NAVIGATE PARTICIPANT WAIVER & INFORMED CONSENT

(Including Medical Disclaimer & Contraindications)

Organisation: Navigate (operating as Navigate the Inner Compass)

1. Our Principles

Navigate operates from internationally recognised trauma-informed principles, prioritising:

• Safety – physical, emotional, and psychological

• Choice & Consent – explicit, ongoing, and revocable

• Transparency & Trust

• Collaboration & Respect

• Empowerment & Self-Agency

• Cultural and Individual Consideration

Your lived experience is respected as the primary authority.
No experience, outcome, or intensity is ever prioritised over safety.

2. Scope of Practice

Navigate offers complementary, trauma-informed somatic practices designed to support wellbeing, nervous system regulation, and self-awareness.

Navigate does not provide:

• Medical treatment

• Psychological or psychiatric care

• Diagnosis, assessment, or clinical intervention

• Trauma processing, exposure therapy, or crisis intervention

Participation does not establish a therapist–client or clinician–patient relationship.

3. Informed Participation & Personal Responsibility

By choosing to participate, you acknowledge that:

• Somatic practices can evoke physical, emotional, psychological, or energetic responses

• Responses are individual, unpredictable, and non-linear

• You are responsible for monitoring your own capacity, boundaries, and regulation 

You agree to:

• Pause, stop, or step out if something does not feel right

• Seek appropriate professional or medical support where needed

• Inform facilitators if you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or unwell

Navigate facilitators may pause or stop your participation if there are concerns regarding safety, regulation, or scope of practice. This is a safeguarding action, not a judgement.

4. Consent, Touch & Boundaries

Some sessions may include optional, consent-based touch.

You acknowledge that:

• Consent is explicit, ongoing, and may be withdrawn at any time

• The absence of consent, a hidden consent card, stillness, freeze, shutdown, or appeasing behaviour does not equal consent

• Touch is never used to override protective responses, induce catharsis, or “break through” resistance

No trauma narrative exploration or emotional pushing is used.

5. Medical Disclaimer

The services offered by Navigate are complementary, trauma-informed somatic practices designed to support wellbeing and personal growth. They are not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or psychiatric care.

If you have a medical or mental health condition, or if you are in crisis, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional before participating.

Participation is at your own discretion and responsibility.

6. Contraindications & Eligibility

This work is powerful. It can open deep layers of the body, breath, and unconscious.
For that reason, your safety and wellbeing will always come before participation.

You must not take part if any of the following apply.

Neurological & Cardiovascular

• Epilepsy or any seizure disorder

• History of stroke (CVA) or TIA

• Detached retina or glaucoma

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Cardiovascular conditions (including heart attack, arrhythmia, heart failure)

• Aneurysms (personal or immediate family history)

• Use of prescribed blood thinners

• Implanted cardiac or neurological devices (e.g. pacemaker, neurostimulator)

Mental Health

• Severe or unmanaged mental health conditions (including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, paranoia, OCD, dissociative disorders)

• Severe anxiety or PTSD without professional support

• Psychiatric hospitalisation or acute emotional crisis within the past 10 years

• Active withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other substances

• Very low impulse control

Chronic, Autoimmune & Respiratory

• Addison’s disease

• COPD II / COPD III

• Unstable diabetes (especially Type 1)

• Severe autoimmune or inflammatory illness (e.g. Lupus, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, advanced Fibromyalgia)

• Terminal illness or medically decompensated conditions

• Active cancer treatment or advanced-stage cancer
  (If in remission, medical advice is required)

Acute, Musculoskeletal & Surgical

• Active viral illness or acute somatic condition

• Severe adrenal fatigue or CFS/ME

• Osteoporosis or unhealed injury

• Severe chronic pain limiting mobility

• Major surgery within the past 6 months
  (especially abdominal, cardiac, or neurological)

Other Important Considerations

• Pregnancy – participation is not suitable during pregnancy

• Substances – no alcohol, drugs, or psychedelics (including within 24 hours)

• Fasting – extended fasting (over 24 hours) is contraindicated

• Asthma – welcome with prescribed inhaler brought to the session

High-Risk Participants & Contraindications

• Participants with medical, psychiatric, or trauma conditions that are contraindicated for the practices offered will not be accepted into the event

• Contraindications are clearly defined and communicated in pre-event materials and waiver forms

• Event colleagues, facilitators and volunteers must not override these contraindications

• High-risk participants may be:

• Delayed entry until cleared by medical or mental health professional

• Offered alternative options (referral, different service)

• Supported to leave safely if participation is not appropriate

• This protects both participant safety and organisational liability.

You confirm that:

• None of the above apply at the time of participation

• You will notify Navigate if circumstances change

• You understand participation may be refused or paused for safety reasons

7. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in this agreement limits or excludes liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by negligence

• Breach of statutory duty

• Any liability that cannot be excluded under UK law

Subject to the above, Navigate is not liable for indirect or consequential loss arising from voluntary participation.

8. Acceptance of Waiver & Confirmation of Consent

By accepting this waiver, I confirm that:

• I have read and understood the full content of this waiver, including the medical disclaimer and contraindications

• I meet the eligibility criteria required to participate

• None of the listed contraindications apply to me at the time of participation

• I understand the nature of the practices offered and the potential for physical, emotional, or energetic responses

• I acknowledge that participation is voluntary and undertaken at my own discretion

• I take responsibility for listening to my body, setting boundaries, and requesting support or withdrawal if needed

I understand that:

• Navigate offers complementary, trauma-informed somatic practices

• These services are not a substitute for medical, psychological, or psychiatric care

• Navigate facilitators do not diagnose, treat, or provide medical or mental health services

I understand that:

• I may withdraw consent and participation at any time

• Consent may also be withdrawn by Navigate if my participation presents a safeguarding concern

• Safeguarding concerns may require escalation beyond confidentiality

9. Waiver Acceptance via Email

Ahead of attendance to an event, you will be notified that email confirmation is required with the explicit wording below:

I confirm that I have read, understood, and accept the Navigate Participant Waiver, Terms & Conditions, and Contraindications. I confirm that I meet all eligibility requirements and have disclosed any relevant medical, psychological, or other conditions as required.

I understand that participation is voluntary and that I am solely responsible for my physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing during and after the event.

I understand that failure to meet eligibility criteria or the presence of any stated contraindications may result in my exclusion from participation.

Please accept this email as confirmation of my informed consent and acceptance of all stated terms.

Full Name:
Date of Birth:
Date of Acceptance:

This confirmation constitutes a legally binding record of informed consent.