The Cancer Journey Institute, Cancer Coaching and Cancer Coaching Training

Shariann Tom
President and Co-Founder

A Cancer Journey is an invitation to step into one’s personal power and meaning.
Shariann Tom and Keri Lehmann

Our Vision:
Transforming the way individuals travel their Cancer Journey from a “battle” to a “journey” mindset, while walking powerfully with awareness and choice.

Our Values:

SOULFUL HEART
Love-Beauty-Depth-Healing-Generosity-Kindness-Intimacy-Connection

MAGIC
Fun-Play-Freedom-Wonder-Curiosity-Possibility

AUTHENTICITY
Realness-Humanity-Power-Growth-Self-expression-Trustworthiness

GENEROSITY
Community-Family-Inclusivity-Diversity-Loyalty-Joy of Giving

GROWTH
Expansion-Co-creation-Learning-Evolving

DOGS
Unconditional Love-Forgiveness-Delight-Joy

HUMOR
Laughter-Lightness-Delight

Established in 2012, Shariann Tom tapped Keri Lehmann, her first life coach and trainer, to develop The Cancer Journey Institute, the first Cancer Coach training company in the U.S. Together, they developed the company’s proprietary curriculum based on their wisdom and experience in personal growth, life coaching, coach training, and corporate workings. With over 70 years of experience combined, Shariann and Keri created a premier body of work focused on the process during and beyond the cancer journey.

Shariann and Keri saw a gap in the world of cancer care … one they both witnessed and experienced first-hand. The medical world is great at treating your physical body, but what about the rest of you?

As pioneers in the Life and Cancer Coaching profession and as women who have had intimate experiences with cancer, Shariann and Keri made this neglected aspect of care their area of specialty. They developed techniques, tools, and models geared toward the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of a cancer journey and established The Cancer Journey Institute.

While every cancer experience is unique, it always follows a path. And at certain points along that path, specific opportunities to heal, grow, and awaken present themselves. The Cancer Journey Institute creates techniques to help you take full advantage of those opportunities.

Today, The Cancer Journey Institute trains Cancer Journey Coaches (CJCs) worldwide and builds a network of skilled, experienced, and heart-filled Certified CJCs to support the needs of cancer individuals everywhere.

Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, The Cancer Journey Institute not only works with the local community, but has also gained a global reach with clients and trained and Certified CJCs spanning the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia.

The Cancer Journey Institute provides both personal cancer coaching services to the growing population of cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, and cancer coach training for those who want to serve the cancer community.

Our philosophy in whole-person healing focuses on the need to address healing of our interconnected physical, mental, and spiritual bodies by utilizing our proven Cancer Journey Roadmap and S.L.A.M.S. Technique Model. It takes attention to focus on all parts of you (mind, body, spirit) to truly heal from cancer. It is our belief that this is a time NOT to walk alone and to have as much support as possible.

We are a team of cancer survivors, caregivers, and trained certified Cancer Coaches passionate about the well-being of cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. We have traveled our own Cancer Journeys and understand first-hand the challenges and opportunities of living with and beyond cancer.

We are excited to introduce to you our newest program, After Cancer. Addressing this often-neglected space is an important pursuit for the cancer community. More than offering a listening ear and shoulder to cry on, this program equips you with concrete tools and exercises as you move into the next chapter.

How We Work
Whether you are seeking meaningful work utilizing your cancer experience or are seeking a Cancer Journey Coach with world-class skills and tools to help you along your journey, we can help.

Cancer Journey Coaching harnesses the “journey mindset.” This voyage has the potential to open you up to your powerful self and ignite your inner landscape (your mental, emotional and spiritual bodies) for whole healing.  

We provide world-class training and curriculum to become a highly effective coach who walks alongside of the cancer client (patient, survivor or caregiver), so that he or she can make sense and find meaning from their cancer diagnosis.

It is important for our trainees to practice everything they offer their client. Because of this, their experience and education leads to profound personal growth.

I feel I have the tools and confidence
to really help cancer individuals.
It has improved me in all aspects of my life
and I know, if I never get a client,
just doing this program will have made me a better person.
Tom Gilry (Switzerland)

We have a tribe of heart-leading individuals who are ready and eager to help you through the cancer treatment journey and beyond.  Each CJC has been impacted by cancer and understands the blight of the cancer individual.  Not only can we relate, but we also have effective tools and frameworks to help internally heal the individual further than they can alone.

Cancer clients — patients, survivors and caregivers — gain a safe space and loving companion to guide them to find meaning from their cancer. Incredible healing happens along the way as our clients discover themselves and the purpose of cancer in their lives.

My Cancer Journey Coach brought powerful tools,
life experiences, and unique insight
and I used these
to heal my mindset, emotions, and flickering spirit
to exactly what I needed to learn and to grow
as I moved through my cancer.
My coach helped me make sense of my cancer
and made me feel safe during this very challenging time.
I know what it means
to stand in my own personal power, now.
She is my life-line.
Brenda S.

