2008 International Conference of The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists

The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) is pleased to announce its 2008 International Conference, Annual General Meeting and Trade Show ~ to be held at the Angel Hotel in central Cardiff. The Conference will feature five experienced and stimulating speakers and a wide range of workshops. The event offers IFPA members an excellent opportunity to broaden their understanding of clinical aromatherapy and to enhance their therapeutic practice.

The luxurious Angel Hotel, housed in an elegant Victorian building, is a local landmark and one of Cardiff’s favourite hotels. Located in the heart of the city between the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle, it lies within easy walking distance of shops and local attractions and a 5–minute walk from the main station. This year’s Gala Dinner will be held in the Banquet Hall of Cardiff Castle, preceded by a tour of the castle apartments. This is likely to be a very popular event so early booking is advised (full payment is required when completing and returning the attached booking form).

Cardiff is easily accessible: from London via the M4; from the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland via the M6, M5 and M50; from the South and South West of England via the M5 and M4. There is parking in the city centre and the city has two Park & Ride services.

Dr Peter Davies MA,PhD, Dean of the School of Integrated Health, University of Westminster

Aromatherapy could play a much greater role in today’s health care. This talk will explain why Dr Davies believes this to be the case, why the emerging evidence base for clinical aromatherapy is important, and what is needed to bring about greater integration. Put simply, he would like to help aromatherapy reach for the skies! The talk will focus on some of the broad challenges that face Western health care, where there are ‘effectiveness gaps’ and why he believes aromatherapy could be effective in those areas. He will also look at the systems that could be put in place to demonstrate how aromatherapy is being used and for what conditions. Last but not least, Peter intends to look at the role of continuing professional education in ensuring that aromatherapy is practised to the highest possible standards with research, audit and critical reflection forming an integral part of day-to-day practice.

Peter graduated originally in Engineering at Cambridge University and did his doctorate in Biomedical Engineering at McGill University in Montreal. He has a background in medical computing and is a keen proponent of audit as a tool for monitoring and evaluating practice. Prior to joining the University of Westminster in 1993, he worked with the Marylebone Centre Trust who, together with the University, founded the Centre for Community Care and Primary Health. He was formerly co-course leader of the MSc Evaluation of Clinical Practice programme and was appointed Head of the School of Integrated Health in September 2000, and Dean in 2005. He is currently Vice-Chair of the Research Council for Complementary Medicine, is a member of the project team for the National Electronic Library for Health's Specialist Library in Complementary and Alternative Medicine. He also is a research advisor to the Foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as is a member of the advisory board of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.

11.00-12.00 ~ Aromatherapy for the Female System

Beverley Higham BA, Support Manager for Wigan and Leigh College in Lancashire.

Increasing numbers of women experiencing PMS or menopausal symptoms are finding that essential oils provide a simple, pleasant and natural solution to their frequent miseries. Modern medicine does not have all the answers. Complementarytherapies are bringing back the sensory skills into healthcare and the recognition that all aspects of a person’s health are significant. This is the essence of Aromatherapy. We need to be aware that the sense of smell is our most basic instinct and is closely linked to the reproductive system. Introducing essential oils can be euphoric, balancing and calming, helping to re-establish control. Aromatherapy can be supportive to women experiencing the many symptoms of monthly cycles, and helps to restore balance and harmony of body, mind and spirit. This presentation will focus on these aspects.

Beverley trained in Aromatherapy with Shirley Price 1988. During her career as an Aromatherapist she has been involved in many projects, working with people from all backgrounds. She initially set up training opportunities for hospice staff and the local Macmillan nurses on the benefits of Aromatherapy in palliative care. Beverley then went on to work with infant children from a special school who were using aroma to develop their senses. She has also had the privilege of working with children from Chernobyl. In 1995 she opened a clinic in Regent House Surgery in Chorley, working along side GPs offering Aromatherapy to patients. It is here where she gained excellent learning opportunities from a diverse range of case studies. Beverley continued her professional development throughout her career, studying Aromatology with Shirley Price and Dr. Daniel Penoel as well as a range of other programmes of study from MLD to Ayurveda. In 2000 Beverley and her students delivered a series of workshops in schools for personal and social development classes, which was one of the factors that contributed to her being awarded a CGLI Medal of Excellence in 2004. She is currently working with the Wigan and Leigh Renal unit where her Degree students are offering Aromatherapy to patients on dialysis, under the supervision of a consultant.

