# The edge of your competence

This is not medical or legal advice. It draws on the codes of professional associations and the ICF guide on referring a client to therapy (2018), as of 2026-10. Check the rules of your profession for your country.

## Signs to stop and refer

- The problem has been getting in the way of the client's daily life for weeks: self-care, work, home, leisure.
- The work is not moving: the client comes back to the same thing and only wants to talk it out.
- You see several signs of distress at once, not one: sharp mood swings, withdrawing from relationships, broken sleep, neglected daily life.
- Signals in yourself: "this is more than I can handle", anxiety when the client gets in touch, a feeling that the client depends on you too much.

Do not diagnose. Your job is to notice and refer.

## How to say it

1. In private and without hurry.
2. Start from your care for the client.
3. Name what you see, concretely.
4. Ask how they feel about turning to a specialist.
5. The decision is the client's, except when there is a risk of harm to themselves or others. The door to the conversation stays open.

## If there is danger right now

Call the local emergency service and stay with the person until help arrives.

The emergency number in my country: ______

## Where to refer

| Profile | Name or service | Contact | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| psychotherapist | | | |
| doctor | | | |
| crisis line | | | |
| support group | | | |