Together, we summon our Powerful Selves, harnessing both internal and external resources to forge ahead in their journey. But what exactly is this “Powerful Self”? It is not about wielding authority over others. Instead, it is about possessing an unwavering certainty that you hold within you everything necessary to navigate life authentically. Picture yourself standing tall, armed with your natural abilities and a determination to conquer any challenge that comes your way.

Discovering this inner power begins with understanding what truly matters to you and what gives your life purpose and meaning. Unsure where to start? Our book The Call of Cancer: A Loving Pathway to Wholeness, Healing, and Transformation offers insightful exercises to pinpoint your core values. Not your speed? We create opportunities that meet you where you are.

You can join one of our free workshops at www.thecancerjourney.com or sign up for a complimentary coaching session where our dedicated Cancer Journey Coaches can help you reveal and know your Powerful Self.

We are committed to empowering you to step into your most magnificent self, harnessing your unique gifts to the world, while handling cancer’s unanticipated challenges.

Power comes in many forms — gentle, assertive, quiet, yet always immensely potent. Let’s uncover yours together.

Interested in delving deeper?  Together, let’s uncover your depths and use them to your advantage.

The Cancer Journey Podcast
We invite you to subscribe on YouTube and Spotify to experience new episodes every Friday. Each episode is a celebration of the extraordinary strength within, shared with humor, compassion, and a genuine understanding of the cancer experience.

Join us as we explore the significance of sharing your cancer experience with your loved ones. From navigating conversations with your kids to fostering a supportive family environment, this episode is filled with invaluable insights and heartfelt moments.

We believe that open communication is key to navigating the challenges of the cancer journey, and this episode highlights the transformative power of sharing your journey with your family. Tune in and discover how open dialogue can empower and support you through your cancer experience.

Stay tuned for more episodes filled with stories, advice, and inspiration to guide you on your Cancer Journey.

Episode 2: Princess Kate Middleton’s recent diagnosis and dive into the importance of open communication when facing cancer, particularly within the family dynamic.

Episode 3: “If you REALLY knew me, you would know…,” we explore the transformative power of understanding yourself and the compassionate impact it wields.

Touching on Strengths and Values to attracting genuine connections to navigating relationships while on a cancer journey, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that, when you know who you truly are, magic happens. Living authentically can enrich your personal journey, and also attract what resonates with your soul and offering peace.
► Play Video

Episode 5: We dive into the transformative shift from seeing cancer as a “battle” to embracing it as a “journey.”

Many in the field refer to cancer with a war mentality. This can be straining and discouraging for cancer patients, survivors, and caretakers. This mindset often leads to resentment and disappointment. We choose to see cancer as a journey.

Our coaches are trained to meet clients exactly where they are, accepting all feelings without judgment. This approach gives clients permission to discover who they are and what they truly want after experiencing a cancer diagnosis.

Discover the power of embracing the journey mindset. Let’s shift our perspective and embark on a journey of acceptance, growth, and empowerment.

Episode 6: Come behind the scenes of our Coach Training Programs, Fundamentals and Certification, to our favorite tools and concepts. These tools are not only invaluable for coaches working with clients but also applicable to our everyday lives. From practical skills to insightful techniques, Shariann and Alicia reveal why they love these tools and how they have personally benefited from them.

Episode 7: Falling in love with yourself again. Filmed at the stunning Mimosa Retreat on Lefkada Island, this episode captures the essence of our community’s commitment to personal growth and self-discovery.

As envisioned by the inspiring Certified Cancer Journey Coach and Program Leader April Bruder, our retreat offered an array of body- and soul-nourishing experiences that facilitated tremendous growth. We embraced the unpredictable highs and lows of our healing journeys, creating a transformative space that resonated deeply with each of us.

When I say, “I’m falling in love with myself again,” what comes up for you? Are you like, “That’s cool!” “What does that mean?” “What’s going on with you?” Or even, “Uhhh, okay?”

What do I mean by this statement? I am claiming and professing that I have taken myself for granted and forgotten how magnificent I am. Yes, magnificent, but not in a conceited or narcissistic way. I am getting re-acquainted with the things that make up the real authentic me.

I am looking deeper within underneath the labels that I carry: mom, business woman, coach, teacher, daughter, wife, friend, sister, patient, survivor, or caregiver. I realize these labels cover up the essence of me and the gifts I bring to the world. I am finding a soul that loves to create and grow and see the potential in myself and others, and I get to reflect that back to you. I am encouraging you to stand a little taller, a little wider, and inviting you to take up the space you deserve. I am a beacon of hope.

I had the privilege of spending seven glorious days with some of our Cancer Journey Coaches and Survivors/Thrivers on the spectacular Grecian island of Lefkada. The theme of our first Retreat was “Falling in love with myself again.” We spent days talking about ourselves. We showered in the luxury of focusing on nothing but ourselves, basked in the gorgeous Mimosa Retreat among elements of nature, and nourished ourselves with the most delicious Mediterranean meals. And, we got to be our full selves with acceptance and permission, truly seen, heard, without labels. Paradise, right?

