How to become an Aromatherapist in Australia (2025 guide)

Do you find joy in helping others feel better with natural remedies? Are you curious about the healing power of essential oils and how they can support emotional and physical wellbeing? If so, training as an aromatherapist might just be your perfect path.

Whether you're exploring a career change or looking to add to your current natural therapy skills, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing approach that uses pure essential oils extracted from plants to support health and wellbeing. These oils are typically used through massage, inhalation, baths or compresses—each method tailored to an individual's needs.

The roots of aromatherapy can be traced back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, and Indigenous Australians all used aromatic plants for healing, spiritual rituals and cosmetic purposes. Even today, these cultural foundations influence how essential oils are used around the world.

Modern aromatherapy supports a wide variety of health concerns, including:

• Stress and anxiety

• Low mood or depression

• Insomnia and fatigue

• Menstrual discomfort and hormonal imbalances

• Digestive issues

• Skin conditions like acne or eczema

• Respiratory congestion

• Post-treatment support for cancer or chronic pain

Getting to know essential oils

Essential oils are the heart of aromatherapy. Each one offers unique properties, and understanding them is key to building effective treatments. Some common examples include:

• Lavender: Calms the nervous system and supports restful sleep

• Eucalyptus: Clears sinuses and assists with respiratory relief

• Tea tree: Antiseptic and antifungal, great for skin health

• Peppermint: Refreshing and helps with nausea or headaches

• Bergamot: Uplifts mood and eases stress

• Frankincense: Promotes deep breathing and emotional grounding

• Rose: Supports emotional healing and soothes the skin

Oils can be used on their own or blended for a more tailored effect. A blend of lavender and chamomile, for instance, is often used for relaxation and sleep support.

How are essential oils applied?

There are several safe and effective ways to use essential oils, depending on your goals:

Inhalation

Inhaling oils—whether through a diffuser, steam or directly from the bottle—can help shift emotions and affect the limbic system, the part of the brain linked to memory and mood.

Topical use

When diluted with a carrier oil (like sweet almond or coconut oil), essential oils can be applied to the skin to relieve tension, inflammation or skin issues. This is often done through massage.

Aromatic baths

Adding oils to a warm bath (with a dispersant like milk or carrier oil) is another popular method. It combines absorption through the skin with inhalation for a full-body experience.

Compresses

Aromatic compresses can be applied hot or cold to reduce swelling, muscle pain, or menstrual cramps.

Sprays and roll-ons

These are handy for on-the-go use. You might use a calming spray in your room before bed or a peppermint roll-on for a quick energy boost.

What does an aromatherapist do?

As an aromatherapist, your work may include:

• Conducting client consultations

• Creating personalised essential oil blends

• Performing aromatherapy massage

• Educating clients on how to use oils at home

• Collaborating with other wellness professionals

• Hosting workshops or selling natural products

Your day-to-day could be quite varied, depending on your niche and interests.

Career paths and work settings

There’s flexibility in how and where you practise aromatherapy. Options include:

• Running a private clinic or home-based studio

• Working in a spa, wellness centre or retreat

• Partnering with massage therapists, naturopaths or yoga teachers

• Offering online consultations and digital products

• Providing aromatherapy in aged care or hospital settings

Some practitioners also teach or create content for wellness blogs and social media, expanding both reach and impact.

Key skills for success

Being a skilled aromatherapist goes beyond knowing your oils. It’s also about how you connect with people. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening and empathy are essential.

Other valuable traits include:

• Emotional intelligence

• Clear communication

• Attention to detail

• A calm and grounding presence

• A genuine passion for holistic wellness

These skills help you create a safe and supportive environment for your clients.

Studying aromatherapy in Australia

While aromatherapy is not formally regulated in Australia, proper training is vital to practise safely and effectively. There are many quality courses to choose from—ranging from beginner-level certificates to advanced clinical diplomas.

Common study options

• Certificate in Aromatherapy: Offers a solid introduction to essential oils and safe usage

• Diploma of Clinical Aromatherapy: Includes in-depth training in assessment, anatomy, treatment design and massage

A reputable program will include:

• Essential oil safety and blending techniques

• Anatomy and physiology

• Client consultation and treatment planning

• Hands-on practice and massage skills

• Ethical considerations and business practices

Look for institutions affiliated with professional associations like:

• International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IAAMA)

• Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)

How to choose the right course

Here are a few things to consider when comparing schools:

• Is the course nationally recognised?

• Can you study online, in-person or through a blended model?

• What support is offered during and after the course?

• Are the instructors experienced professionals?

• What outcomes and pathways are available after graduating?

If you’re unsure, speak directly to a course advisor and ask detailed questions. It helps to get a sense of the school’s teaching style and career support.

What does the research say?

Aromatherapy has caught the attention of researchers in recent years. Studies suggest its effectiveness for a range of concerns:

• Anxiety: Lavender oil has been shown to ease anxiety in clinical settings, including before surgery or during stressful treatments

• Sleep: Oils like bergamot and chamomile have improved sleep quality in older adults and people with chronic sleep issues

• Pain: Aromatherapy massage using oils like ginger and peppermint may reduce pain in arthritis or during menstruation

• Cancer support: Peppermint and lemon oils have helped manage nausea in chemotherapy patients

For peer-reviewed research, browse through PubMed or other natural health science resources.

Is this the right path for you?

Before enrolling, take time to ask yourself:

• Am I drawn to natural and holistic health?

• Do I want to support others on their wellness journeys?

• Am I ready to study and invest in a new skill?

• Would I enjoy running a small business or being self-employed?

Clarifying your goals will help you choose the course and career path that suits you best.

Questions to ask potential course providers

When you’re ready to explore training options, be sure to ask:

• What is the total cost, and are payment plans available?

• Is the course self-paced or structured?

• Will I receive a nationally recognised qualification?

• Are practical hours required?

• Is there post-graduation support?

Doing your homework upfront ensures you get the most value out of your learning experience.

Launching your aromatherapy practice

After completing your training, it’s time to share your work with the world. Here are a few ways to start:

• Set up a profile on Natural Therapy Pages

• Design a simple, informative website

• Share wellness tips or oil blends on social media

• Join networking groups or professional associations

• Offer introductory sessions or workshops to build local trust

If you’re combining aromatherapy with another modality, think about creating tailored packages to offer more value to clients.

Wrapping it up

Studying to become an aromatherapist is more than just learning how to mix oils. It’s about tapping into your intuition, building a practice around empathy, and helping people feel more balanced and supported in their lives.

Whether you're dreaming of opening a peaceful home clinic or integrating aromatherapy into another healing modality, there's never been a better time to start.

Visit Natural Therapy Pages to explore aromatherapy courses near you and begin your journey into this rewarding and transformative field.