Unlocking Aromatic Freedom: Certification Guide

The Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT) is a unique approach to aromatherapy that uses essential oils to help people overcome negative thoughts, feelings, and memories that are holding them back from reaching their goals and dreams. Created by Dr. Benjamin Perkus, this technique combines psychology with aromatherapy to help individuals achieve emotional freedom. To become a certified practitioner, one must complete an extensive training program, such as the 16-week, 250-hour certification course offered by the Aroma Freedom Academy, and demonstrate competence in guiding others through the process.

Understand the basics of Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT)

The Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT) is a unique method that uses essential oils and aromatherapy to help individuals achieve emotional freedom. It was developed by Dr. Benjamin Perkus, who discovered a connection between scent and emotion while working in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). AFT is a safe and effective technique that can be used by anyone, including children, to overcome negative thoughts, feelings, and memories and achieve their goals and ambitions.

The basic concept behind AFT is that certain scents can help to shift awareness away from negative thoughts and emotions, initiating a positive outlook and attitude. This can result in greater confidence and inner freedom, allowing individuals to create the life they desire. The technique uses specific essential oils, such as lavender, frankincense, and stress away, which are calming to the brain and signal to the limbic system that it is safe to relax. This, in turn, can lead to increased feelings of confidence, energy, and freedom to live the life one desires.

AFT can be particularly helpful for individuals who feel stuck in negative mindsets, self-sabotaging behaviours, or distressing memories. It can also be used to interrupt the cycle of negative emotions, redefine them, and release chronic pain. One of the key benefits of AFT is that it can be self-directed, allowing individuals to work through the process in the privacy of their own homes. However, it is important to note that the technique should be followed correctly, using the recommended essential oils, to ensure effectiveness and safety.

The AFT process typically involves 12 steps, which are designed to help individuals identify and release negative thoughts and emotions, set inspiring goals, and take action towards achieving those goals. The steps include identifying and stating a goal, exploring the obstacles and emotions associated with that goal, using essential oils to shift awareness and initiate a positive outlook, and finally, taking action towards achieving the goal.

Overall, the basics of AFT involve understanding the power of scent to influence emotional states and using this knowledge to help individuals achieve greater emotional freedom and create the life they desire.

Learn the 12-step AFT process

The Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT) is a unique method that combines essential oils and aromatherapy to help individuals achieve their goals and ambitions by overcoming negative thoughts, feelings, and memories. Developed by Dr. Benjamin Perkus, a licensed clinical psychologist, the technique involves 12 steps and is safe for anyone to use.

• Begin by stating your goal out loud. Clearly articulate what you want to accomplish or achieve. Ask yourself if you believe this goal is achievable. Don't be afraid to set ambitious, seemingly impossible goals.
• Identify the obstacles preventing you from reaching your goal. Focus on the first thought that comes to mind, telling you that your goal is unattainable.
• Recognize the single, dominant emotion associated with this negative thought. Identify the emotion you are feeling, such as anger, sadness, fear, or shame. Name and express this emotion.
• Connect the emotion to your body. Understand that memories are not just stored in the brain but also at a deeper cellular level throughout the body. Identify the part of your body where you feel this particular emotion resides.
• Close your eyes and reflect on a previous time when you experienced the same emotion. Allow yourself to find this moment in time, whether it was in your childhood or more recently. Visualize it as an image or an internal "movie."
• Prepare a mix of equal parts Frankincense, Stress Away, and Lavender essential oils in the palm of your hand.
• Focus on the memory and the associated bodily sensation. Bring up the image, thought, and emotion from the previous steps. Inhale the scent of the essential oil mixture.
• Allow yourself to experience the emotions that arise. Don't fight or suppress them; instead, let them play out while continuing to breathe in the oils. Observe any changes in the imagery or bodily sensations.
• Recognize that you are starting to bypass the negative cycle. Note any changes in your visuals or new insights you have gained. Observe if you see yourself in a different light. Write down as many differences and changes as you can.
• Restate your goal out loud again and assess its achievability. If it still feels out of reach, return to step 2 and try again. Don't be discouraged if you need to repeat the process; breaking through long-standing cycles can take time.
• Create affirmations based on your new thoughts and insights. Reinforce positive beliefs and train your mind to shift from the negative to the positive. Repeat these affirmations twice a day for three days to help them take hold and resolve the cycle of negativity.
• Take action and make a plan to work towards your goal. You don't have to achieve it all at once; instead, focus on taking small steps forward.

