Important Health & Safety Information
Mental Health
If you are experiencing any of the following, please seek professional help immediately:
Suicidal thoughts or self-harm urges
Postpartum depression, anxiety, or postpartum psychosis
Severe intrusive thoughts or obsessive patterns
Dissociation or detachment from reality
Crisis or emergency situations
Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (call or text, available 24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Postpartum Support International: PSI.org (1-800-944-4773)
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
Physical Health
If you have any of the following, consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any yoga, movement, or meditation practice:
Current pregnancy or postpartum recovery (especially first 6 weeks postpartum)
Injury, chronic pain, or physical limitations
Heart conditions, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular concerns
Ongoing medical treatment or medication changes
Recent surgery or recovery from illness
About Meditation & Mindfulness Practice
What meditation can do:
Support your existing wellness routine
Help you develop greater awareness and presence
Complement professional mental health treatment
Support stress management and nervous system regulation
Enhance self-inquiry and personal growth
What meditation cannot do:
Replace professional mental health treatment
Cure medical or psychiatric conditions
Treat postpartum depression, anxiety, or psychosis
Serve as emergency crisis intervention
Diagnose or treat any health condition
Important note: Some meditation and mindfulness practices can activate or intensify trauma responses, anxiety, or dissociation in certain individuals. If you experience increased anxiety, panic, dissociation, or distressing emotions during practice, stop and seek professional support. This is not a sign of failure—it's important information about what your nervous system needs.
About Yoga Practices
Yoga can be a beautiful practice for physical and mental wellness, but it's not appropriate for everyone in all conditions.
Modify or avoid yoga if you have:
Recent surgery or injury (consult your doctor on timing)
Pregnancy complications (work with a prenatal yoga specialist)
Severe back, neck, or joint issues
Heart conditions or blood pressure concerns
Inner ear problems or vertigo
Any condition that makes inversions or intense movement unsafe
Always:
Work with a certified yoga instructor if you're new to practice
Listen to your body and honor your limitations
Modify poses as needed—there is no "correct" version
Stop immediately if you experience pain (not to be confused with healthy sensation)
About Prenatal & Postnatal Coaching
The prenatal and postnatal coaching I offer is supportive guidance, not medical care or prenatal care.
Important:
You should have an established relationship with an OB/GYN, midwife, or other qualified prenatal care provider
Coaching complements—but does not replace—professional medical care during pregnancy and postpartum
If you experience complications, bleeding, severe pain, or any medical emergency, contact your healthcare provider or emergency services immediately
Postpartum recovery varies widely; coaching should be adapted to your individual medical situation and clearance from your healthcare provider
If you are seeking support for substance use or addiction, please work with qualified professionals, including:
Medical doctors who specialize in addiction medicine
Therapists or counselors trained in addiction treatment
Peer support groups (AA, SMART Recovery, etc.)
Treatment programs or rehabilitation services
The resources and coaching I provide can complement professional addiction treatment, but they are not a replacement for it. Addiction is a medical and mental health condition that requires professional care.
About Sobriety Support
By engaging with any content or coaching found on this site, you acknowledge that:
You are responsible for your own health and safety. You understand the risks and benefits of the practices offered.
You will consult appropriate professionals before starting any new practice if you have health concerns, injuries, mental health conditions, or are pregnant/postpartum.
You will stop immediately if you experience pain, distress, or symptoms that concern you, and you will seek professional help.
You understand this is not medical, mental health, or professional treatment. It is educational and supportive in nature.
You will not hold Cat Sprague liable for any physical or emotional effects of practices, coaching, or resources, as long as all guidance has been followed and appropriate professionals have been consulted.
Individual Responsibility
Modifications & Accessibility
All practices and coaching can and should be modified for your individual needs. There is no "right way" to meditate, do yoga, or engage in coaching. Your way—modified, simplified, adapted—is the right way for you.
If something doesn't feel good, if a pose doesn't work for your body, if meditation makes you anxious, that's valid information. Modify. Adapt. Stop. Work with a professional who can help you find what works for you.
When to Seek Professional Help
Please work with a qualified healthcare provider if you experience:
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts
Severe anxiety, panic, or intrusive thoughts
Dissociation or feeling disconnected from reality
Inability to care for yourself or your baby
Substance use or addiction concerns
Relationship or domestic violence concerns
Physical pain, injury, or medical symptoms
Any health or mental health emergency
You deserve professional support. Please seek it.
About These Materials
Content is provided "as is" without warranty
Information is current as of creation date but may need updating
This disclaimer applies to all Cat Sprague offerings: guides, meditations, coaching sessions, blog posts, social media content, and resources
This disclaimer may be updated at any time; current version available at catsprague.com
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions about whether a particular practice or coaching offering is appropriate for you, please reach out to me directly or consult with your healthcare provider. Your safety and wellbeing are the priority.