Aromatherapist

Aromatherapists use essential oils to improve clients' physical and emotional well-being. Aromatherapy is particularly useful for stress-related problems and a variety of chronic conditions. Treatments are done on a one-to-one basis. Aromatherapists typically:

• take a full medical history from the clientdiscuss clients' lifestyle, diet, exercise regime, stress levels and allergies
• decide on oil blends and mix oils, usually applying them by full or partial body massage
• give the client aftercare instructions
• maintain client records.

Aromatherapists tend to work flexible hours, and may offer evening and weekend appointments. Some work part time. They may work in a range of environments including their own homes, complementary therapy clinics, spas, beauty salons or clients' homes. The job involves bending, stretching and some physical effort.

Salaries may range from £5,000 to £10,000 when starting out, to between £25,000 and £30,000 a year when well established.

An aromatherapist should:

• have excellent communication skills, particularly listening and speaking
• have good physical manipulative skills
• have empathy with patients and be sensitive to their problems be comfortable with close physical patient contact
• have an interest in complementary therapies
• like science, particularly biology and chemistry.

Over 25,000 people in the UK practise aromatherapy. Nearly all are self-employed. Some combine aromatherapy with other complementary or beauty therapies, such as reflexology and other forms of massage.

Aromatherapists start their careers by attending professional aromatherapy training courses. Most courses specify 18 as the minimum age to start training. Minimum entry requirements vary, but are usually at least 3 GCSEs (A*-C). The Diploma in society, health and development may be useful for this area of work.

It is important to choose a training course that meets the national occupational standards for aromatherapy and covers the Aromatherapy Council's core curriculum. Details of such courses are available on the Aromatherapy Council's website.

Training courses lead to diplomas awarded by the various aromatherapy organisations or by individual schools and colleges. Full-time, part-time and distance-learning options are available. There are also degree and foundation degree courses in complementary therapy which include aromatherapy modules.

Progress for self-employed aromatherapists usually means building the size and professional reputation of their business. Some aromatherapists also train in other complementary therapies, which allow them to offer additional services to their clients. Experienced aromatherapists may teach others. It may be possible to work abroad.

Further details