Aromatherapist

Aromatherapy involves therapeutic treatment that uses essential oils to promote physical and emotional well-being. It is a growing alternative in the medical field, providing an alternative to synthetic drugs and increasingly viewed as complementary with other ongoing medical treatments.

Most aromatherapists are self-employed, working either from home or travelling to their clients’ homes. A number work as part of a team of alternative health practitioners for private practices such as specialist and complementary health care clinics and health farms in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Work activities

• Undertaking patient consultations to gain information about lifestyle, symptoms, current and previous physical/medical history.
• Identifying appropriate essential oils for treatment.
• Blending oils together.
• Applying oils (often via therapeutic massage) and creating blends of oils that can be used for bathing and/or inhaling.
• Advising clients about the use of remedies.
• Liaising with GPs and making referrals to specialists.
• Providing advice about diet, exercise and lifestyle.
• Keeping accurate confidential patient records.
• Keeping up-to-date with research and new developments in the profession.
• Managing stock levels; teaching/supporting trainees.
• Marketing and promoting the business/practice.

Work conditions

Travel: necessary when visiting patients.
Work hours: can be flexible, particularly for aromatherapists who are self-employed.
Location: some opportunities are available across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland with health care clinics, the HSE and NHS Northern Ireland. Self-employed aromatherapists can work from home.

Typical employers

• The HSE
• NHS Northern Ireland
• Health care clinics
• Health farms

Entry requirements