This course is to teach therapists how to teach individuals or groups of mothers how to massage their own babies and children.  There are two modules, each of 2 days. The course covers:

•   Safety and contra-indications
•   Ethics and practice
•   Full assessment techniques
•   Full baby massage
•   Teaching skills to enable mothers to fully understand how to complete the procedure themselves
  
  

The course is assessed by

•   Reflective diary
•   5 case studies
  

The ADCA Course consists of five in–house modules.  Four modules are of five-days in length and the fifth module is four days, plus home study and practice relevant to each module.  The minimum period for the completion of this course is 12 months, and the maximum time recommended for completion is 48 months. To secure the practical and theoretical skills learned during the day, homework may be given to assist the students during the evenings of the course.

Comprehensive course notes and handouts are given out for each module. Treatment couches, towels, essential oils, carrier oils, and other aromatherapy products used during the course are provided. Textbooks, accommodation and food are not included in the fees.

ADCA Module 1
Attendance on this foundation module is enough for those who wish only to use essential oils safely at home, to help their family and to enhance their own life.

The course includes:

•   Aromatherapy massage, its principles and benefits
•   The properties and effects of 12 of the most popular essential oils
•   Methods of extraction, storage and blending and the use of carrier oils
•   History of aromatherapy and massage together with the philosophy of holistic healing
•   Introduction to botany, plant cell function and photosynthesis
•   10 case studies and 5 essays should be completed before Module 2
  
  
  

ADCA Module 2
The course includes:

• Comprehensive appreciation of body analysis for assessment of clients 
• Selecting and blending essential oils for a personal treatment plan
• Choosing appropriate oils, creams and lotions used in the aromatherapy treatment for specific ailments and conditions
• Extended massage principles are demonstrated and practiced thoroughly
• Introduction to plant families and therapeutic and physical properties of essential oils and their pharmacological effects on the body
• Properties and effects of 15 essential oils
• Introduction to hydrolats
• 15 case studies and 5 essays should be completed before Module 3
  
  
  

ADCA Module 3
The course includes:

• Specific techniques in massage including foot reflex massage.
• Information on plant families and essential oils is expanded
• Organic chemistry and essential oil components awareness
• Toxicity, essential oil purity and safety
• 15 carrier oils are discussed in depth
• Allergy and substance sensitivity
• The properties and effects of 15 essential oils
• 10 case studies and 5 essays should be completed before Module 4
  
  
  

ADCA Module 4
The course includes:

• Differences between plant medicine and orthodox medicine
• Comprehensive study of common ailments, including those arising from care for the elderly, pregnancy and paediatrics, depression, special needs and massage with cancer patients
• Olfaction and its psychosomatic effects
• The properties and effects of 12 essential oils
• Techniques for neck and shoulder massage and relaxation
• 5 case studies and written homework should be completed before Module 5
  
  
  

ADCA Module 5
The course includes:

• Business and management procedure are taught and cover some of the aspects of starting up and running a successful clinic including the client/therapist relationship.
• First Aid
• Exam, both practical and theory. 
  
  

The Diploma course is assessed by

• 2 ½ hour written examination
• 2 ½ hour practical assessment
• 200 hours of case studies
• Continuous assessment by homework and class work
  
  

Licentiate Diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy
Prerequisite – Chemistry for Aromatherapists, Aromatherapy Diploma

This course comprises two modules that have been designed to considerably enhance the aromatherapists knowledge and practical skills. Taught by specialist tutors, this course is for serious therapists wishing to extend their professional development.

LDCA Module 1
A three-day course taken after Chemistry for Aromatherapists CPD. Aromatic treatment is discussed historically to determine its place in practice today and the importance of integrity and integration of treatment regimes is emphasised.  The course includes much materia medica, where essential oils are pin–pointed by their chemical components to treat various specific conditions. Safety in practice is explored with different methods of application of essential oils, including intensive inhalation and raindrop treatments.

LDCA Module 2
This module teaches the theory of intensive use of essential oils and carrier oils both on the skin and also their controlled and informed internal use via vagina, rectum, teas, gargling, and ecapsulation. This module is designed to promote further the beneficial use of essential oils, as well as considering all possible hazards. Practical application techniques are taught including compresses, specialised local massage movements, specific reflex points, pessary and suppository manufacture and application.

Examination
The Licentiate Diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy is awarded after successful completion of:

• 10 case studies (100 hours)
• Completed course work (200 hours)
• 3–hour theory exam
• Practical assessment
  

The Fellowship Diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy
Prerequisites for the course - LDCA and commitment to further study and research.

This intensive 4-day module discusses models of research, how to plan and accurately carry out pilot studies and full research programmes, how to interpret results and how to write up the research. There will be lectures teaching literature search techniques and using different methodology models. Materia medica will be taught, giving the student an even deeper insight into the world of essential oils and their pharmacological effects.  Support is given by personal tutor throughout the dissertation process.

Examination
The examination is by successful completion of a 15,000 word dissertation.
A Fellowship is then granted by the Academy.