff
Founder of Eat Breathe Thrive and Co-Executive Director of Give Back Yoga Foundation

Dr. Rachel Goode
Researcher and Professor at the University of North Carolina

Kady Lafferty
Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Advocate, Founder of Big Body Yoga

Dr. Kimberly Dennis
MD, CEDS, Psychiatrist, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist & Addiction Medicine

Taryn Strong
Founder of SHE RECOVERS Foundation, Recovery Coach, & Yoga Teacher

Durga Leela
Author, Ayurveda Practitioner, Yoga Teacher & Yoga Therapist

Tennie McCarty
Founder, CEO and co-owner of Shades of Hope Treatment Center

James Downs
Writer, Researcher & Psychological Therapist
VIDEOS INCLUDED
A Cultural History of Addiction and Eating Disorders
The first day explores historical, cultural, and psychological forces that have spawned the current epidemic. Hear from leading thinkers who understand the magnitude of the problem from a comprehensive perspective and gain new insights into what individuals and communities need to heal.
breaking the cycle and Dismantling Barriers
The second day unearths the forces that continue to entrench addiction and eating disorders in our society today. Keynote presentations shed light on health disparities, shame and stigma, and harm-reduction strategies for those seeking to make positive changes in their communities.
Cultures of Prevention: Creating Healthy Communities
The final day highlights interventions that are successfully being delivered in education, community, and healthcare settings. Hear from those working in the field on best practices, harm-reduction strategies, and how to increase access to yoga for those who stand to benefit most.
WHO IS THIS VIDEO PACKAGE FOR?:
We enthusiastically welcome yoga teachers, healthcare professionals, and people with lived experience. Our attendees include:
- Yoga Therapists
- Recovery Coaches
- Counselors
- Doctors
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Students
- Yoga Teachers
- Social Workers
- Psychologists
- Nurses
- Family and Carers
- People in recovery
YOUR PURCHASE INCLUDES ALL VIDEOS FROM THE LIVE VIRTUAL EVENT, 12 CEU CREDITS AND A CUSTOMIZED CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION. YOUR PURCHASE DIRECTLY SUPPORT OUR MISSION.
If you are having trouble registering or have any questions about the symposium, email info@givebackyoga.org
Give Back Yoga Foundation
Give Back Yoga Foundation was founded in 2007, by Beryl Bender and Rob Schware. The mission of the organization is to support yoga teachers and yoga therapists to bring the benefits of yoga to all people, especially those facing mental and physical hardship (e.g. addiction, incarceration, poverty, military service, and eating disorders).
Eat Breathe Thrive
Eat Breathe Thrive is a nonprofit working to prevent and help people recover from eating disorders. Its programs combine yoga, psychoeducation, and peer support to help people help one another on the path to recovery. Over the past decade, it’s supported more than ten thousand people in forty-two countries on their path to recovery.
Yoga of 12-Step Recovery
Y12SR “connects the dots” between the ancient wisdom of yoga, the practical tools of 12-step programs, and the latest research on trauma healing and neurobiology. As part of a holistic recovery program, it works in tandem with traditional treatment to address the physical, mental and spiritual disease of addiction.
SPONSORS
With gratitude to our event Sponsor:
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
With gratitude to our event’s Supporting Organizations:
CONTINUING
EDUCATION CREDITS
Attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance, which can be used to accrue up to 12 continuing education credits with Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapists. You may be able to use this certificate toward your annual CEUs for other healthcare professions.
* We cannot guarantee that all professional bodies will accept the certificate for CEU hours. Please check with your professional association or registration body to confirm.
