Chanda Williams, PhD, Publishes Book on Yoga Interventions for Incarcerated Individuals

We are delighted to announce the publication of Yoga in Prisons: An Analysis of the Perceived Long-Term Effects of Trauma-Informed, Mindfulness-Based Yoga for Incarcerated Populations by postdoctoral research fellow Chanda Williams, PhD.  

This book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and evaluating how trauma-informed, mindfulness-based yoga influences the well-being of individuals who have experienced incarceration. Drawing from neurobiological research, psychological theory, and real-world program insights, Dr. Williams presents evidence and lived experiences that illuminate the potential of body-mind practices to support healing, resilience, and recovery. Yoga in Prisons contributes to growing interdisciplinary scholarship at the intersection of psychology, mindfulness, and criminal justice.  

“One of my goals in writing this book was to bridge academic inquiry and practical application,” said Dr. Williams. “This book highlights how compassionate, mindful movement and breath-based practices can provide incarcerated individuals with tools for self-regulation, trauma recovery, and personal transformation.” 

Dr. Chanda Williams participated in the 2021 cohort of our summer training fellowship in Integrative Health Equity and Applied Research (IHEAR) and was subsequently accepted into our Training in Research in Integrative Medicine (TRIM) Program as a predoctoral research fellow, and after successfully defending her dissertation in Spring 2023, she is now in the latest cohort of postdoctoral research fellows.  

“Dr. Williams is an exemplary researcher, as demonstrated by her advancement through our research training pipeline and successive accomplishments,” said Maria Chao, DrPH, MPA, Director of Research at the Osher Center. 

“These fellowship opportunities have deeply influenced my professional journey, inspiring me to consistently advocate for inclusion in all aspects of research and healthcare,” said Dr. Williams. “It’s not just about providing treatments, it’s about creating a healthcare system that is accessible, empathetic, and effective for all.” 
 
Yoga in Prisons: An Analysis of the Perceived Long-Term Effects of Trauma-Informed, Mindfulness-Based Yoga for Incarcerated Populations by Chanda Williams, PhD, is published by Springer and is available for purchase in print and digital formats.