Risk Management Statement

Purpose

  • Rooted Flow Coaching primarily provides coaching services to adults aged 18 and over.

  • For any breath or nervous system coaching specifically:
    Breathwork offered at Rooted Flow Coaching focuses on functional breathing practices to support awareness of breathing patterns, gentle interoceptive exploration, and gradual exposure-based practices such as light breath holds and optional cold or heat exposure, aimed at supporting regulation capacity and familiarity with physiological stress responses.

  • Support offered to children or young people under 18 is limited to practical mentoring or tutoring-based support (such as study skills or exam preparation) only. Coaching services such as emotional support is not provided directly to individuals under 18 years of age. Any wellbeing, breathwork, or nervous system regulation support relating to a child or young person is delivered through teaching and supporting the parent, guardian, or responsible adult responsible for their care.

  • Rooted Flow Coaching is a coaching service and does not provide therapy, crisis intervention, medical treatment, or emergency mental health support. Clients requiring specialist or urgent support may be signposted to appropriate services.

Scope

This statement applies to all coaching, workshops, consultations and in-person and online services delivered by Rooted Flow Coaching. All clients are required to review and agree to a coaching agreement prior to commencing services. This outlines the scope of practice, confidentiality, boundaries, responsibilities, consent, cancellations, and limitations of support provided through Rooted Flow Coaching.

Within coaching scope:

  • Psychoeducation tools

  • Physiology education relating to rest/sleep, breathing and nervous system

  • Reflective inquiry

  • Nervous system awareness and breath-based tools

  • Stress regulation practices, including capacity building and breath-based practices

  • Behaviour and pattern exploration

  • Workplace wellbeing support

  • Gradual exposure to bodily sensations during interoceptive work and within coaching scope

  • Reflective assessment tools (informational and not formal diagnostic)

Outside of coaching scope:

  • Diagnosing mental health conditions/disorders

  • Providing psychotherapy

  • Clinical treatment relating to trauma disorders, panic, PTSD or complex dissociation

  • Providing medical advice or emergency mental health care

  • Conducting clinical interventions

  • Eating disorder treatment

  • Suicide prevention

  • Psychotherapy

  • Medical respiratory treatment

  • Or other medical treatment

Psychological Safety During Sessions

Rooted Flow Coaching recognises the importance of ongoing psychological contracting throughout sessions and workshops. Clients are encouraged to communicate their needs, boundaries, and level of comfort at all times. Practices are collaborative, adaptable, and may be paused or modified where needed to support emotional and physiological safety.

In-person Venue Considerations

For in-person sessions and workshops, care will be taken to create a safe and appropriate physical environment. Participants will be made aware of relevant venue information where appropriate, including fire exits, toilet facilities, accessibility considerations, and any practical information needed to support comfort and safety during the session.

Concerns

  • Complaints:
    If you have any complaints regarding the coaching process, you may raise them in writing. All complaints will be handled professionally and addressed promptly.

  • Withdrawal of Consent:
    You may withdraw consent to continue coaching or share your information at any time. This must be done in writing and sent to info@rootedflowcoaching.com

Confidentiality and Data Protection:

  • Confidentiality:
    Everything discussed in coaching sessions is confidential, unless required by law (such as concerns about safety, harm to yourself or others, or child protection / vulnerable adult issues). See     Safeguarding Policy.

  • Data Collection and Storage:
    Any notes or data collected during your coaching sessions will be securely stored in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your data will be kept for 6 months after the coaching ends, after which it will be securely destroyed. You have the right to request the deletion of your data at any time (right to erasure).

Refunds and Payment:

  • Payment Terms & Session scheduling: Payments are due prior to any sessions or workshops.

  • Cancellation: A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations made within 48 hours may not be eligible for a transfer or refund.

  • Refunds: Refunds are not generally offered. However, I understand that unexpected situations can arise, and I’m happy to discuss options on a case-by-case basis where appropriate.

Contra-indications for Breathwork

Contra-indications for Breath-hold Training

Absolute Contra-indications:

  • Cardiovascular Disease Including Recent Heart Attack or Stroke

  • Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

  • Severe Arrhythmias

  • Diagnosis of Aneurysm in the Brain or Abdomen

  • Pregnancy

  • Recent Panic or Anxiety Attack Episode

  • Prior Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, or History of Psychosis

  • Being in or Near Water Without a Partner

  • Engaging in Breath-Holding Without Education and Understanding

  • Prior Hyperventilation Before Breath-Holding Near Water

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Relative Contra-indications:

  • Mild to Moderate Cardiovascular Issues

  • Recent Surgeries (Within 3–6 Months)

  • Presence of Acute Illness or Symptoms

  • Fatigue or Dehydration

  • Fasting

Precautions for Breath-hold Training

  • Mild asthma can proceed under supervision, client must bring an inhaler, and be monitored for symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath. A tailored approach with shorter breath-holds may be necessary to ensure safety.

  • Medical Clearance: Individuals with absolute or relative contraindications must consult a healthcare provider before engaging in breath-hold training.

  • Avoid Risk Factors: Refrain from hyperventilation, intense exercise, or fasting before breath-holding to minimise blackout risk.

  • Gradual Progression: Start with short, submaximal breath-holds and progressively increase duration under supervision to build tolerance safely.

  • Safe Environment: Conduct training in controlled settings, avoiding solo practice, especially in water, to prevent drowning or injury.

  • Education: Participants must be educated on breath-hold physiology, risks, and safety protocols to ensure informed and safe practice.

Contra-indications for High Ventilation Breathwork - Repeated deep, rapid breathing

Absolute Contra-indications:

  • Cardiovascular disease including angina, previous heart attack or stroke

  • High Blood Pressure (not controlled with medication) or Low Blood Pressure with a fainting history

  • Diagnosis of aneurysm in the brain or abdomen

  • Uncontrolled Thyroid Conditions and Uncontrolled Diabetes

  • Epilepsy and/or Seizures

  • Prior Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia or a history of Psychosis.

  • Hospitalization for Any Recent Psychiatric Condition or Emotional Crisis.

  • Pregnancy

  • Detached Retina

  • Glaucoma

  • Any Other Medical, Psychiatric, or Physical Conditions Which Would Impair or Affect the Ability to Engage in Activities Involving Intense Physical and/or Emotional Release. This May Include Coming Off Recent Medications Such as HRT.

Relative Contra-indications:

  • Asthma

  • Recent Surgeries (Within 3–6 Months)

  • Presence of Acute Illness or Symptoms

  • Fatigue or Dehydration

  • Fasting

Precautions for High Ventilation Breathwork

Rooted Flow Coaching does not facilitate high-ventilation breathwork practices such as Wim Hof Method breathing or Conscious Connected Breathing (CCB). However, pre-participation wellbeing and breathing assessments (such as BOLT score and comfortable exhale tolerance or relevant education) may be offered to help individuals better understand their current breathing patterns, regulation capacity, and relevant safety considerations before participating in these practices with a suitably qualified facilitator.