As colleges start up soon with a new quota of would-be therapists eager to receive their Aromatherpy training, now seems to be a good time to be providing advice on how students can get the most out of their training and deliver great assignments.

The advice which follows is meant for students following either NVQ or BTEC courses in Aromatherapy. Though the details of the courses will differ and there’s a greater emphasis on written assignments in the latter compared to the more practical approach of NVQs, most of the same principals apply when it comes to delivering good work.

Aromatherapy assignments – what’s important

For aromatherapy qualifications, case study type student assignments are an important part of the course. While it’s true that a good knowledge of the core essential oils is vital, there’s only so much that you can learn from reading. That’s why practising your skills on a real person, under supervision, is so very important.

So what is your course assessor/examiner looking for and how can you make sure that your work really shines through? Here are some pointers:

• Practice - practise your skills on as many family and friends as are willing. It’s only by experience and honest feedback from them that you will develop the various massage strokes and techniques that will make up your repertoire as a qualified, skilled therapist. The experience and ability your develop will also shine through in any practical or written work

• Understanding your essential oils – having a good knowledge of the prescribed range of oils and knowing how and when to use them appropriately is vital. Also having the confidence to match them to the needs of your clients is an important ability for any serious therapist and one that tutors will want to see reflected in your work. It’s a lot to do with asking your client the right questions and knowing how to interpret what they tell you and so adapting your treatment accordingly. To my mind this is just as important as having textbook knowledge of the “right” oils to use for specific conditions.

While much of aromatherapy is of course science, I also believe that there’s an important element of “art” within it which only comes with experience and confidence. Creating your own blends of essential oils is equal part science and art and knowing how to adapt treatments to suit the individual needs of each client requires a similar mix of skills.

• Don’t discriminate – it’s easy to avoid the broad diversity that is the human race, but it won’t do you any favours when it comes to training as a therapist! Treat as many different age ranges and conditions (safely, of course) as possible. Treating the elderly for example can be extremely rewarding and will help you develop your skills. If you’re a woman, don’t avoid treating male clients, though naturally in a context where you both feel comfortable. Your diversity of experience will be come through in our written and practical work and be certain to earn you glowing end of year references from your course tutor as well as setting you up well for life as a qualified therapist.

• Compassion – any therapist worth their salt will know that attitude is just as important as technique. Though it’s not strictly part of the course or measured in any way, without a good deal of compassion for your clients, you won’t get very far. Although you can learn appropriate listening technique and the right questions to ask, there’s not much you can do to learn compassion. Without it, neither you nor your client is going to be happy.

What you can do to help yourself

While all of this might sound somewhat intimidating to the new student, don’t despair! There’s plenty of help out there if you know where to look for it!

At Natural Touch we have a great deal of contact with colleges and talk to a wide range of lecturers on a daily basis. Where we all agree is in how important it is for students to understand the wider aromatherapy world and how it operates both as a business and a therapy. Gaining the type of additional experience outlined below will both help with course assignments and make sure you’re well prepared for life “on the outside” as a qualified therapist.

• Work experience - at Natural touch we do from time to time offer brief work placements which allow students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the aromatherapy business. A Natural Touch placement would teach students about:

• Aromatherapy and the range of connected businesses and business opportunities
• Overview of the testing of essential oils, provenance, quality etc
• Tracking of orders via internet etc
• Overview of blending, bottling facilities
• How orders are made up, packaged etc – the practicalities

• Talk to other professionals – asking for help and advice is nothing to be ashamed of and is one of the best ways to learn. If you find an experienced therapist and client who are happy for you to observe a treatment, then grab the opportunity.

If it’s information about essential oils you’re after, then Natural Touch operates a student helpline with an experience therapist available to offer a broad range of advice which can be used to help complete assignments. We can cover things like:

• Advice on appropriate use of a wide range of essential oils
• Suggesting oils to use for more unusual presenting conditions
• Overview of the testing of essential oils, provenance, quality, quality etc
• Help with blending, safety etc

In addition, Natural Touch is always happy to provide students with small samples of any more unusual oils that might be needed for assignments together with supporting quality certification etc.

Because of our many years combined experienced Natural Touch staff and therapists can also point students in the direction of a wide range of aromatherapy information sources – publications, organisations and websites etc. which can provide in-depth information about specific oils and conditions. We can also offer advice on life after training and setting up in business as a therapist.

Aromatherapy assignments – some practical advice to help you get ahead!

To conclude Louise Gould, a part time lecturer at Eastleigh College shares with us some advice on delivering great course work:

• Make sure that any work is expressed in your own words. Anyone can lift information and material from books. The ability to describe your case studies and practical experience in your words is what will make your work stand out

• When it comes to written exams, we all get a bit nervous. That old chestnut about taking the time to read the question properly is as true now as it always was

• You’ll find that most courses come with a heavy workload meaning it’s easy to get left behind. Whenever you’re given an assignment to hand in, do your best to work on it as soon as possible. That way you’ll stand a better chance of keeping up.

• While NVQ based courses have only pass or fail grades, both you and your tutor will know if you’ve gone the extra mile. Just remember that it’s your tutor who’ll be providing you with a reference for your first job!

Good luck!

Natural Touch supplies student starter kits for those studying aromatherapy together with guidelines and safety information. Students studying for a NVQ, ITEC, or VTCT qualification can have a kit tailored specifically for their course needs.