It is so important to remember who we are at our core, without trying to impress anyone, so that we can show up for ourselves as we integrate back into our daily lives and the world. We had a chance to see the way we want to live each day to make the most of our One Life.

Knowing yourself deeply and honestly matters. Who we are matters to the world. It is our responsibility to embody our unique magnificent selves because our innate contribution is necessary to make a positive impact in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Episode 8: Distinctions between coaching and therapy. While both modalities are invaluable for transformation and growth, their focus and intention differ significantly.

Our coaching approach is uniquely centered on the present moment. We create a supportive space where clients have control over their journey. Our coaches guide without a predetermined agenda.

Tune in to understand the unique strengths of each modality and how they can work together to support your personal growth and healing journey.

Episode 9: The Cancer Journey Podcast. In honor of National Cancer Survivor Day, we focus on the often unrecognized experiences of cancer survivors as they navigate life after treatment.

This unique phase can leave many feeling lost and alone. In this episode, we want to acknowledge these emotions and let survivors and thrivers know, “We hear and see you. You are not alone in this phase of your journey.” Join us for a heartfelt discussion that offers empathy, understanding, and support to the survivor community.

Episode 11: Caregiver Perspective … shining a light on the vital role caregivers play during cancer journeys. Caregivers manage their existing responsibilities while taking on new challenging tasks, leading to significant yet unspoken stress. This episode celebrates their resilience and reminds caregivers that they are seen for everything they take on. It is crucial for caregivers to find spaces where they can share their burdens, feel truly heard, and recharge their spirits. Tune in for a heartfelt exploration of the caregiver experience. We hope it offers you the support and recognition you deserve.

Episode 13: Powerful Choices. Many of us struggle with the impulse to people-please, often at the expense of our own energy and well-being.

This episode addresses the question: “How can I interact and connect without depleting myself?” We offer insights and strategies for making decisions that respect and preserve your energy. It is a journey of learning to honor your needs while fostering meaningful connections.

Episode 14:  We explore how to push forward with our ambitions during these longer days while ensuring we don’t neglect our well-being. Constant stress and anxiety can severely impede physical, mental, and emotional healing. Our discussion offers insights on balancing productivity with self-care, helping you to savor the nostalgic essence of summer without letting stress take over. Join us for a heartfelt conversation on finding harmony and maintaining your health during this beautiful season. Tune in for an episode filled with caring guidance and practical advice on how to embrace choices that uplift and sustain you. Tune in and connect with a community that truly understands your journey.

Tune in for new episodes every Friday!
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Cancer Coach Training
Cancer Journey Coaches (CJCs) work with cancer patients, survivors and caregivers of all ages, all cancer stages and all walks of life.  Wherever you are on your journey, a CJC will meet you and walk with you to discover your inner strengths and wisdom.
Learn More

Cancer Journey Coach Training is an experiential curriculum that teaches our proprietary coaching method.  Our maps, models, tools and techniques combine to create both a robust mindset and skill set for guiding clients through one of life’s most confronting, overwhelming and potentially-rewarding turning points.

As the nation’s first Cancer Coach Training organization, we pride ourselves on our world-class curriculum and training style.  Our motto is learning by doing. Every tool, skill and methodology that our coaches use with their clients must first be experienced by the coach in training.

As the originators of the Cancer Journey Coach model and style of coaching, our passion and expertise in emotional, mental and spiritual healing and empowerment are the cornerstones of our proprietary tools, concepts and skills.

The Fundamentals of Cancer Journey Coach Training
A live interactive and experiential webinar that provides pivotal coaching skills combined with some of the core Cancer Journey Institute’s maps and tools to provide a foundation for your Cancer Journey Coaching work.
This program is approved and certified by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC) organizations for Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
More information and registration

After Cancer
“I finished treatment … now what?” Feeling lost after treatment? After Cancer may be exactly what you’re looking for. Join this free workshop to understand the difference between Re-entry and the Survivor Journey as well as get any questions answered.

It is not an uncommon experience to feel lost after cancer. We have seen this arise often in the last ten years. Maybe your old routines aren’t working for you anymore. Maybe your job doesn’t fulfill you the way it used to. And, maybe, you are different now.

After Cancer is the Cancer Journey Institute’s personal growth program specifically designed to meet you after cancer and rediscover you. This Program is comprised of two main parts: Re-entry and the Survivor Journey.

Re-entry is the perfect introduction to After Cancer. This self-paced video series allows you to access the support and guidance that the Cancer Journey Institute is known for on your own time.
Our Re-entry course is now live! Click here for more information.
Register for Re-entry

Have you read The Call of Cancer? Available on Amazon and Audible, you can access the insights from our book however you would like. The gift of understanding along the unexpected journey of Cancer.

Buy on Amazon
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www.thecancerjourney.com
415 702 0323
PO Box 642
Pacifica, California 94044