Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the foundations of aromatherapy practice, evaluate what makes a sustainable practice and then to develop an approach to own practice.
This unit applies to aromatherapists.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Establish foundations of aromatherapy practice | 1.1 Identify, access and interpret information on central philosophies of aromatherapy practice 1.2 Evaluate the aromatherapy system of treatment and its application to current health issues 1.3 Compare and contrast aromatherapy, other complementary health modalities and broader health practice |
2. Represent the aromatherapy framework | 2.1 Determine information needs of different individuals and groups 2.2 Identify key messages that represent the philosophy and practice of aromatherapy 2.3 Communicate information about aromatherapy at level of depth appropriate to audience needs |
3. Determine requirements for sustainable aromatherapy practice | 3.1 Identify key issues that affect the development and sustainability of professional practice 3.2 Take account of economic, environmental, human and social considerations and their impact on professional practice 3.3 Establish a personal health strategy that supports aromatherapy practice 3.4 Access, interpret and collate information that supports professional practice |
4. Develop approach to own practice | 4.1 Reflect on professional goals and aspirations 4.2 Identify and assess professional opportunities in aromatherapy 4.3 Reflect on the opportunities and constraints of individual personal circumstances 4.4 Make decisions about practice direction, based on reflection and research 4.5 Develop practical strategies that address own practice goals |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
used critical thinking skills to:
review and reflect on information from a range of sources about aromatherapy practice
evaluate and articulate requirements for sustainable aromatherapy practice
communicated key messages about aromatherapy therapy to meet the information needs of at least 3 different individuals or groups
developed goals for own practice that reflect the values and philosophies of aromatherapy
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
philosophies and principles of aromatherapy therapy:
historical development of aromatherapy
central philosophies
key individuals contributing to development
aromatherapy system of treatment
different types of aromatherapy treatments and their key benefits, features and purpose
psycho-aromatherapy – how this terms is used, what it is and the role of mind-body connection in aromatherapy practice
key features of complementary therapies used in conjunction with aromatherapy, including:
massage
reflexology
key features of allied health services and their relationship to aromatherapy, including:
reflexology
naturopathy
counselling
place of aromatherapy practice in the broader health care system
features and differences of allopathic and naturopathic approaches to health and health treatments
professional aromatherapy networks and industry bodies
features of aromatherapy product retailing
different models of professional aromatherapy practice and their key features:
sole practitioners
employment opportunities in retail and multi-modality clinics
issues for consideration in personal health strategy:
health and diet
rest
exercise
stress management
personal contraindications to particular aromatic plant oils
components of sustainable practice:
economic – opportunities and viability
environmental
human – personal health, professional development
social responsibility
aromatherapy self-care
legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) and how these are applied in individual practice:
children in the workplace
codes of conduct
continuing professional education
discrimination
dignity of risk
duty of care
human rights
infection control
informed consent
insurance requirements
mandatory reporting
practitioner/client boundaries
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations
work health and safety
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. Where simulation is used, it must reflect real working conditions by modelling industry operating conditions and contingencies, as well as using suitable facilities, equipment and resources.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency