On Living with Stage Four Cancer with Sandra Palmer

Sixteen months ago, one of our beloved Mental Health Aware Yoga mentors, Sandra Palmer (she/her) was diagnosed with stage four cancer, and was told that it was likely that she had less than two years to live.
In today’s episode, Sandra talks about what it was like when she was first given this diagnosis totally out of the blue, how she has navigated the landscape of grieving, treatment, the medical system, communicating to others about her diagnosis, learning to listen to her own needs, and how yoga has helped.
Sandra shared with us that when she was first diagnosed she was seeking other people’s stories about living and thriving with cancer, and part of her reason for coming on the podcast was to share her own story to help others who are traversing similar terrain.
As a psychologist and yoga teacher, Sandra also shares ways in which teachers and therapists can support their clients and students who are living with cancer through yoga.
We are delighted that Sandra is feeling vibrant and well and has returned to mentoring with us for the online Mental Health Aware Yoga training, and currently supports our students in New Zealand, USA and Canada.
Sign up to the online Mental Health Aware Yoga training starting on March 25th 2024.
Join our Mental Health Aware Yoga Facebook community.
Find the Yoga Psychology Institute on Instagram.
Download the free Patañjali’s Eight Limbs of Mental Health Aware Yoga ebook by Dr Lauren Tober.
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The information provided on this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance or come and join one of our programs for professional training.
Any statements, claims or endorsements expressed by our guest authors, speakers and podcast sponsors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Mental Health Aware Yoga and the Yoga Psychology Institute.
YOGA PSYCHOLOGY MENTORSHIP
Yoga is often translated to mean union. But how do we bring together the worlds of contemporary psychology and the ancient wisdom of yoga?
Join Dr Lauren Tober for this innovative 5-month mentorship for mental health professionals who are also yoga teachers to confidently, ethically and soulfully integrate yoga into your therapy work.
Starts 28th May 2026
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MEET OUR FOUNDER
Hi, I'm Dr Lauren Tober!
As a Clinical Psychologist and Yoga Teacher of nearly two decades and the author of Mental Health Aware Yoga: A Guide for Yoga Teachers, I'm passionate about integrating yoga and psychology on the mat, in the counselling room and in the world.
With the growing interest in mental health and yoga, yoga students are attending yoga classes for the mental health benefits in unprecedented numbers.
In fact, 79.4% of yoga students report practicing yoga for the mental health benefits.
It's important that Yoga Teachers know how to support them.
I'm glad you're here.
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