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Training FAQs
General Questions
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Start with the Eat Breathe Thrive Immersion, a live online training where you’ll learn four key embodiment skills to support clients with eating disorders, disordered eating, or body image concerns. You’ll practice these skills and explore how to apply them in clinical and group settings.
For a shorter introduction, try our two-hour seminar, Integrating Yoga into Eating Disorder Treatment, led by our Executive Director, Chelsea Roff. You’ll learn how yoga complements psychological and nutritional therapies. The seminar runs twice a year, with open registration.
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If you're new to this work, begin with our on-demand course, Eating Disorders: How Yoga Supports Prevention and Recovery. You’ll explore how yoga helps people with food and body image challenges and how to adapt your teaching to be more inclusive and therapeutic.
If you’d like to lead our programs in your studio or as part of your yoga therapy practice, start with the Online Immersion. This virtual weekend training (offered four times a year) is the first step toward professional certification.
You might also consider:
Yoga Therapy Skills for Eating Disorders — this live seminar is for yoga therapists and experienced teachers who want to deepen their skills and understanding of eating disorders. Offered twice a year, led by our Executive Director, Chelsea Roff.
The Yoga and Eating Disorder Recovery Symposium — an on-demand course with talks from leading researchers and clinicians.
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Email our Director of Education, Melanie, at melanie@eatbreathethrive.org.
Immersion
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The Immersion is an online training for professionals who want to integrate embodiment practices into eating disorder prevention and recovery.
This training is designed for clinicians, yoga professionals, educators, and other types of helping professionals who support people struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns.
You’ll learn four core embodiment skills backed by research in eating disorder treatment — along with yoga and mindfulness practices you can use to help your clients eat more mindfully, reconnect with their bodies, and feel more at ease in themselves.
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You’ll learn four core embodiment skills designed to support people in eating disorder prevention and recovery. Each skill combines psychological principles with body-based practices you can integrate into clinical work, yoga sessions, or group settings. These include:
Practices to help clients tune into hunger, fullness, and emotional cues—building interoceptive awareness and supporting more intuitive eating.
Trauma-informed yoga practices that foster body awareness, emotion regulation, and functional body appreciation.
Techniques for helping clients process and soothe distress, anxiety, and shame through the body.
Practices to help clients build connection, agency, and self-compassion and sustain long-term recovery
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No, the training is open to anyone with a professional or personal interest in eating disorders and embodiment. Many attendees are mental health professionals, dietitians, nutritionists, doctors, nurses, yoga practitioners, educators, or wellness professionals — we welcome students from many backgrounds and disciplines.
If you’re in recovery from an eating disorder yourself, we recommend waiting to enroll until you’re currently in a stable place.
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You’ll attend three days of live Zoom sessions, led by Melanie Taylor, our Director of Education. Before each session, you’ll watch about an hour of preparatory videos. The training blends experiential practice, group discussion, and teaching demonstrations.
The Immersion comprises 15 hours total, including 12 hours of live training and 3 hours of pre-recorded video content you will watch before each session. Here is a sample schedule:
Friday, 11 AM to 3 PM EST
Saturday, 11 AM to 3 PM EST
Sunday, 11 AM to 3 PM EST
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Yes. The Immersion is eligible for 15 CE hours with Yoga Alliance and IAYT.
We do not currently offer continuing education credits for other professional bodies. Many of our students submit their certificates and are able to obtain CEUs with their accrediting bodies. We’re happy to provide documentation to support your application.
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$349 USD (or $299 with early bird pricing).
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Yes. Due to recent grant funding, we are pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships — apply here no later than one month before your training start date. Awards are notified by email.
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We want to make sure our training works for you. Live sessions include closed captions, and we’re happy to discuss any other support you might need.
Please contact us directly at melanie@eatbreathethrive.org if you have additional accessibility needs we can accommodate.
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The Immersion is led by Melanie Taylor, our Director of Education, who has trained and supervised our Certified Facilitators and Practitioners for the past five years. Melanie is a Yoga Therapist, Trauma-Informed Body Positive ViniYoga Teacher Trainer, and founder of the Life of Wellness Institute. With over 30 years’ experience supporting individuals with stress, trauma, and eating disorders, she brings deep expertise and insight to the training.