The importance of optimum self-care for Aromatherapists will be illustrated by the results of Sarah's recent research study investigating how complementary health practitioners are affected by the close therapeutic relationship. Sarah will also discuss other research findings that demonstrate the link between empathy, compassion fatigue and burnout and explain the likely mechanisms through which practitioners may be 'drained' or 'pick up' the emotions of their clients. You will also hear about some of the essential tools which enable practitioners to consciously empathise with their clients in order to minimise the potential risks of compassion fatigue and burnout. These tools are based on the work of the psychotherapist Babette Rothschild.

Sarah practised as a homoeopath, naturopath and hypnotherapist for over 20 years before finally experiencing burnout. This led her to embark on a Masters Research study on stress in complementary health at Thames Valley University, where she now lectures part time to complementary medicine students. Sarah has established the business Your Health 2 to present workshops for complementary health practitioners on work-life balance, stress management, using empathy safely and energetic protection. She is very keen to raise the awareness of the need for self- care and share the latest theories and strategies to improve the resilience of practitioners and reduce their risks of compassion fatigue and burnout.

Viruses ~ Philippa Buck
The 'm' technique® - Gentle Strokes for Fragile Folks ~ Jane Buckle
Infant Massage ~ Julie Duffy
Aromatherapy and Pregnancy ~ Shirley-Ann Foster
Different Approaches to Blending ~ Sue Jenkins
Supportive Care in Breast Cancer ~ Ann Leach
Good Vibrations ~ John Levine
Hydrosols ~ Carolyn Marshall
Policies and Protocols in the NHS ~ Fran Rawlings
Essential Oil Chemistry Revisited ~ Karen Sherwood

7.30 ~ Gala Dinner at the Banquet Hall, Cardiff Castle, preceded by a tour of the Castle Apartments (tour free of charge to diners)

Historic Cardiff Castle

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE – SUNDAY, 5th OCTOBER 2008

As an aromatherapist I have always looked at ways of incorporating aromatherapy into everyday environments. I have a particular interest in using aromatherapy with children. Four years ago I was given the chance to set up a project in an infants school – this project has proved successful from the start and is still ongoing. This has also lead to another more involved project in a local nursery school. In both projects aromatherapy is used in the learning areas with children who have specific needs, each receives a personalized blend for use in both the learning and home environments. I also work alongside the specialist support team to provide aromatherapy to special needs children.

I live in Derbyshire England with my son. I was widowed just after his birth and four months afterwards was made redundant. I retrained as an aromatherapist with Shirley Price International College of Aromatherapy and graduated with a distinction in July 2001. Initially I set up in business working from home. I have a special interest in babies and children and currently I am involved in two ongoing school projects – one in a nursery and the other in an infant’s school where aromatherapy is used in the classroom and with children who have specific needs. I began teaching in 2005 on a freelance basis and work for various organisations alongside private work through my own company, Essentially Holistic. I believe in inspiring learners through active learning and want them to go away passionate about the new knowledge they have acquired. I have recently completed a CertEd and began a partnership, Karita Holistic Training, to provide Aromatherapy-related training. I am the present Continuing Professional Development (CPD) chair of IFPA.

Rhiannon Harris, Co-Director of the Essential Oil Resource Consultants and Editor of The International Journal of Clinical Aromatherapy

In an increasingly medicated society, the possibility of drug-essential oil interactions is an issue that frequently challenges the professional aromatherapist. This lecture helps to bring some clarity to this sensitive issue, looking at the evidence of actual and potential risk and clearly identifying areas of concern. It also provides reassurance to the therapist as to the safety of holistic aromatherapy practice.

Viruses ~ Philippa Buck
Aromatherapy for Spiritual Growth ~ Anna-Louise Haigh
Complementary Therapy and People With Learning Difficulties ~ Lynda Hale
Different Approaches to Blending ~ Sue Jenkins
Supportive Care in Breast Cancer ~ Ann Leach
Good Vibrations ~ John Levine
Poster Making for Presentations ~ Rhiannon Mon Jones
Policies and Protocols in the NHS ~ Fran Rawlings
Essential Oil Chemistry Revisited ~ Karen Sherwood

The Conference Fee includes refreshments, lunch, all lectures and choice of workshops:

One Day – £82.25 (Aromatherapy student rate: £49.35)
Two Days – £159.62 (Aromatherapy student rate: £95.17 )
Gala Dinner – £35.00 (Places for the Gala Dinner are limited so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.)

For further information regarding IFPA membership, our annual International Conference,
or our professional journal 'In Essence' contact:
IFPA Admin Office, 82 Ashby Road, Hinckley, Leics LE10 1SN, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1455 637987
admin@ifparoma.org • www.ifparoma.org

2008 International Conference Annual General Meeting and Trade Show of The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists

2008 International Conference
Annual General Meeting and Trade Show
of The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists