Retreat Participation Agreement

Melissa Shakti Coaching, LLC · Applies to all retreats, including those offered under the Sacred Soul name

By registering for and attending any retreat hosted by Melissa Shakti Coaching, LLC — including retreats offered under the Sacred Soul name — you acknowledge and agree to the following.

1. Nature of the Retreat

Retreats are immersive personal development experiences that may include coaching, group process work, hypnotherapy, somatic and energetic practices, movement, meditation, ceremony, time outdoors, and shared group activities. Retreats are facilitated by Melissa Ratliff-Sorrell and co-facilitators (together, "the Facilitators"). "Sacred Soul" is a name under which certain retreats are offered; it is not a separate business entity.

Retreats are not psychotherapy, medical treatment, or a substitute for either. No clinical relationship is created by your participation. You remain fully responsible for your own physical, emotional, and mental well-being before, during, and after the retreat.

2. Voluntary Participation

Your participation is voluntary. All activities are optional, and you may decline or step out of any activity at any time. You agree to communicate promptly with the Facilitators if you experience physical or emotional distress.

3. Assumption of Risk

You understand that retreats involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Emotional and psychological intensity arising from deep personal work, including hypnotherapy, somatic, and energetic processes that may surface strong emotional and physical responses;
• Physical activity, including walking, hiking, movement practices, and outdoor terrain;
• Environmental conditions, including heat, altitude, weather, wildlife, ocean or water exposure, and unfamiliar surroundings;
• Travel-related risks, including transportation to, from, and during the retreat;
• Risks associated with food, lodging, and services provided by third-party vendors;
• Illness or injury, including conditions requiring medical care in locations where access to medical facilities may be limited.

You knowingly and voluntarily assume all such risks, whether listed above or not, including risks arising from the negligence of others.

4. Health Disclosure & Fitness to Participate

You agree to complete all required intake and health disclosure forms fully and honestly, including disclosure of any medical, psychiatric, or psychological conditions, medications, allergies, dietary restrictions, physical limitations, or other health information relevant to your safe participation, along with an emergency contact. You confirm that you are physically and emotionally able to participate. The Facilitators may require clearance from a licensed medical or mental health professional as a condition of participation, and may decline or discontinue your participation if concerns for your safety or the safety of the group arise.

5. Release of Liability & Indemnification

To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release, waive, and discharge Melissa Shakti Coaching, LLC, Melissa Ratliff-Sorrell, and all retreat co-facilitators, together with their respective companies, owners, members, employees, contractors, and agents (collectively, the "Released Parties"), from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to your participation in any retreat, including claims arising from ordinary negligence, to the extent permitted by law.

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims brought by third parties arising out of your own actions or omissions during a retreat.

This release does not apply to gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any liability that cannot be waived under applicable law.

6. Medical Authorization

In the event of a medical emergency, you authorize the Facilitators to secure medical treatment on your behalf, including emergency transportation, and you accept full financial responsibility for any such treatment.

7. Travel & Insurance

You are responsible for your own travel arrangements and costs, including airfare and, unless otherwise stated, lodging. Travel insurance, including trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage, is strongly recommended for all retreats and is required for international retreats. Retreat fees, deposits, refunds, and transfers are governed by the Terms & Conditions of Melissa Shakti Coaching, LLC.

8. Group Confidentiality

Retreats involve group work. You agree to hold in confidence the identities of other participants and anything shared by them during the retreat. While the Facilitators hold confidentiality as described in the Terms & Conditions, they cannot guarantee the conduct of other participants.

9. Conduct & Substances

You agree to participate respectfully and to follow the guidance of the Facilitators regarding safety and group agreements. You agree to refrain from the use of alcohol, marijuana, or illicit substances during retreat programming. The Facilitators reserve the right to remove any participant whose conduct endangers themselves or others, or disrupts the container of the retreat, without refund.

10. Photography & Media

Photographs and video may be taken during retreats for archival and promotional purposes. You will not appear in promotional materials without your separate written consent, which will be requested through your intake forms or during the retreat. Your name and identifying details will never be shared without permission.

11. Changes & Force Majeure

Retreat dates, locations, and itineraries are subject to change with a minimum of 60 days’ notice where possible. If a retreat is canceled or materially altered due to circumstances beyond the Facilitators’ control — including natural disaster, government action, epidemic, or travel restriction — fees paid may be transferred to a future retreat or offering per the Terms & Conditions. The Released Parties are not responsible for your travel costs or other expenses in such events.

12. Governing Law & Severability

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Mississippi, and disputes will be resolved in the courts of Lee County, Mississippi. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

Electronic Acknowledgment

By checking the acknowledgment box during registration, you confirm that you have read this agreement in full, that you understand it, and that you agree to be bound by it. Your electronic acknowledgment has the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature. You understand that by agreeing, you are giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue the Released Parties.