Centre for NAI – Contraindications & Referral (Draft)

Do NOT proceed; refer/decline if:

• Acute crisis/suicidality or recent severe trauma episode.
• Active psychosis, uncontrolled dissociation, severe instability.
• Severe intoxication or impairment at session time.
• Requests for clinical/therapeutic outcomes outside practitioner scope.
• You are unsure about safety or client’s capacity to consent.

Caution / consider referral:

• Complex psychiatric history, medication uncertainties.
• Client reports worsening intrusive experiences.
• Strong dependency expectations (“fix me,” “take over my decisions”).

If red flags arise mid-session:

• Pause, ground, consider immediate rollback (quiet/dissolve).
• Debrief briefly; do not continue; refer to appropriate care.

Referral steps:

• Be clear and kind: “This is outside my scope; I recommend a licensed clinician.”
• Provide general directions to find local licensed providers (no specific endorsements unless you maintain a vetted list).
• Document referral decision per your privacy agreement (no hidden recording; secure notes if kept).