Aromatherapist

Aromatherapists use essential oils (extracted from plants) in a holistic treatment to help improve health and stimulate, calm or heal the body and mind. They can apply the oils in a number of ways, including through massage, blends in creams and lotions, preparations for baths, and inhalations.

Work activities

Aromatherapists believe that different oils can have different health benefits, so they use specific oils for different conditions. The aromatherapist blends the oils for the individual patient, they dilute them in carriers, such as a vegetable oil or cream. Generally, aromatherapists believe that essential oils can:

Help the skin to heal.
Reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Improve concentration and alertness.
Reduce stress and help people to sleep.
Improve the immune system.
Calm pain, for example, toothache and headache.
Improve the digestive system.

Aromatherapists can use massage to apply essential oils or advise the client to inhale them or use them in a bath. They could also prescribe a particular blend in a base product or oil. At the client’s first consultation, the aromatherapist takes a detailed case history. They ask the client about their condition, medical history, lifestyle, emotions and mental health. This helps the aromatherapist give the client a safe and appropriate treatment by choosing the right essential oils and methods of applying them.

Because aromatherapy uses a holistic approach, the treatment focuses on the person as a whole and not just on one specific health problem or set of symptoms. With the client’s permission, the aromatherapist might contact their GP to inform them that the client is considering aromatherapy treatments and to discuss the situation. The aromatherapist then decides on a course of treatment and blends together the appropriate essential oils. In most cases, the treatment includes massage using the blended oils. This can be either a full body massage or a massage of one part of the body, for example, the arms or the back.

Aromatherapists believe that inhaling essential oils, for example, from a large bowl filled with very hot water (steam inhalation) or piece of tissue, can encourage the body’s natural healing systems and have an uplifting effect on people’s moods (steam inhalations are not suitable for anyone suffering from asthma). Usually, aromatherapy treatment sessions last between 30 minutes and 90 minutes. The first treatment will take longer, as the aromatherapist needs to take a detailed case history. Between treatments, aromatherapists ensure that clean equipment is available and that the treatment couch is ready for the next person. They need to keep the treatment room safe, warm, clean and tidy.

Personal qualities and skills

To be an aromatherapist, you’ll need:

The ability to develop knowledge of anatomy, pathology and physiology during your training.
A caring personality, with the ability to empathise.
Good listening and communication skills.
Patience and sensitivity.
Physical fitness to give massages and spend time on your feet (aromatherapists can give some massages sitting down).
A thorough, methodical approach to analyse clients’ problems.
Attention to detail when mixing oils.
You’ll need business skills if you want to set up your own practice.

Pay and opportunities

Most aromatherapists are self-employed practitioners. Earnings for aromatherapists vary depending on the number of clients they see. Rates per session vary depending on length, experience and region.

Self-employed aromatherapists may choose their hours of work to suit their clients. Evening and weekend work is common and some aromatherapists make home visits.

The availability of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) on the NHS is limited, and in most cases the NHS will not offer such treatments.

Aromatherapists can work in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Because most aromatherapists are self-employed, there are very few advertised vacancies. Established practices might advertise on their own websites and through local newspapers, job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

There is no legal requirement to be state registered, so anyone can call themselves an aromatherapist. However, it’s very important to be properly trained and qualified in this profession. Clients will want to see evidence of this, including your ability to use essential oils safely. They will also expect you to have appropriate insurance. The Aromatherapy Council (AC) is the lead body for UK aromatherapy. It recommends that aromatherapists enter their names on the register kept by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or the General Regulatory Council for Complementary Therapies (GRCCT). At the moment, registration is voluntary. However, having your name on one or both of these registers will help you show your clients that you are properly trained and competent to practise. To register, you’ll need to show that you have trained and are working to the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for aromatherapy. The GRCCT and CNHC recognise a number of professional bodies. You can find a list of these on the GRCCT and CNHC websites.

Aromatherapy courses are available at a number of levels, including up to degree level in complementary therapy courses, for example. Degree courses can be linked to one of the professional aromatherapy associations and meet the required standards stated by the AC. It’s important to check that the course you are interested in meets these standards.

A level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of wellbeing and holistic therapist is available. You may be able to find an opportunity in aromatherapy at an established holistic therapist practice or centre.

You could progress into teaching, research or writing. Some aromatherapists train in another type of therapy.

Qualifications

To do a level 3 apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

To get onto a degree course, you will typically need:

Two to three A-levels. A science subject may be required.
GCSEs in English and maths.

Alternatives qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, may be acceptable.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

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