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Risks & Recommendations Disclosure

Last Updated: September 15, 2026

Business Name: Stellar Arc Holistic

Author/Practitioner: Nicole Palker-Dorio, BCTP, BCEHC, BCPCMHC — Integrative Trauma Specialist & Somatic Practitioner specializing in Nervous System Regulation, Physiological Coherence & Integrative Care; HeartMath® Certified Practitioner (Trauma-Sensitive & Stress and Anxiety). Full credentials and background: https://www.stellararcholistic.com/about

Location: 115 Main St #7, East Berlin, CT 06023

This disclosure is provided in line with the International Coach Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics (https://coachingfederation.org/ethics/code-of-ethics) and is intended to help you make an informed decision about engaging with Stellar Arc Holistic's Services. Please read this before booking a session, workshop, consulting engagement, or equine-assisted experience. Client and Coach work collaboratively — not as business associates or in a legal alliance — to enhance the client's personal and/or professional performance through a variety of modalities (somatic, psychoneuroimmunological, meditation, or other holistic methods) as appropriate.

1. Coaching Is Not Therapy or Medical Treatment

Coaching, somatic-informed practices, and equine-assisted work offered by Stellar Arc Holistic are not a substitute for:

  • Psychotherapy or mental health counseling

  • Medical care or diagnosis

  • Psychiatric treatment or medication management

  • Crisis intervention

Nicole Palker-Dorio is a coach and HeartMath®-certified practitioner, not a licensed therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician. Coaching does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental illness, trauma disorders, or medical conditions. It is essential to consult a licensed healthcare or mental health professional for any medical or psychological concerns, and to do so before engaging in coaching sessions if you have specific health or mental well-being concerns.

If you are currently in crisis, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or in an emergency, please contact 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.

2. Who This Work May Not Be Appropriate For

You may wish to consult a licensed mental health or medical provider before engaging in somatic or equine-assisted work if you:

  • Are currently experiencing acute mental health crisis, active suicidality, or psychosis

  • Have a diagnosed trauma disorder (e.g., PTSD) and are not currently supported by a licensed clinician

  • Have physical conditions, mobility limitations, or medical conditions that could be affected by physical activity or proximity to large animals

  • Are pregnant (equine-assisted experiences in particular carry physical risk considerations)

  • Have severe allergies to animals, hay, or related materials

If any of the above apply, we recommend working with — or continuing to work alongside — a licensed therapist, physician, or other appropriate professional, and disclosing relevant information to Stellar Arc Holistic prior to booking.

3. Emotional and Psychological Risks

Somatic and nervous-system-based work, including breathwork, embodiment practices, and equine-assisted experiences, can surface strong emotions, physical sensations, or memories. This is a normal part of the process for many people, but it can also feel intense or uncomfortable. You are encouraged to:

  • Go at your own pace and communicate boundaries at any time

  • Pause or stop a session or activity if you feel overwhelmed

  • Maintain your own support system (therapist, physician, trusted people) alongside coaching, particularly if you have a trauma history

4. Physical Risks (Equine-Assisted Experiences)

Working with horses carries inherent physical risk, as horses are large animals with unpredictable behavior. Risks include, but are not limited to, being kicked, bitten, stepped on, knocked down, or thrown. Stellar Arc follows horsemanship and safety protocols to minimize risk, but risk cannot be eliminated. A signed liability waiver specific to equine activities is required before participation.

5. No Guarantee of Results

Personal growth, nervous system regulation, and relational change unfold differently for everyone. Stellar Arc does not promise specific outcomes, timelines, or results from coaching, workshops, or equine-assisted experiences.

6. Confidentiality Has Limits

What you share is held with care and discretion, but confidentiality is not absolute. Disclosure may occur where there is risk of serious harm to yourself or others, where required by law, or with your written consent (see Privacy Policy).

7. Client Responsibility

A client's emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing is their own responsibility, as are all of the client's own choices, decisions, behaviors, and actions. The Coach is not liable or accountable for any action or inaction, or for any direct or indirect results of the Services provided. A successful Coach/Client relationship is built on honesty — the client agrees to offer their full engagement to the coaching process and to communicate openly, truthfully, and with direct feedback.

8. Voluntary Participation

Your participation in any Stellar Arc Holistic Service is entirely voluntary. You may pause, modify, or end your engagement at any time.

9. Recommendations Before Beginning

We recommend that you:

  • Share relevant physical and mental health information during intake so sessions can be adapted appropriately

  • Continue any prescribed medical or mental health treatment, and inform both your coach and your healthcare providers about all ongoing treatment

  • Maintain a relationship with a licensed medical or mental health provider if you have an existing diagnosis or ongoing treatment needs

  • Ask questions about the format and approach of any session or workshop before participating

  • Review the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy alongside this document

10. Informed Consent and Acknowledgment

By engaging in coaching sessions, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclosure. You voluntarily choose to participate in coaching, recognizing its complementary nature, and you agree to take full responsibility for your own health. By booking or participating in a Stellar Arc Holistic Service, you agree to the terms of this disclosure. If you do not agree, please do not proceed with coaching sessions.

 

This document is provided for informational and disclosure purposes as part of Stellar Arc Holistic's professional and ethical practice standards, aligned with the ICF Code of Ethics. It does not constitute legal, medical, or psychological advice.

Contact: nicole@stellararcholistic.com | www.stellararcholistic.com | 860-759-2825 | 115 Main St #7, East Berlin, CT 06023

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