These days, it can be difficult to identify what type of aromatherapy you want. You may see the term aromatherapy, go for a therapy and then discover it’s a set massage sequence using a pre-blended oil. Technically, yes, this is aromatherapy, but it may not be as specialised as you’d like. If you see someone is offering clinical aromatherapy, then you should have a different experience. Clinical aromatherapy is a term which is often used by an aromatherapist who may be based at a clinic or is offering aromatherapy which can be blended for issues. If you book for a clinical aromatherapy appointment you may not even want a massage – and that’s fine. A clinical aromatherapy session is bespoke to you. If you don’t need or want a massage, then none is included. The focus of the appointment is about why you want the appointment. Usually, people booking a clinical aromatherapy appointment have a particular problem they’d like oils for. So, what happens during a clinical aromatherapy appointment?consultation The appointment begins with a detailed consultation which helps to identify the issue, understand the diagnosis you have, the medication you’re on and the issues you’re facing. As complementary therapists we do not diagnose conditions, and if we feel it is necessary, we will recommend you visit your GP. During the consultation it is important for us to understand what is happening in your treatment and identify any adverse impact we may have by offering a particular approach. After the consultation we talk with you about suitable ways to use the oils, what times of day you will be planning to use them and how they may interact with your current treatment plan. We then produce a bespoke blend in whichever form has been agreed by you and we tell you how to use it.essential oils The main focus of the session is to provide you with a blend you can use outside of the appointment, and then contact us for an update, change, or refill depending on your needs. If you contact a clinical aromatherapist for a massage, then you should expect a tailored blend for your session. Clinical aromatherapists will have a full box of oils to choose from, and will be able to blend the oils depending on whether you want to feel relaxed, refreshed, alert, calm, etc. They will not be fazed by a seeming contradictory mix of relaxed but alert, and will select oils to encourage the desired effect. Contacting a clinical aromatherapist may seem more expensive, but if you are looking for an appointment which considers you as a person and provides you with a distinct aroma, then you may find the investment worthwhile   Louise is an holistic therapist who owns Therapy Centre, Bristol BS14 9HB, a clinic offering a range of holistic and beauty therapies. Louise offers reflexology, aromatherapy, holistic massage, Indian head massage, reiki, baby massage and story massage. She is a mum of two boys and when she is not working she enjoys getting outdoors with her family.  For further information about Louise, visit louise-morgan.co.uk