Blog
"I had the incredible fortune to stumble across you on Positively Positive a few months ago and have since devoured every one of your inspirational pieces. You have changed my life Bethany, and for that I sincerely thank you. Thanks to your writings (especially the "9-to-5" piece), and a ton of meditation, I'm fighting my fears, my depression and have decided to listen when my True Self speaks to me. I'm rambling I know...but I just wanted you to know that you have changed a life thousands of miles from where you are...you spoke and someone really listened. From a life changed in South Africa, thank you good doctor!"
- S.N.
"I've spent the whole morning reading your blog posts. Wow. How miraculous. You are participating in the creation of miracles. I am so blessed that your website, your articles and your messages have found me. I hope you know that you are bringing heaven to earth by doing the work that you do."
- M. C.
"Bethany, I just wanted to let you know that your blog today came at a great time. It was so very beneficial to me to hear you authenticate the path that so many of us are on, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that post. You struck a nerve of common ground, compassion and enthusiasm that honestly brought tears to my eyes. It made a huge impact to read your words today. I really needed to hear them, and to have that support. So thank you, from the bottom of my weepy heart today. Keep doing what you're doing, I appreciate very deeply your honesty and your clarity!"
- S. M.
"After reading one of your articles on positivelypositive.com, I really have benefited from your postings and your experiences that you generously have shared. I really love seeing you and hearing you speak about your journey because you manifest the reality that happiness is accessible to us if we decide we will prioritize it as an essential aspect of life, non-negotiable. But that you share your difficulties (in such a gentle and light way) also is helping me to shine light on the difficulties that still come up for me and that I have to work with. I need mentors like you to encourage me to stay on the right path! Namaste."
- H. F.
Research
"Working with Bethany has been one of the most enlightening and inspiring parts of growing Yoga Foster to date. The research methodology she implemented for Yoga Foster this school year is far more comprehensive and well-executed than I could have ever imagined. I find that partners and donors are surprised to the extent of data we've collected from our teachers so far. This data is critical not just for creating collaborations with others, but fine-tuning our approach and delivering the best product to schools. Bethany is a thoughtful, analytical researcher that leverages her extensive experience with passion and grace. Her work to foster Yoga Foster's research methodology is unparalleled, and I'm grateful she's a part of our team."
- Nicole Cardoza, Founder, Yoga Foster
"Bethany is a brilliant researcher, a collegial team member and a master project manager. She is a pleasure to work with and achieves stellar results. I highly recommend her."
- Edi Pasalis, Director, The Kripalu Institute for Extraordinary Living
"I first noticed Bethany's talents by her ability to understand complex and interrelating concepts and then apply these concepts to enhance her research deliverables. She has been consistently excellent in her research preparation, as demonstrated through her organization, quick thinking and demand from other research associates to work with her. Bethany displays an ability to think on her feet, work extremely well in team and individual settings and enriches the experience of her co-workers through her willingness to go above and beyond. Her academic background and ability to manage projects and other researchers, further compliments her abilities in the research setting."
- Marsha Watson, M.I.B., Research Manager, Info-Tech Research Group
"When I recently needed to hire someone to help me coordinate a national study on yoga and mental health, I did not hesitate for an instant. I called Bethany right away! She had impressed me with her very informed and efficient approach to data analysis on a study that we worked on together a year ago. She came in on the project at the latter stages but quickly got herself up to speed and turned out a polished manuscript that the group was able to submit in a very timely manner. An open-hearted person and a pleasure to work with, Bethany is a competent and versatile researcher and I am pleased to call her a colleague and co-author!"
- Stephanie M. Shorter, Ph.D., Director of Research and Publications www.yogacarefoundation.org
Workshops & Yoga Classes
"Since taking your workshop way back in 2011 my life has changed so much. Your Creating a Life You Love workshop really was huge for me, it really sparked something within me, I was able to overcome my anxiety and self-doubt which led me to finishing up a creative writing certificate and not only writing full-time for a local advertising firm but also successfully freelancing on the side! I have been practicing meditation now as well, pretty much every day for nearly two years and the change that it has brought about has been nothing short of life changing for me. I'm so close to living my "ideal day" that you had us write down that night, an ideal that once felt completely unrealistic. We only met a couple of times, but thank you again for the push. Thank you for saying the exact things I needed to hear (even if I didn't want to hear them, or if it scared me or if it didn't really click for me at the time). I am truly grateful."
- N.G.
"I attended Bethany's Antidepressant Antidote workshop on May 15, 2010, after being on antidepressants, unhappily, for 7 years. I had tried several times, unsuccessfully, to get myself off these drugs that were tricking me into thinking I was sick. Each time, the debilitating withdrawal symptoms, which I mistook for the return of my anxiety, kept me stuck. Each time I returned to the Doctor, I left with a new prescription, for a better, stronger medication that would fix me. Dr. Butzer's workshop left me feeling energized and optimistic and gave me the confidence that I could make the lifestyle changes she outlined, and her personal story was the proof. I am now completely off antidepressants, and I know I will never need them again."
