How One Aromatherapist Helps Children Process Grief
Many years ago, Teresa Smith met a "hippie" who sold her a bottle of Lavender essential oil, saying it would help relieve her stress.
Teresa had always loved the natural world and decided to give the Lavender essential oil a try.
It worked!
That experience started Teresa on a journey, and she earned her Aromatherapy Certification with Aromahead Institute in 2012.
She learned that essential oils can support us in so many therapeutic ways—from calming inflammation, preventing infection, relieving headaches, and offering more mental focus. But the aspect of Aromatherapy that deeply inspired Teresa was the oils' ability to support people going through end-of-life transitions and grief.
She began volunteering with a local hospice, using her in-depth knowledge of essential oils to support clients and their families.
End-of-life transitions can be some of the most difficult times many people will ever experience. They are hard for people who are passing and for those who love them. Everyone involved needs support. Teresa helps people use essential oils as though they were friends, choosing the ideal oils for them to feel comforted, encouraged, calm, and uplifted through the process of transition and grieving. She works with both adults and children.
Helping children through grief is a special calling. Kids may not be able to understand or talk about the big feelings they are experiencing.
As Teresa points out, "Children process grief in different ways than adults. Many times their grieving process is not outwardly recognizable but manifests inwardly. Essential oils are such a balm to grief-related symptoms that a child cannot always identify."
The work itself is rewarding, but it's especially nice for Teresa when a child really seems to love the essential oils.
On one occasion, Teresa guided a group of children through making Aromatherapy inhalers. A few weeks later, an 8-year-old girl from the group excitedly told Teresa that she was still using her inhaler.
It is always fulfilling to be able to help a child!
I am so inspired by the way she is able to use Aromatherapy to help people get back to themselves during the process of grief. That is truly a gift!
She has a beautiful perspective on the oils—and the Aromatherapy community—that I would like to share with you.
I don't know if we are who we are before our relationships with the oils or if the oils make us into who we are, but I do know the Aromatherapy community is made up of the most giving and helpful individuals. The Aromahead Institute, Andrea Butje, and so many of the people I've met through the professional associations and conferences have amazed me with their willingness to share information and help each other advance. I am so thankful to be a part of this community.
And we are so thankful to have you, Teresa!
There are so many ways that essential oils can support us—you never know if one particular aspect of Aromatherapy is going to touch your soul and call to you. Education can help bring that out, so you can share your unique gifts with the world.
Gain the knowledge and skills you need to make therapeutically effective essential oil blends! The Aromatherapy Certification Program provides you with the highest-quality aromatherapy education available so you can feel 100% confident in your ability to use your essential oils safely and effectively. You’ll gain the expertise needed to create blends for others – and even transform your career!