You’ll also learn from Chelsea Roff, our Founder and Executive Director, through pre-recorded videos released ahead of each live session. Chelsea is a yoga therapist, researcher, and educator who has spent nearly a decade pioneering integrative health programs for people with mental health challenges.
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Yes. We offer private training for groups of 10 or more (e.g., clinics, universities, or yoga studios). Email us at melanie@eatbreathethrive.org to discuss options.
Certification
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You can start with the Immersion, where you’ll learn four foundational embodiment skills to support clients with eating disorders, disordered eating, or body image concerns. You’ll practice these tools firsthand before you learn to offer them to others.
After completing the Immersion, you can apply for the Facilitator Training (Level 2), which prepares you to lead the Seven-Week Series in community or clinical settings. For full certification, continue to the Practitioner Training (Level 3) to work with individuals at higher levels of acuity.
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Most trainees complete all three levels in 6–18 months:
Immersion: One weekend (offered quarterly).
Facilitator Training: Typically 6–9 months.
Practitioner Training: Typically 6–9 months.
Your supervisor will work with you to schedule your training and Interventions at times that work for you and your community.
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The certification track is open to helping professionals who have completed the Eat Breathe Thrive Immersion.
We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including:
Mental health providers (therapists, counselors, social workers, psychologists)
Medical professionals (doctors, nurses, dietitians, occupational and physical therapists)
Yoga teachers and Yoga therapists
Educators and school counselors
Complementary Health Practitioners (Wellness coaches and peer support specialists)
Applicants are considered based on their educational background, professional experience, and community involvement.
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The full certification costs $2,595, or twelve monthly installments of $216/month.
If you register for Levels 2 and 3 within one month of completing the Immersion, you’ll get the early bird rate: 12 monthly installments of $166 (saving you $600).
You can also take Level 2 or Level 3 individually, for six monthly installments of $249.
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Yes. Thanks to recent grant funding, we are pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships — apply here no later than one month before your training start date. Awards are notified by email.
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Yes. We require all professionals leading our interventions to carry $2 million in general liability insurance (through personal or employer coverage). Host locations may require adding a rider to your policy—often at no extra cost. All participants must sign an Informed Consent & Release Agreement.
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As a certified Facilitator, you’ll be able to lead our prevention and community care programs in your own community. These programs are designed to support people with disordered eating, body image challenges, or in recovery from an eating disorder. You can offer them in schools, studios, community centres, or online—and you’re also welcome to integrate the practices and concepts into your existing work. Facilitators have access to all training materials, session guides, and receive ongoing support through our global Eat Breathe Thrive professional community.
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As a certified Practitioner, you’re trained to deliver both our community programs and our four-week intervention for people with eating disorders at higher levels of acuity. This includes individuals in treatment, recently discharged, or those with limited access to care. Practitioners are equipped to work closely with clinical teams, offer the intervention in higher-acuity settings, facilitate crisis intervention and referrals, and adapt the intervention for clients needing more personalised support.
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Yes, certification is renewed every three years. To be eligible, you’ll need to complete 30 hours of continuing education during that period.
As with any professional role, we ask that you stay current with developments in the field and continue to deepen your skills over time. You’ll have access to ongoing learning opportunities through the Eat Breathe Thrive Professional Network, and you’re also welcome to apply for credit for relevant trainings completed through other organisations.
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Yes. You can choose from several income models depending on your setting:
Clinicians may bill insurance for group sessions in clinical practice.
Professionals in schools, clinics, or treatment centers often deliver programs paid for by their organization.
Community-based facilitators may charge participants directly, with typical earnings ranging from $400 to $1,500 per cohort.
Some professionals choose to offer the program at low or no cost to participants while receiving compensation from a partner organization or grant.
We provide support through our registration system to help you manage sign-ups and payments. Members of the Professional Network also have access to additional tools for running and promoting their groups. Our model is flexible, so you can design a financial approach that fits your practice and the needs of your community.
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We invite eating disorder treatment centers to become a Clinical Partner. Contact melanie@eatbreathethrive.org to learn more.
Membership
Eat Breathe Thrive Professional Network
The Eat Breathe Thrive Professional Network is a continuing education and resource platform for professionals delivering Eat Breathe Thrive interventions. While membership isn’t required, many facilitators and practitioners choose to join after completing their training to access support and connect with our global professional community.
