Medical Disclaimer & Contraindications

Ember8 works with Body Remembers Trauma Therapy (BRTT®), Trauma Release Breathwork (TRB®) and other body-oriented forms of guidance. These methods can evoke both physical and emotional responses and set processes of release, awareness and integration in motion.

Every person responds differently. That's why it's important to be honest about your health and any medical or psychological conditions.

Ember8's guidance is aimed at personal development, awareness and stress regulation. It is not a substitute for medical, psychological or psychiatric treatment. Ember8 does not make medical diagnoses, does not prescribe medication, and never advises stopping or adjusting prescribed medication.

Not sure whether participation is responsible for you? Contact Ember8 beforehand and, if necessary, consult your GP or treating specialist.

Personal responsibility

By booking a session or programme, you declare that:

• you participate voluntarily;
• you will complete the intake form fully and truthfully;
• you will provide all relevant medical, psychological and medication information in advance;
• you will report changes in your health before the session;
• you understand that Ember8 does not offer medical or psychological treatment;
• you remain responsible for your own physical and mental health.

Contraindications

Participation in BRTT® and TRB® is not suitable, or only possible after prior consultation, when one or more of the situations below apply.

Cardiovascular conditions

• recent heart attack;
• serious cardiac arrhythmia;
• heart failure;
• untreated or severely elevated blood pressure;
• aneurysm;
• serious vascular disease.

Neurological conditions

• epilepsy;
• recent stroke;
• increased intracranial pressure;
• other serious neurological conditions.

Psychological conditions

• psychosis;
• schizophrenia;
• bipolar disorder during a manic episode;
• severe dissociative issues;
• acute suicidality;
• severe psychiatric dysregulation.

If you are under the care of a psychologist, psychiatrist or other specialist, we ask that you let us know in advance.

Pregnancy

BRTT® and TRB® are generally not offered during pregnancy, unless explicit alternative arrangements have been agreed in advance.

Eyes

• glaucoma;
• recent retinal detachment;
• recent eye surgery.

Surgery and physical recovery

• surgery in the past three months;
• recent bone fractures;
• severe osteoporosis;
• hernia or other conditions where strong physical reactions are inadvisable.

Respiratory conditions

• severe COPD;
• severe asthma;
• other respiratory conditions where intensive breathing is inadvisable.

Other situations

• fever or infection;
• insufficiently regulated diabetes;
• Long Covid with severe breathlessness;
• active addiction issues;
• any other physical or psychological condition where there is doubt about safe participation.

Medication

Taking medication? Always mention this in advance on the intake form.

This applies to, among others:

• antidepressants;
• antipsychotics;
• anti-anxiety medication;
• sleep medication;
• sedatives (such as oxazepam, diazepam or lorazepam);
• opioid painkillers;
• muscle relaxants;
• blood pressure medication;
• blood thinners;
• heart medication;
• mood stabilisers.

Taking medication does not automatically mean participation isn't possible.

When you take medication that affects your consciousness, reaction ability, breathing or muscle function, Ember8 will assess beforehand whether participation is responsible.

Never stop taking prescribed medication on your own initiative in order to take part in a session. Always discuss this with your treating doctor first.

Preparing for your session

Good preparation contributes to a safe and valuable session.

24 hours before the session

• Do not use alcohol.
• Do not use recreational drugs.
• Do not use psychedelic substances.
• Report any changes in your health in advance.
• Make sure you get enough sleep.

On the day of the session

• Arrive sober and clear-headed.
• Do not use alcohol or recreational drugs.
• Do not use substances that reduce your consciousness or reaction ability, unless discussed with Ember8 in advance.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks (coffee, energy drinks, large amounts of black or green tea) for at least 4 to 6 hours before the session.
• Do not eat a heavy meal in the 2 to 3 hours before the session.
• Drink enough water.
• Wear comfortable clothing you can move in easily.
• Make sure you arrive on time.

If Ember8 determines that a client is under the influence or cannot safely take part in the session, the session will not start or will be ended immediately. In that case there is no right to a refund.

During the session

During BRTT®, TRB® or other body-oriented guidance, the following responses may occur, among others:

• changes in breathing;
• tingling;
• muscle tremors;
• feelings of warmth or cold;
• emotional release;
• crying or laughing;
• fatigue;
• a lot of energy;
• temporary muscle soreness;
• deep relaxation;
• feelings or memories surfacing;
• a sense of relief.

These responses differ per person and are usually temporary.

Always let us know during the session when something feels uncomfortable or when you reach your physical or emotional limit.

After the session

After a session, physical and emotional responses may continue to develop for hours or days. This can be part of the natural integration process.

We advise you to:

• drink enough water;
• rest for the remainder of the day;
• avoid intensive exercise;
• avoid alcohol or recreational drugs;
• listen carefully to your body's signals;
• give yourself space for recovery and integration.

Aftercare

At Ember8, guidance doesn't stop when the session ends.

Within 48 hours of the session, Ember8 will call you to discuss how you're doing, how the integration is going, and whether any questions or particular issues have come up.

This contact moment is intended to support you during the first phase of the integration process.

Do you experience serious physical or psychological symptoms in the meantime? Contact your GP or out-of-hours GP service immediately.

Safety

Ember8 reserves the right to refuse, interrupt or end a session or programme when:

• participation is not considered medically or psychologically responsible;
• relevant health information has not been provided;
• the client is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other mind-altering substances;
• safety instructions are not followed;
• there is aggressive, intimidating or boundary-crossing behaviour;
• the safety of the client, practitioner or others is at risk.

In such cases, there is no right to a refund of amounts already paid.

Liability

Participation in a session or programme takes place at your own responsibility.

Although Ember8 carefully prepares and guides every session, no guarantees can be given regarding the outcome or result.

Ember8 is not liable for damage or consequences arising from:

• incorrect or incomplete information provided by the client;
• withholding relevant medical or psychological information;
• failure to follow instructions or preparation guidelines;
• independently changing or stopping prescribed medication.

Declaration of agreement

By booking a session or programme, you declare that:

• you have fully read this Medical Disclaimer & Contraindications;
• you have provided all relevant medical, psychological and medication information fully and truthfully;
• you understand that Ember8 does not offer medical or psychological treatment;
• you understand that BRTT® (Body Remembers Trauma Therapy) and TRB® (Trauma Release Breathwork) can evoke physical and emotional responses;
• you participate voluntarily and remain responsible for your own health;
• you agree to the Terms & Conditions and the Privacy Policy.