I don’t “need” the certification. After all, the field of aromatherapy is not regulated. But it was something I set out to do when essential oils became a big part of my life. Mainly I wanted to learn. Bust mostly, because I am a coach and counselor educator, I needed to understand, at a deep level, various scopes of practice. Essential oils are big business in the wellness industry and they are becoming mainstream. Part of my teachings are about how to integrate aromatherapy into mental health and wellness practice with clients in a way that is ethical and within a practitioner’s remit as a certified or licensed professional.
Young Living Essential Oils
Honestly, after several years of total immersion as a Young Living Essential Oils member, using, sharing, reading and learning, I was gaining the knowledge I set out to acquire in the first place. Young Living’s website, virtual office and blogs, along with books and other resources from Life Science Publishing offers a wealth of information that should fulfill anyone’s desire to learn about essential oils- particularly, Young Living Essential Oils. So again, it’s not that I “need” the certification.
National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy
I decided that for me, while not practicing psychotherapy yet still holding a valid mental health license, and integrating a coach approach into my essential oils business, holding a valid aromatherapy credential gives me confidence in establishing a wellness and business relationship with others. Remember, I teach and consult with wellness and mental health practitioners who want to know how to be of service without compromising their legal and ethical responsibilities. I also want to demonstrate that I respect this gift from the earth. Essential oils are powerful and potent and I take this approach to wellness, purpose and abundance seriously. It’s no joke. I decided to become certified by taking a Level I course approved by National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA).
I don’t intend to practice clinical aromatherapy so Level I training is sufficient for me. I want to support people in their own development of wellness goals and foster self-reliance around the use of essential oils and other holistic approaches to health. Yet I respect the immense differences in approaches to essential oils so I wanted to learn and be able to teach others in ways that both support an informed approach to safety and application concerns and embraces Young Living’s approach to essential oil use.
Aromatherapy Registration Council
If I do pursue additional aromatherapy education, I do not intend to ever become a Registered Aromatherapist because the Aromatherapy Registration Council does not endorse internal use of essential oils unless clinically or medically prescribed, and I have moved way beyond a diagnositc and prescriptive approach in my work. I prefer to support and educate folks so that they can make an informed decision about how to use essential oils in their own life and work.
Among other restrictions, ARC also prohibits the use of or the teaching of the Raindrop Technique and similar approaches that utilize the neat application of essential oils. This runs counter to Gary Young’s teachings and philosophy. “Prohibit” is strong use of language within the field of aromatherapy- a field that is not regulated and holds so many varying theoretical and practical orientations to using essential oils.
At the end of the day, I encourage people to be knowledgeable about anything we put in or on our bodies- from food to shampoo. If you use Young Living Essential Oils, the first place to go for information is the label. Second place? The website.
Robin Hamilton @Wellness Wires says
Essential oil and massage can help us live a healthier life! I want to be a qualified massagist and aromatherapist!
Bella Hardy @ Healthnerdy.com says
I always appreciate when people share useful articles. I’m aromatherapy oils lover, but I’ve never heard about certified aromatherapists :(. Can I pin this post on my Pinterest board!? My followers will love it.
Stephanie says
Your blog was very informative! I am currently looking at options online and was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?
DeeAnna says
That sounds lovely. You don’t have to become certified to share Young Living Essential Oils. But if you are interested in being certified as an Intuitive Wellness Coach you might be interested in my course. https://havanawellnessstudio.com/intuitive-wellness-coach-certificate/
Jeannette Herbord says
Thank you for your post. I am new to YL but have been using their products as I believe in them. I want to learn more and want to gain everything my brain can absorb. I want to focus on the animal products and the raindrop therapy. I would also like to volunteer doing foot massages on the elderly. I have fibro but it is under control with few flare ups. That is why I never became a massage therapist. I would love your opinion on what you think about my path. Jeannette
Lori says
I very much appreciate what you are saying. I to am getting seriously involved with Young Living. I am traveling out of state to get my aromatherapy certification. I know that what i learn there will be things that i “already know” or have glanced over before. I definitely want my team and my clients (I am a licensed Massage Therapist) to know that I am taking my essential oils seriously. I really appreciate essential oils.
sean says
I like your point about taking the course simply because you take essential oils seriously. These days the internet allows people to gain a surface knowledge of a lot of things, but people rarely dive deep enough to become truly knowledgeable. The fact that you found something you were passionate about and invested in it to become more knowledgeable is admirable.