Members receive assistance with program design, recruitment, and participant management, along with ongoing mentorship and supervision. The network also offers monthly workshops, seminars, and opportunities for peer connection and professional development.
Facilitator Training
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The Facilitator Training is self-paced and experiential. It’s built around ten modules, each designed to help you develop practical skills while applying what you learn in real time. Each module includes:
3 to 5 hours of instructional video content
Downloadable resources, quizzes, and assignments
A live supervision call with your trainer
Starting in Module 3, you’ll begin leading your first Eat Breathe Thrive course with participants. You’ll receive step-by-step guidance, feedback, and support throughout.
Most people complete the training in 4–6 months, but you’re free to move at your own pace. You’ll be part of a small training group and supported by a dedicated supervisor the whole way through.
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The Eat Breathe Thrive intervention is a group-based program designed to support people with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image difficulties. It combines practices from yoga, mindfulness, and psychology to help participants reconnect with their bodies, regulate emotions, and develop healthier relationships with food and self.
The version you’ll be trained to deliver runs over seven weeks. Each session includes guided practices, movement, experiential learning, and focused discussion. The program is manualised, evidence-informed, and adaptable for both clinical and community settings.
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Most trainees begin leading their first course about three to six months into the Facilitator Training. Our model is experiential, meaning you will lead a seven-week course for live participants as part of your Training.
You can offer the course online or in person. We’ll provide guidance on how to recruit participants, promote your course, and prepare for each session.
You’ll also be assigned a Supervisor who will support you throughout the process. You’ll meet regularly for supervision calls to review each module, receive feedback, and ensure you’re confident in facilitating the material each week.
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Yes, with some important considerations. If you're a licensed mental health provider (such as a therapist, counsellor, or social worker), you can offer the intervention in your center with written permission.
If you’re not a licensed mental health provider (for example, a yoga teacher, yoga therapist, or coach), the treatment center will need to join our free Clinical Partnership program before you can deliver the intervention in that setting.
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Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Co-facilitation allows you to draw on complementary skill sets, share responsibilities during sessions, and offer more individual support when needed. It also gives you someone to debrief with and reflect on each session.
If you choose to work with a co-facilitator, they’ll need to complete the Eat Breathe Thrive Facilitator Training as well. Many of our most effective teams pair a yoga professional with a licensed mental health provider, but what matters most is choosing someone whose experience and perspective complement your own.
Practitioner Certification Training
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The Practitioner Training (Level 3) is a self-paced online course that prepares you to lead a four-week intervention for individuals with eating disorders at higher levels of acuity.
The training unfolds over three phases:
In Phase One, you’ll observe another Practitioner leading a live course for participants and learn how each session works.
In Phase Two, you’ll prepare to lead your own course — reviewing the intervention materials, completing assignments, and working directly with your supervisor and cohort.
In Phase Three, you’ll deliver the intervention with real participants, supported by supervision and feedback.
Each phase includes video instruction, downloadable materials, quizzes, assignments, and live supervision calls. Most trainees complete the training in 4–6 months, but you can progress at your own pace with support from your supervisor throughout.
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In the Practitioner Training, you’ll learn to lead a four-week intervention designed for individuals with eating disorders at higher levels of severity. Some may be currently in treatment or recently discharged; others may be waiting or unable to access formal care. This intervention is adapted from the seven-week program taught in the Facilitator Training, but tailored for higher-acuity populations. It includes a stronger clinical focus and additional safety considerations to support participants who may be at greater physical or psychological risk.
Both programs are manualised, evidence-informed, and grounded in the same core skill set—but the Practitioner Training prepares you to lead the intervention in clinical contexts with higher-acuity populations.
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You’ll begin leading your first four-week intervention once you’ve completed the initial phases of the Practitioner Training. This typically happens about three months into the course, depending on your pace.
There’s no fixed timeline. Some trainees move through the material quickly and are ready within a few months, while others take more time. You’ll work with your supervisor to determine when you’re ready to start and what suits your schedule.
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Yes, with a few important considerations.
If you’re a licensed provider (such as a therapist, counselor, or social worker), you can offer the intervention as part of your treatment services once you’ve completed the training and received written permission to deliver the program in that setting.
If you’re not a licensed provider (for example, a yoga teacher or coach), the treatment center must first enroll in our Clinical Partnership program. Written permission is also required in this case.
