Safety
Our Safety Commitment
Shadow work surfaces difficult material by design. Every feature in this app is built around the principle that exploration should be challenging — but never harmful.
Safety-First Philosophy
Shadow Self combines deep Jungian psychological exploration with robust automated safeguards. The system operates across four layers — detection, intervention, access, and transparency — designed to be non-intrusive for healthy users while responding quickly when someone needs help.
Real-Time Crisis Detection
Every message to Sage is scanned before normal processing begins.
- • 50+ monitored crisis keywords
- • 3-tier risk levels (low / medium / high)
- • High risk bypasses AI — shows resources immediately
- • Escalation pattern recognition
24/7 Crisis Support Access
Persistent one-tap access to professional crisis support across all screens.
- • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- • Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741)
- • One-tap call and text
- • 24-hour dismissal option
Informed Consent System
Content warnings with intensity previews before challenging material.
- • Intensity-based risk previews
- • Required consent acknowledgment
- • Professional support recommendations
- • Gentle Mode reduces content intensity
Mental Health Resources
Curated directory of professional support services accessible at any time.
- • Therapy finder tools
- • Support group directories
- • International crisis support
- • findahelpline.com for 200+ countries
Safe AI Design
Sage (Claude Opus) is built around non-diagnostic, non-directive Jungian principles.
- • Crisis detection runs before every response
- • Non-diagnostic approach enforced in system prompt
- • Tiered message limits (25 / 35 / 50 per day)
- • Fallback system if AI unavailable
Manipulation Detection
Silent protection against attempts to misuse the system. Transparent to legitimate users.
- • Exploitation pattern detection
- • Control language analysis
- • Educational redirection (not punishment)
- • Graduated escalation with professional referrals
User Control
Multiple intensity levels so users can match the depth to their current capacity.
- • 4 intensity levels (Gentle to Intense)
- • Gentle Mode accessibility option
- • Pace at will — no forced progression
- • Reduced-motion support throughout
How the Safety System Works
Continuous Monitoring
Every message is analyzed in real-time for crisis indicators using keyword detection and pattern recognition before Sage formulates a response.
Risk Assessment
Concerning language triggers a 3-tier risk classification (low / medium / high) that determines which intervention path to take.
Immediate Intervention
High-risk detections bypass Sage entirely and display crisis resources directly — 988 Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and SAMHSA Helpline.
Ongoing Access
Professional resources remain accessible throughout every session via the persistent crisis banner, not just after a trigger is detected.
Professional Standards & Limitations
What We Are
- A self-exploration and personal growth tool
- Grounded in established Jungian psychology
- Equipped with layered automated safety measures
- Designed to complement — not replace — professional therapy
- Transparent about our architecture and data practices
What We Are Not
- A replacement for professional therapy or psychiatry
- Able to diagnose mental health conditions
- Appropriate as the sole support during active crisis
- Supervised by licensed mental health professionals
- A substitute for human therapeutic relationships
Emergency Crisis Resources
United States
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 — 24/7
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 — 24/7
SAMHSA Helpline
1-800-662-4357 — Treatment referrals
Emergency Services
Call 911 for immediate danger
International
Canada
Call or text 988 — Talk Suicide Canada
United Kingdom
116 123 — Samaritans (24/7)
Australia
13 11 14 — Lifeline Australia
Questions About Our Safety Measures?
We're committed to transparency. If you have questions about our safety protocols or suggestions for improvement, we'd love to hear from you.