Wannabe Aromatherapist in the making

23rd JULY 2016 Saturday

Barbara Lina Lei (that’s me!) is a 46 year old, mom with a 18 year old boy and a 8 year old girl, who has been coaching as a waterbabies trainer for the past almost well 16+ years and hopes for someday a career change before she hits her big 50.

I am getting a headstart using my SkillsFuture credits and WTS eligibility for higher subsidy at SOHA Institute Pte Ltd. Given not much choices due to the limitation in my academic qualifications (most polytechnics courses requires a 5 GCE ‘O’s), study funds, time commitments; after much research, I am really happy I found the route towards my passion in holistic healing which started in 2013. I was not well and felt like a guinea pig in and out of Singapore Changi Hospital. This new route leads me to an international qualification by ITEC UK, ITEC level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy. I am so looking forward to being a certified aromatherapist!

ITEC stands for the International Therapy Examination Council, who have been in existence since 1947. ITEC is an English-based therapy examination body, registered with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), and their qualifications are recognised internationally.

WSQ funding for self sponsored individuals like myself, Singapore citizens aged above 21 may apply! Up to 80% for 25-40 years old and 90% for above 40 years old with no income requirement. Some courses like the ITEC level 3 Diploma in aromatherapy, sadly will cease to get subsidies very soon so if you are really keen to utilize your $500 SkillsFuture credit, make your pick quick, time is a cruel master and spares no man.

Yes I am officially taking the challenge! It’s on, intensive for the next 6 months. Feels like the first time I dived into swimming coaching and focusing on waterbabies. Totally fresh and new except now I am much older now. So so so darn excited. Pray hard, study smart, hang on. When one commits, one has to accomplish it! If I fail because I did not do my best, it’ll be really embarrassing, guilt and regrets. Just for six solid months intensive! Aiming for a distinction not just a pass. Even if I don’t get a distinction, I may just fall for credit or pass. If I aim just to pass, I might fall for fail. My silly philosophy, it’s all in the mind. Grading : Distinction -> Credit -> Pass -> Referred (Fail). Thank you for all the encouragement and support!!!!

Everything needs to start somewhere… 

Reminded me of when I first started coaching taking in new students I have only a handful of about 10 and grew to highest peak record of 72, those were the days! Subsequently my health failed me and hit by second pregnancy. Oh well… Enough looking back, if we focus on the past we might just miss the future. Moving on, here comes the wannabe aromatherapist in the making!

Certified Aromatherapist
A Certified Aromatherapist is the most common and probably the most appropriate term used to describe an aromatherapist who has taken a certified aromatherapy training program with an approved provider by a particular international organization. The training is an indication of the level of education that an aromatherapist has received. Certified aromatherapy courses vary considerably in length, depending upon the accreditation board and the level of training.

Diploma in Aromatherapy
Level 3 (International)
Advanced aromatherapy techniques are included in the course including lymphatic drainage and acupressure points as well as the holistic approach. The properties of 42 essential oils are studied and the course teaches the uses of the oils to create the remarkable results they provide. Key to the course are the Case Studies undertaken by students.

An aromatherapist practices the art and science of blending essential oils to help with a wide range of health related problems (using pure essential oils, and not synthetic oils used for fragrance purposes only). Experiencing aromatherapy through two main channels, the olfactory system and through topical absorption (through the skin). In essence, an aromatherapist can do one or more of the following jobs depending on personal experience and qualifications:

– work as an aromatherapy writer
– work as an aromatherapy teacher
– work as an aromatherapy educator
– work as a massage therapist
– work as a cosmetic aromatherapist
– work as a holistic aromatherapist
– work as an aromatherapy consultant
– work as a clinical aromatherapist
– work as an aromatherapy entrepreneur (creates a line of aromatherapy products / specialize in a particular area to promote aromatherapy / combine aromatherapy with other forms of complementary medicine / practices)

Certified Aromatherapists usually use the initials C.A. after their name as a profession recognition.

A lot will depend on own personal goals, how one intend to practice aromatherapy, and the level of commitment after being certified. May I invite you to join me on my journey as I dive into the world of essential oils and to being a Certified Aromatherapist. My objective is to share enough knowledge in making holistic measures a sustainable long term beneficial practice in all homes, for each and everyone to look and feel healthily vibrant inside out!

 

“Okay, knowledge shared knowledge gained… Check out my HOLISTIC JOURNALS” ~ Barbara