Association Statement: Withdrawal of Recommendation for Sam Vaknin

The Association for IEMT Practitioners no longer recommends Sam Vaknin, his teaching, training or services. Any previous recommendation or endorsement by the Association should now be regarded as withdrawn.

This decision reflects the serious concerns described in Andrew T. Austin’s recent statement, following the documentary Narcissist’s Playbook: Empathy Not Included and Isla Traquair’s companion podcast, The Storyteller: Narcissist’s Playbook. These publications present allegations of abuse and deception concerning Vaknin, including accounts from people who approached him for help. As Austin’s statement acknowledges, Vaknin disputes the allegations and his portrayal in the documentary and podcast.

A professional association’s recommendation can influence whom people trust, where they seek support and which training they choose. We must take that responsibility seriously, particularly where those seeking help may already be vulnerable.

Whatever educational value individuals may have found in Vaknin’s material, this does not provide sufficient grounds for our continued endorsement. The concerns raised are sufficiently serious that we no longer consider it appropriate to recommend his work or direct people towards his services.

For members, trainers and readers encountering older references, this statement supersedes any previous Association recommendation. Historical mentions, links or favourable comments should not be presented as evidence of current Association support.

Readers wishing to explore the material informing this decision can find the documentary here and Isla Traquair’s companion podcast here.

Our position is clear: Sam Vaknin no longer carries the recommendation or endorsement of the Association for IEMT Practitioners.