- Antidepressant Antidote Workshop Participant
"I have had the pleasure to know Bethany through her yoga classes and personal coaching. Bethany has a warm, personable and infectious personality that touches you almost instantly! She exudes a professional approach yet also expresses a genuine concern and appreciation of the uniqueness of her client's needs. Bethany helped me to realize my true potential with positive reinforcement and her belief in my abilities. Working with Bethany was not only insightful but I was also able to walk away with invaluable tools that I can use in my life anytime! Bethany strongly believes everyone has the potential to be happy and to live their lives to the fullest. She is here to help you realize just that and with her guidance, I started to believe in my own inner-strength and gained back my confidence and found joy in my life again!" - Coaching Client & Yoga Student
"I just wanted to tell you again how great the session was last night on Creating a Life You Love. I really think I'm on to something and you opened that up in me. Through the whole session I was thinking of objections as to why I couldn't do what I want to do and then you'd call them out - it was eerie! The exercises you had us do were great. The way you structured them was so smart - and effective. Thanks again so much - You are a true inspiration."
- A. K., Creating a Life You Love Workshop Participant
"Thank-you for offering your Creating a Life You Love workshop. As you were speaking last night I was experiencing small moments of something, I couldn't put my finger on what it was. When I got home my boyfriend told me that before the workshop he felt I had reached a point where he could see I was drifting, he said the joy was gone from my eyes and that it seemed as though I was just going through the motions every day, but that last night when I got home he could see it again. I actually kept him awake talking about all the things I loved and wanted in my life until about 2am! This morning I already started taking steps to live in line with my values. So, thank you again. The things you said last night were simple, but so profound for anyone truly listening with their heart."
- N. G., Creating a Life You Love Workshop Participant
"I loved your 21 day stress less program! I liked that each day was different (i.e. meditation one day, guest speakers another, etc.). I looked forward to it each day even with my mixed up schedule of shift work. I learned a lot to use in my daily life to help reduce the stress. I carry the affirmations with me and read them as often as I can. I loved the meditations. It was a really great program and I would definitely recommend it to friends. Thank you for creating this amazing program."
- E. P.
"Your 21-Day Stress-Less program really exceeded my expectations. The quality and diversity of the material was incredible! Identifying specific stresses and taking action really helped me deal with the typical feelings of hopelessness and overwhelm that usually accompany chronic stress. The info is presented in a very manageable and easy to understand format, and the variety of presentation methods keeps it interesting. It can be completed in a reasonable amount of time and the cost is VERY AFFORDABLE."
- J. S.
"Bethany, your Creating a Life You Love Course was thought provoking and challenging. Thank you for allowing me to explore my inner spirit again. I have been trying for three years to teach abroad, and I'm happy to say that two weeks after attending an info session, the principal from the school called and offered me a position! I have accepted and will be teaching English, world religion and Philosophy in Italy for 6 months, starting in January! My dream came true! Because of Bethany's course, her questions, her classes etc. I was able to put it out to the universe and grab it tightly once it presented itself to me! I am beyond excited and often have to pinch myself to believe it! I feel a sense of joy and peace. Why would I want to leave now? What convinced me was asking the question...WHY NOT? I'm jumping forward with my eyes closed...and I have a feeling I'm going to land on my feet! Bethany, THANK YOU!"
- A.D.B., Creating A Life You Love Course Participant
"I have been trying to overcome an illness which has caused me much anxiety and stress. After the second lesson with your class, I was on my way home from Yoga and suddenly for a short period of time, I felt like my old self again. I could not believe it. I have confidence that if I persevere with your classes that in time, I will once again feel strong and healthy."
- L. A., Yoga for Anxiety & Stress Student
"I just wanted to say thank-you for the Stress Management workshop tonight. I was able to take away a lot of valuable points and am hoping to apply them to my everyday life. I found your presentation very engaging and was able to relate to many of the things you said. I am going to try and put myself first more often and do what is best for me and my health."
- S. S., Stress Management Workshop Participant
"I learned of Bethany's Yoga Class in what was one of the most anxiety-filled times in my life. I was recovering from breast cancer, my partner had health issues, and my mother was about to be transferred into longterm care after a 4 month hospitalization. Her calm, soothing approach brought a little sanity to my life, and helped me to get through every day. I used her tips and affirmations whenever I would feel stressed, and they inevitably calmed me. I am thankful that she came into my life at this time."
- Vel Patzer, Yoga Client
"Bethany talked to the special needs teenagers enrolled in the Forest City program in London Ontario. The topics were relationships on her first visit and anxiety/depression on her second visit. We appreciated very much her ability to relate to the audience and establish an interactive connection with the kids. Many relevant examples from her personal life were given with bits and pieces of well-used humour. Thank you for a job well done."