By following these 12 steps in the order described, you will be able to break free from the things holding you back and create profound, positive changes in your life.

Know the essential oils required for AFT

The Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT) utilises essential oils and aromatherapy to help people achieve their goals by dissolving memories that are causing distress. The technique was developed by Dr. Benjamin Perkus, who discovered that holding the four primary aspects of consciousness together—feeling, thought, sensation, and imagination—while inhaling specific essential oils, had the effect of "dissolving" negative memories and emotions.

The essential oils required for AFT are lavender, frankincense, and Stress Away. These oils are used in the self-directed AFT process, which consists of 12 steps. The oils are combined in equal parts and inhaled during steps 6 and 7.

It is important to note that AFT should be performed with pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils. Young Living Oils are the brand of essential oils used in the development of the AFT process and are recommended for use in the technique.

Understand the differences between levels of certification

The Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT) certification is divided into four levels, each building on the last to provide a comprehensive understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of AFT.

The first level, AFT Foundations Certification, provides students with an overview of the "Big Picture" of Aroma Freedom. This includes the history of the technique, the rationale behind each step, and the structure and function of the six Aroma Freedom Techniques. Students will learn how to effectively use essential oils in their sessions and follow the 12-step AFT process. They will also learn how to help clients set inspiring goals and guide them towards dissolving the sources of their distress.

The second level, Quick Techniques and Groups Certification, focuses on teaching students several techniques to quickly shift emotional energy and improve their ability to name and stay in touch with their feelings. This level also covers working with specific populations, such as children, and tailoring AFT to their needs.

The third level, Trauma and Clinical Focus Certification, delves deeper into the understanding and treatment of trauma. Students learn about different forms of dissociation and how to utilize AFT methods to bring clients back into wholeness and integration. This level also covers the dynamics of depression and how to utilize AFT for resolving addictive tendencies.

The fourth and final level, Advanced AFT and Business Certification, teaches students how to develop their own courses combining AFT with their specific areas of expertise. It also covers the history of psychology and how AFT integrates with various therapeutic methods. Additionally, students learn about the concept of "Parts Work" and "Brainspotting," and how these concepts can be incorporated into AFT sessions.

Find a certified AFT practitioner

Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT) is a unique method that combines essential oils and aromatherapy to help people achieve their goals by dissolving negative thoughts, feelings, and memories. The process involves 12 steps, including identifying emotions, memories, and physical sensations associated with a particular goal. AFT practitioners guide their clients through this process, helping them to release limiting beliefs and achieve a deeper level of self-awareness and personal growth.

If you are looking for a certified AFT practitioner, there are several ways to find one. Firstly, you can visit the official Aroma Freedom website at aromafreedom.com. Here, you will find a directory of certified AFT practitioners who offer individual and group sessions, both online and in-person. The website allows you to filter, sort, and search for practitioners based on your preferences.

Additionally, some websites and individuals offer referrals to certified AFT practitioners. For example, the website realfoodrn.com provides an email address ([email protected]) to connect with their team of AFT practitioners. You can also find practitioners through word-of-mouth referrals or by searching for them on social media platforms.

When choosing an AFT practitioner, it is important to ensure they are certified and have completed the requirements for AFT Practitioner Certification under the supervision of Dr. Benjamin Perkus, the creator of the Aroma Freedom Technique. This ensures that they have the necessary training and expertise to guide you effectively through the process.

AFT practitioners are typically coaches or therapists who have been trained to assist clients in achieving their goals and resolving emotional blocks. They create a safe and supportive environment for their clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and memories. The process is designed to be gentle and non-invasive, making it accessible to anyone seeking more emotional freedom in their lives.

Frequently asked questions