In both scenarios, you’ll work closely with your supervisor to ensure the program is delivered safely and in line with Eat Breathe Thrive policies.
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Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Co-facilitation allows you to draw on complementary skill sets, share responsibilities during sessions, and offer more individual support when needed. It also gives you someone to debrief with and reflect on each session.
If you choose to work with a co-facilitator, they’ll need to complete the Practitioner Training as well. Many of our most effective cofacilitator pairs include a yoga professional with a licensed mental health provider, but what matters most is choosing someone whose experience and perspective complement your own.
About the Interventions
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The Seven-Week Series is a group program designed for people with disordered eating, body image issues, or a history of eating struggles. It’s often used in outpatient care, community settings, or as part of a step-down plan after more intensive treatment.
The program helps participants build skills in mindful eating, emotion regulation, and body awareness. You can offer it in places like yoga studios, schools, clinics, or online—any setting where people need structured support but don’t require high-level medical care.
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Yes. While our programs were originally designed to support eating disorder recovery, they also help individuals seeking to improve their relationship with food, body image, and emotional well-being. Research and participant feedback suggest the interventions may support body trust and appreciation (reducing dissatisfaction and fostering self-compassion), emotional regulation (managing stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions), interoceptive awareness (strengthening recognition of hunger, fullness, and emotional cues), and mindful coping skills (offering alternatives to harmful behaviors).
The programs can benefit people with disordered eating, those recovering from trauma or anxiety, and anyone seeking preventive tools for self-care.
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Eat Breathe Thrive interventions are supported by a growing body of peer-reviewed research. Studies suggest the program may help reduce symptoms of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, while improving emotional regulation, interoceptive awareness, body appreciation, and overall well-being.
Our research partners include Dr. Catherine Cook-Cottone, Dr. Jennifer Webb, Dr. Esther Estey, and Dr. Iris Perey. Findings have been published in well-respected peer-reviewed journals such as the International Journal of Eating Disorders, Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention and Frontiers in Psychology.
If you’d like to explore the evidence base, view a summary of published studies or contact melanie@eatbreathethrive.org to learn more.
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The four-week intervention, EBT-R, is designed for people with eating disorders who need a higher level of support. Some may be in treatment, recently discharged, or unable to access care — but are dealing with more severe symptoms or higher risk.
The group teaches skills like tuning into internal cues, managing distress in the body, and rebuilding a sense of agency and self-compassion. It is led by Certified Practitioners, who complete suicide prevention training, assess participants for risk before and during the program, and follow clear referral protocols for anyone needing a higher level of care.
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No. Eat Breathe Thrive interventions are not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or nutritional support. These interventions are designed to work alongside other forms of treatment. They include experiential skill-building and embodied practices that support emotional regulation, interoception, and behavioral change — but they do not provide medical monitoring, meal support, or one-to-one psychological care. Participants with active eating disorders should be under the care of a licensed treatment provider while participating in the program.
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Eat Breathe Thrive interventions can be offered in a range of settings, including yoga studios, schools, outpatient clinics, treatment centers, and online. Some professionals deliver the program as part of a clinical practice; others run it in community spaces or educational settings.
Where and how you offer the intervention will depend on your role, the population you’re working with, and the version of the program you’re certified to lead. Your supervisor will help you determine what’s appropriate for your setting and ensure you have the support you need to deliver the program safely.
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Treatment centers can implement Eat Breathe Thrive interventions by joining our free Clinical Partnership program. Clinical Partners receive training and support to integrate the interventions into their services. This includes guidance on staff training, participant screening, and adapting the intervention to fit your setting.
The interventions are supported by a growing body of peer-reviewed studies and are designed to complement existing treatment approaches. They can be delivered in residential, outpatient, or community care settings.
If you’re interested in becoming a Clinical Partner, contact our clinical team to learn more about the next steps.
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Our interventions are typically offered once a week in two-hour sessions. You may teach the Intervention online or in person. Each session of the Intervention consists of one hour of discussion and interactive activities, followed by one hour of embodiment, which includes mindful movement and meditation.
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Eat Breathe Thrive interventions are designed for small groups to foster meaningful connection and participation. While most facilitators and practitioners work with groups of 5-10 participants, some may accommodate up to 20 depending on the setting and support available.