- Alina Calinescu
"Bethany's yoga classes have changed my life. As a busy and stressed out graduate student, I had neglected my personal well-being and happiness. Now, Thursday is my favourite day of the week and I look forward to yoga class as time to relax and focus on myself."
- Paula Brochu
"It's been a long time since I was excited, rather than petrified and guilt-ridden, about my dissertation. Through coaching with Bethany, I have accomplished more in the past 4 months than in the entire previous year. Dissertation coaching has helped me break my dissertation down into smaller surmountable tasks. I am held accountable for these smaller tasks and have been taught ways to avoid motivation-sucking catastrophizing thoughts. I have learned tools and ways of thinking that are necessary to get my work done without torturing myself. I finally feel good about myself and my dissertation!"
- Coaching Client
"As an overachiever, I have always embraced the positive elements of stress to assist in achieving bigger and better goals. That's all well and good but I needed to find a way to decompress for I was having an awful time getting to sleep. It was as if I forgot how to turn the world off. The less I slept, the more stressed out I felt. I am very happy that I participated in Bethany Butzer's informative Stress Management workshop. I was able to take away enough actionable advice to get a good nights rest, so good in fact, I over slept. Bethany has an easy gift of imparting guidance that you want to act upon."
- Stress Management Workshop Participant
"Taking part in Bethany's lunchtime yoga class was like going on a retreat in the middle of the day. Her calming manner and extensive knowledge about yoga practices helped to ease all of the participants from one pose to the next, no matter what level of expertise. With her guidance I was able to focus on my breathing and left each class feeling calm, refreshed and ready to tackle the day with a sense of zen. Thanks Bethany!"
- Yoga Class Participant, Info-Tech Research Group
"I appreciate the many yoga classes Bethany ran at my office. Over the last couple of years, as part of our corporate fundraising initiatives, Bethany hosted bi-monthly yoga classes for a large group of us in the office. In addition to being an integral member of our staff at the time, her knowledge and creativity for yoga was second to none. Her dedication to the classes as well as to the new and veteran class members was unquestionable. When Bethany returned from her honeymoon and announced that she would be hosting more yoga sessions, there was an overwhelming sense of relief. Being in the business we are in, having her classes made all the difference. I would, without a doubt, recommend Bethany's classes/sessions. You'll get an impressive, professional coach; an individual who will make you feel like you're her only client; and a creative person who will approach the class/session with her unmatched dedication and knowledge."
- Yoga Class Participant, Info-Tech Research Group
The Antidepressant Antidote
Order The Antidepressant Antidote on Amazon here.
"Dr. Butzer's book, "The Antidepressant Antidote," is an excellent new resource for an integrative approach to healing from depression."
- Amy Weintraub, Author of Yoga for Depression www.yogafordepression.com
"The Antidepressant Antidote is a welcome solution to a North American Epidemic. Instead of masking depression with drugs, Bethany Butzer offers a way of addressing the core issues. She writes with compassion and a deep understanding that comes with having faced depression and emerged a richer and more aware human as a result of her journey. You will appreciate how relate-able and soothing the book is to read. It is packed full of hope, integrity and empowerment."
- Julie Daniluk, RHN, Nutritionist and author of Meals That Heal Inflammation
"Bethany, I want to thank you for writing your book, as I realize it was likely very difficult for you to not only confront these feelings, but to share them with the world. Your experiences are familiar, and I believe anyone suffering from anxiety or depression will be able to relate to your story. I was certainly able to. Your book will help thousands of people. It is a great tool for anyone seriously looking to combat the antidepressant epidemic. I found it to be loaded with an arsenal of resources that will be able to get anyone on the right track. I really enjoyed your book, and will recommend it to anyone who I feel could benefit from it."
- N. M.
"I truly enjoyed your book, The Antidepressant Antidote, and will recommend it to my friends and doctors. The first prescription a GP should write is to read your book. Your 5 steps could work just as effectively at keeping people off the drugs in the first place."
- G. G.
"Bethany, I bought your book yesterday, sat down and read it straight through. You did a great job! It's very readable, and provides a wonderful prescription for living, even for those not dealing with the issue of antidepressants. My husband is reading it now, and I will definitely share it with others."
- J. L.
"Dr. Butzer's book, "The Antidepressant Antidote," is an honest and heartfelt portrayal of her journey to heal from antidepressants. She offers simple and applicable ways to address symptoms and face life challenges, while using her personal experience to inspire others on their path to health. Thank you for your wonderful work."
- Alesandra Rain, Author, www.PointofReturn.org
"I had the pleasure of reading Dr. Butzer's book, "The Antidepressant Antidote," in preparation for an interview with her. It serves as a guide to anyone who wishes to relieve their depression without medication or if on medication already, Dr. Butzer lays out an easy to follow plan. Her honest and personal account is gripping and engaging, as is her writing style. I highly recommend this book."
- Charles Glassman, M.D., Author of Brain Drain www.charlesglassmanmd.com