A Whole Person Wellness Initiative to Reduce Recidivism and Crime in Kansas City
Blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Yoga, and Meditation to improve emotional regulation, stress management, and long-term behavioral change.
the team
Left-to-Right:
Nettie Zan: Researcher/ Meditation Instructor
Debonie Lewis: Principal Investigator/ Yoga Instructor
Casey Bodenhausen: Researcher/ Clinical Psychologist
The only municipal court and Y-CBT partnership and research initiative in the nation.
Innovative programming that is not being implemented anywhere else on a municipal level.
The “Prison Yoga Project” is the closest comparison targeting state prisons
Why “Healing Justice” Matters
Set Kansas City Apart - As a leader in comprehensive wellness-based diversion program, this model places Kansas City at the forefront of justice innovation.
Innovative programming that is not being implemented anywhere else on a municipal level. The “Prison Yoga Project” is the closest comparison targeting state prisons.
Led by specialized Kansas City resources, uniquely trained for this type of instruction
Addresses the root causes of repeat offenses: unmanaged stress, trauma, and emotional dysregulation through somatic experiences and changes in ways of thinking
Evidence Based & Cost Effective:
CBT-based interventions show an average 25% reduction in reoffense rates (Lipsey et al., 2007).
CBT programs generate over $7 in public safety benefit for every $1 spent (WSIPP, 2018).
Aligns with public health models for rehabilitation over punishment