Professional Qualification

[Netvigator]

I'm quite crossed about recognition of professional bodies worldwide. The
IFA, IFPA, NAHA.....which one is most reputable and is accredited by most of
the countries? Any idea?

Thanks!

[Richard]

Thanks alot!
I want to receive a formal training in aromatherapy. I have visited both
IFA and IFPA websites. It seems to me that the course structure of IFPA

is

well-organised and indepth. However, it was founded not long ago as

compare

with IFA.

To cut a long story short ... you should find the courses about the same.
Some time ago IFA did plan to merge with RQA and ISPA to form the IFPA but
that never took place .... just RQA and ISPA merged to form IFPA. However,
at that time (during the merger 'run-u'p process) the Diploma courses were
alligned. However, I recall more to satisfy IFA course requirements than the
other way around.

The relationship between the two organisation is confusing too.
Is IFA's reputation better than IFPA?

Depends who you speak to ..... because the IFA has been around for a very
long time I would suggest it is much better known amongst the general
public. Of course the 'failed merger' has left relationships as 'not at
their best' between the now two organisations (IFA & IFPA) and Imo that may
well take some time to 'heal'. So I can understand the perception of same to
'outsiders' is confused. As for the final scenario in the longer term....
well take your pick from many possibilities ;o).

Richard/IFA
www.aromarich.btinternet.co.uk

[Richard]

snip

Hi there
Just found this group, and wanted to offer you a little extra view
point on this.

snip

Many of the people on my course had loads of other qualifications from
various bodies, and we came to the definate conclusion, that they all
offer a similar product, but that the most important thing to consider
(or one of them) is the collage itself - and especially the tutor! and
between us we had been through quite a few! at the end of the day, it
is the quality of the tutor and the work you put in that makes you a
good, bad, or mediocre therapist.

snip

Hi there,

I agree with much of that .... same for many forms of study in life.
However, the last bit is a point I can not agree with in whole (or too much)
particularly for this field of work. Sure it will help you get a good/better
Diploma but Imo that only provides the required skills to help you become a
good therapist. That road really only starts the moment you open the front
door to your first real client.

At the 'school' I attended for aromatherapy the A&P tutor was (just prior to
my study period) replaced after previous students continually complained
about her teaching methods etc. The replacement Imo made the topic a
pleasure to study. We had five 'key' specialist tutors and Imo four were
very good. I have come across countless situations through life that support
your comments in this respect. However, I am informed (by those who look
into these things) that in the UK most students (for aromatherapy training)
select a school/college which is closest to home .... this in the end being
their main criteria. Most worry about everything else (long term and short
term) later.

BTW I have tried a few therapists and by far the best I know, and one I used
for ten years before she moved abroad to work, didn't have a 'recognised'
qualification to hand .... and she would knock the socks off nearly all
that have.

Stay well ....... Richard
www.aromarich.btinternet.co.uk



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[Northern California Native]

Post by Netvigator
I'm quite crossed about recognition of professional bodies worldwide. The
IFA, IFPA, NAHA.....which one is most reputable and is accredited by most of
the countries? Any idea?
Thanks!

I don't give any credence to any of them.

My training was through Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt's Pacific Institute of
Aromatherapy. While Schnaubelt has
a great reputation, including with NAHA leaders/members, NAHA's "educational
parameters" are
too strict for PIA to be "approved" by them. Yet Schnaubelt, a doctorate in
chemistry from a reputable
German university, has more "authority" than most of the NAHA leaders.

With Aromatherapy, it's content and wisdom that count, not pieces of paper,
often from organizations
run by the same people who offer products endorsed by the organization.
Speak of conflict of interest!

[Kath aRe]

Post by Northern California Native
With Aromatherapy, it's content and wisdom that count, not pieces of paper,
often from organizations
run by the same people who offer products endorsed by the organization.
Speak of conflict of interest!

I completely agree with this point, no amount of qualifications and
certificates can give you wisdom, intuition, experience, know how,
etc, unfortunatly in this day and age, when people are encouraged to
sue anybody for pretty much anything, at least having that certificate
allows us to insure ourselves against that.

The one thing that annoyed me when I studied these subjects at
collage, was the amount of fellow students who reached the end of the
course, with very little knowlege and understanding of the subject,
but still passed because they googled well!

ooohhh! thats sounds bitter, but i'm not.

Kath aRe