Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and provide therapeutic aromatherapy treatments other than massage. Treatments are based on the outcomes of an existing health assessment.
This unit applies to clinical 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. Prepare client for treatment | 1.1 Interpret treatment plan and clearly outline how the treatment will be provided and managed 1.2 Explain factors which may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment 1.3 Inform the client of possible physical or emotional reactions during and following a session and the appropriate course of action to take 1.4 Follow established protocols to physically prepare the client for treatment 1.5 Confirm client consent for treatment |
2. Prepare treatment oils and equipment | 2.1 Select oils and ingredients based on assessment indications and treatment plan 2.2 Blend and prepare oils to suit the treatment and its mode of administration 2.3 Select and safely set up equipment according to treatment requirements |
3. Administer aromatherapy treatments | 3.1 Follow established aromatherapy treatment sequences and techniques using prepared oils and products 3.2 Use the condition and response of the client as a continual feedback to the initial assessment 3.3 Position client to optimise their comfort while allowing for optimum application of techniques 3.4 Maintain client dignity through use of draping where required 3.5 Maintain postures that ensure a controlled distribution of body weight 3.6 Maintain client-focused attention throughout the treatment session 3.7 Recognise reactions to treatment and respond promptly if necessary |
4. Provide advice and resources to the client | 4.1 Provide clear information on therapeutic techniques being used, their therapeutic benefits and the underpinning philosophy 4.2 Educate client in relevant and practical techniques that support the treatment plan 4.3 Answer client queries with clarity, using appropriate language 4.4 Use honesty and integrity when explaining treatment plans, schedules and recommendations to the client 4.5 Promote client independence and responsibility in treatment when appropriate 4.6 Accurately document treatment provided and recommendations made to client |
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:
performed the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 120 hours of aromatherapy client consultation work
prepared for and managed at least 60 aromatherapy treatment sessions. Clients must include males and females from different stages of life with varied presentations
provided each of the following therapeutic treatments during the client consultation sessions according to client needs and aromatherapy principles and procedures:
compresses
poultices
mists/spritzes
dermal applications
vapourisation/inhalation
frictions
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:
legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) for treatment provision:
codes of conduct
duty of care
informed consent
mandatory reporting
practitioner/client boundaries
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
work role boundaries
working within scope of practice
presenting symptoms that require referral to a medical practitioner
work health and safety
aromatherapy treatment techniques and how to apply them, including what each technique does, what effects it might have and what the cautions and contraindications are – for the following:
compresses
poultices
mists/spritzes
dermal applications
vapourisation/inhalation
hydrotherapy – foot/hand bath, sitz, bath/spa, shower to prepare for homecare
frictions
potential reactions during treatment and how to respond:
discomfort
emotional reactions
feedback - verbal, tactile, visual
muscular spasms
body temperature discomfort
deep relaxation
potential reactions following treatment and appropriate client advice to provide
types of advice and resources that can be provided to clients for their use outside the clinical environment
documentation requirements for recording treatment details
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated clinical environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
client information – case history, treatment plan
private consultation area
towels/sheets for draping
essential oils
compresses
poultices
mists/spritzes
dermal applications
vapourisation/inhalation equipment
modelling of industry operating conditions, including provision of services to the general public
clinic supervision by a person who meets the assessor requirements outlined below for at least 80 of the 120 hours of client consultation work
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
In addition, assessors must:
have at least 3 years current experience working as a clinical aromatherapist providing services to the general public
hold practising membership of an Australian professional body that represents clinical aromatherapists
fulfil the continuing professional development requirements of the professional body to which they belong
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.