These Standards of Practice were specifically written to aid in the practice of clinical aromatherapy within an integrated practice of essential oils, prayer and energy healing. Graduates of the CCA program are expected to abide by these standards of practice. Standards are dynamic, and subject to evaluation and subsequent change through time as practice norms evolve.
A Certified Clinical Aromatherapist who has graduated from the Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy practices within the scope of his/her background. This background is clearly represented to the client and the public in an appropriate manner such as a flyer or brochure outlining one’s credentials including the successful completion of approved courses in the CCA program as taught by approved instructors in the CCA program. The Certification in Clinical Aromatherapy granted through the Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy is appropriately displayed on request. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice are available for client/public inspection.
Standard 2
The certified clinical aromatherapist abides by individual state laws regarding touching the human body and receiving payment for services. Therefore graduates of the institute obtain the necessary licenses to touch the human body when charging for services. The certificed clinical aromatherapist obtains liability insurance through a reparable source that covers both energy healing and aromatherapy.
Standard 3
A certified clinical aromatherapist is a resource within his/her community to represent the practice of clinical aromatherapy and its relationship to other related individual practitioners, professions, institutions and organizations.
Standard 4
A certified clinical aromatherapist operates from a theoretical knowledge base of aromatherapy and maintains a commitment to continual learning and growing as a practitioner well grounded in the art, and the beginning scientific basis of essential oils as well as energetic principles. The art and science of Aromatherapy is characterized by the application of relevant information that provides the basis for a skilled use of essential oils and subsequent evaluation of the outcomes.
Standard 5
A certified clinical aromatherapist who combines knowledge of essential oils along with prayer and energetic principles in a healing practice, first obtains health information and performs an energy assessment that serves as background for understanding the parameters of the current health/healing need(s) of the client. The certified clinical aromatherapist does not diagnose or prescribe.
Standard 6
The certified clinical aromatherapist always ascertains whether the client has any allergies, or sensitivities to any known substances. When sensitivities to particular essential oils and/or the plants that produced them are known, that essential oil and any blends that contain that oil are not used.
Standard 7
The certified clinical aromatherapist is knowledgeable of toxic and phototoxic effects of certain oils and uses them with proper precautions as taught in the CCA program. When working with pregnant women in the first trimester, the certified clinical aromatherapist uses therapeutic essential oils judicially as taught in the CCA program.
Standard 8
The certified clinical aromatherapist in a healing practice gives an explanation regarding what is going to be done, how and why, based on the energy assessment and the knowledge of the aromatherapist. The health problem may be researched and more information may be offered. Personal testimonials may be given on how the essential oils work physically, emotionally and spiritually. The client is a fully knowledgeable participant in the health/healing process based on his/her ability and chooses whether to receive prayer, hands-on healing along with the use of essential oils. The individual need for an explanation, including depth and scope, is to be honored. Some want more explanations and some want less. However, all certified clinical aromatherapists are grounded in being able to explain to the client what he/she is doing and why. As the scientific basis for clinical aromatherapy is established, the certified clinical aromatherapist is knowledgeable and able to share that information.
Standard 9
The certified clinical aromatherapist explains the various differences between the British and French models of essential oils to clients. The client chooses whether to receive therapeutic essential oils diffused in the room, neat or diluted on the body or used only in the energetic field.
Standard 10
The treatment given by a certified clinical aromatherapist in a healing practice is based on the client’s individual need and established from the assessment of the energy system as outlined in the teaching materials produced by the CCA program. At no time should a certified clinical aromatherapist indicate that essential oils can remedy physical, emotional or spiritual issues. They can however share with the client that essential oils support the various systems within the body, support the body’s natural defenses, aid in maintaining normal cellular regeneration, are immune enhancing, mood elevating, help manage stress and frustration, help reduce the appearance of aging, improve mental clarity, are oxygenating, are aromatic, are high in antioxidants, boost stamina and energy, and promote overall health, vitality and longevity.
Standard 11
After the healing treatment, the energy system is reassessed to determine the effect of the treatment and need for further treatment of the energy system and/or referral. The certified clinical aromatherapist does not discuss diseases unless medically trained and does not make false “disease claims” regarding essential oils, herbs, or supplements. Whether the client chooses to continue using essential oils, herbs or supplements is a personal decision.
Standard 12
A confidential record is maintained on each client documenting the history, presenting need, assessment, findings, treatment—use of essential oils, prayer, energy treatments, evaluation, and follow-up plan.
Standard 13
Referrals are made to other professionals as needed. Certified clinical aromatherapists practice within the scope of their background, training, knowledge and experience.
Standard 14
The Certified clinical aromatherapist is committed to quality care and leadership. This requires a commitment to operate from a Code of Ethics. Graduates of ISHA’s certification in clinical aromatherapy program have read and subscribe to ISHA’s code of ethics and standards of practice and to those of the Alliance of International Aromatherpists and the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.
Standard 15
Certified Clinical Aromatherapists receive supervision and consultation for their healing practice as needed from qualified ISHA resources.
Standard 16
The certified clinical aromatherapist assumes personal responsibility for his/her own continuing education and professional development through available conferences, conventions, workshops, graduate courses, journals, teleseminars/webcasts, webinars and research. Through additional education, the certified clinical aromatherapist modifies his/her practice to assimilate new knowledge gained from continuing education.
Standard 17
The certified clinical aromatherapist seeks opportunities to participate with other health care providers to develop an integrated plan of care, as possible. The certified clinical aromatherapist communicates the benefits of essential oil use to the public and health care providers. The certified clinical aromatherapist is valued as a health team contributor.