Active Intoxication - Active substance use, to the extent that they cannot attend the program without presenting as intoxicated or inhibited/disinhibited by drug/alcohol misuse. While there is no requirement of HiRR Co. that participants need to have sobriety to attend, they do need to be able to participate in a sober state.

Severe Untreated Mental Health– Severe and persistent mental health problems may also become a barrier for involvement in the program. For example, clients who experience psychoses, paranoia, or severe depression could all be exclusionary criteria, unless these issues are well monitored by their health care practitioner and would not interfere with other participant’s group participation or enjoyment.

Severe Untreated Trauma- Some prospective participants may have severe trauma in their past, such traumatic memories may be stirred by group discussions of abuse, videos presented, or information shared. For these individuals, it is best to refer them to individual counselling first, with the understanding that they would be welcome to join the workshops once they feel they have addressed their unresolved trauma.

Flooding - Participants who are unable to name their trauma experiences without becoming overwhelmed and 'flooded' with reactions beyond their capacity to manage, as well as participants who exhibit chronic and profound dissociation, require individual 'pre-group' counselling prior to workshop participation.

Suicidal - Participants who are actively self-harming or recently attempted suicide would also be best engaged through individual counselling before group workshop enrollment.

Crisis - Particiapnts who are facing current and chronic life crises – e.g. homelessness, or are unable to meet their basic needs, is also contra-indicated for inclusion in the group program. A basic degree of safety and stabilisation in life is necessary for people to participate fully in the group.

Violence - Adults who have perpetrated violent assaults causing injuries and/or demonstrate signs of coercive control or suspected intimate terrorism in their relationships will be carefully assessed upon registration. These individuals will permitted to attend workshops for prevention of further abuse but may be excluded if their current or past partner wishes to attend the workshop. The involvement of these individuals, referred to as ‘intimate terrorists' in some theology, could present serious safety concerns for their (ex) partner. It will be recommended that, prior to participation in a group workshop, they have engaged in individual counselling/therapy specifically addressing their controlling behaviour and/or trauma as a child.  If an individual has any violent or controlling tendancies or behaviours displayed, they may be deemed unsuitable for couples work planning.  Careful assessments of a couple as individuals prior to attending any sessions together will be completed. 

ABI/Anti-Social - Individuals who could not benefit from an insight-oriented group – e.g. those suffering severe brain injury, or who are anti-social in nature.