Policies and Procedures

The EMBODIED PARENT Coach™

Cecily May Coaching, LLC

Coaching Agreement, Policies, and Procedures

Welcome to my coaching practice. I am honored to be of support to you and look forward to developing an engaging, collaborative, safe, and healing relationship together. This document outlines my process, disclosures, expectations, and policies.

Therapy versus Coaching

There is a difference between therapy and coaching. Depending on where you are in your own journey, you may find healing benefits from either kind of support.

Therapy often includes a power differential between therapist and client. Coaching, on the other hand, is a collaborative partnership in which the client and coach are considered equals. This approach can be particularly healing for those working through relational trauma and childhood wounds.

My Coaching Process

I trained through the International Association of Trauma Recovery Coaching and have completed both Stepping Stones and Stepping Deeper courses through the IFSCA (Internal Family Systems Counselling Association). I am also a certified Synergetic Play Provider through the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute.

My work draws from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), both of which support a client-led, non-pathologizing, and relationally attuned process. I do not label, diagnose, or judge you. I honor that much of how we operate as adults is shaped by our childhood experiences and aim to hold space for your process with curiosity, compassion, and care.

As your coach, I offer knowledge, tools, and support while respecting your unique pace and capacity. Coaching from an IFS-informed lens allows me to welcome and witness all parts of you — because all parts are welcome.

Discovery & Session Details

  • Discovery Calls: 20 minutes, Zoom, free of charge, for potential clients to assess fit.

  • Clarity Coaching: 50 minutes, single sessions, flexible to your timeline and needs.

  • 1:1 Package Coaching: 50 minutes personalized sessions, with 4 and 8 week offerings.

  • Group Coaching: 6 week program for parents looking for growth and community.

Breathwork Sessions (Coming Soon)

I am currently completing training in somatic and trauma-informed breathwork facilitation. Once available, breathwork sessions will be optional and require a signed consent form.

Health Disclaimer: Breathwork is not appropriate for everyone. You agree to consult with your physician before participating, especially if you have cardiovascular conditions, epilepsy, respiratory concerns, severe mental health diagnoses, or are pregnant. You participate at your own risk.

Disclosures & Confidentiality

  • All coaching sessions are conducted via Zoom. While Zoom offers encryption, it is not HIPAA-compliant.

  • My email is not encrypted; please do not send sensitive information without consent.

  • All client records are stored securely and are accessible only to me.

  • I maintain strict confidentiality, except in cases of imminent danger to self/others, abuse disclosure, or legal subpoena.

  • If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, self-harm, or active addiction, I will require collaboration with a licensed professional for your safety.

Privacy

  • 1:1 coaching sessions are never recorded unless mutually agreed upon.

  • Clients may not record sessions without explicit consent.

  • Courses, workshops, and webinars may be recorded for educational purposes.

  • Client identities and stories are never shared without permission.

Communication Outside Sessions

  • I offer brief email support between sessions (24–48 hour weekday response time).

  • If your needs exceed what email can hold, I may recommend a Clarity Coaching session.

Crisis Support

If you are in crisis, please contact:

  • 911 (USA)

  • 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

  • 800-799-7233 (National Domestic Violence Hotline)

  • 1-800-662-HELP (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration)

Expectations

What you can expect from me:

  • Respect, punctuality, presence, confidentiality, and a calm healing space.

What I expect from you:

  • Punctuality, minimized distractions, openness, and honest communication.

Payments, Cancellations, and Session Policies

  • Payment is due in full at time of booking.

  • No refunds for coaching sessions, courses, workshops, or programs.

  • Group offerings cannot be rescheduled or cancelled after purchase.

  • 1:1 coaching sessions may be rescheduled with 24-hour notice.

  • Missed sessions or no-shows without notice are forfeited.

  • Arriving 15+ minutes late forfeits the session without reschedule.

  • 1:1 session use windows:

    • Single: within 30 days of purchase

    • 4-session package: within 6 weeks

    • 8-session package: within 10 weeks

  • Group program timelines are fixed and follow the advertised schedule.

  • Repeated cancellations or tardiness may result in termination of coaching services.

Drugs & Alcohol

Please do not attend sessions under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are struggling with substance overuse, I invite you to bring this to our work — I’m here to support you and connect you with appropriate resources.

Guests at 1:1 Sessions

Do not bring others (partner, child, parent, friend) to a 1:1 session without discussing this in advance. We will assess appropriateness based on your goals and confidentiality needs.

Speaking Engagements & Public Content

The views I share in podcasts, interviews, workshops, and public speaking events reflect my training and personal experience. They are for educational purposes only and do not constitute individual coaching, therapy, or medical advice. I cannot control how content is interpreted or applied by others.

Website & Blog Disclaimer

All content on my website (including blogs, resources, youtube and social media videos) is based on my professional and personal experience and is for educational purposes only. This content is not a substitute for individualized mental health care, therapy, or medical consultation. You are responsible for how you apply the information.

Testimonials & Feedback

I may request client testimonials or reflections for marketing or educational use. These will never be shared without your written consent. Identifying details will always be removed unless you give explicit permission.

Intellectual Property & Trademark Notice

The following methods and frameworks are the sole intellectual property of Cecily May Coaching, LLC and are trademarked or pending trademark:

  • The EMBODIED PARENT Coach™

  • The C.A.R.E. Method™

  • The B.L.A.M.E. Framework™

  • The EMBODIED PARENT Method™

All content, tools, methods, visuals, downloads, and resources related to these frameworks may not be reused, adapted, copied, or distributed without written permission.

© 2025 Cecily May. All rights reserved.

Client Consent

By purchasing, scheduling, or attending any session, program, or event, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Policies and Procedures.

For questions or concerns, please contact: hello@cecilymay.com