Chanda Williams, PhD

Research Interests  

• Health disparities research
• Mindfulness-based yoga therapy
• Somatic depth psychology  

Experience and Current Work  

Chanda Williams, PhD, C-IAYT, RYT E-500, is a UCSF postdoctoral fellow with a doctoral degree in somatic depth psychology. She has degrees in mechanical engineering and integrative health. The primary focus of Chanda's research interest lies in integrative health and health disparities research. Chanda is collaborating with UCSF faculty on several research projects, including studying the community midwifery model of care to improve postpartum health and examining the current uptake and acceptability of integrative oncology practices among Black individuals with cancer. She is also a research specialist for a clinical research study sponsored by UCSF and the VA, evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based movement for veterans with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

A longtime yoga practitioner, yoga teacher, yoga teacher trainer, and yoga therapist, Chanda aims to support the complex healing journey for those who have experienced trauma with care, compassion, and understanding. For over ten years, she taught trauma-informed, mindfulness-based yoga practices to incarcerated populations at jails and prisons in California, including San Quentin State Prison. She is dedicated to increasing access to body-mind practices to overcome trauma, improve mental health, and cultivate a sense of greater well-being. 

Education and Training  

• PhD, Pacifica Graduate Institute California

• MA, Pacifica Graduate Institute California

• MA, Integrative Health Studies, California Institute of Integral Studies

• BA, Mechanical Engineering, Kettering University

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

• Wellness Coach

• Certified Yoga Therapist, Yoga Teacher E-RYT 500

Personal Statement  

As a certified yoga teacher and yoga therapist, I have taught group and private yoga classes to a variety of populations, since 2004. I enjoy providing evidence-based, mindfulness-based and trauma-informed approaches to support people in optimizing their overall health and well-being.  

Publications  

Williams, C. L. (2019). Working the Land, Working the Self: Understanding Healing and Embodiment Through Diverse Traditions. Tarka.  

Williams, C. L. (2019). Insights from the Inside: Teaching Yoga at San Quentin State Prison (2019, May 8). Tarka.  

Williams, Chanda L. (2010) In Craig Chalquist (Ed.), Rebearth: Conversations with a World Ensouled. San Francisco: World Soul.  

Williams, Chanda L. (2009). Ritual in Medicine: An Ancient Ritual in Healing. San Francisco Medical Journal, 82:27