FAQ

I qualified in 1995, so over 25 years

My clients are people who struggle with finding a good work/life balance and who know that they need to relax both mentally and physically and get back to living a full life their way. They are ready to make changes and choose to commit to their own health and wellbeing and take control of their health. Maybe although they realise that relaxation and better sleep are the keys to feeling their best they just don’t know how to relax or get a good night’s sleep. I also specialise in pain relief.

My approach is based on my science background and extensive training. I merge ancient wisdom and knowledge of plants with modern science and research to understand how and why it works. I like as much of my work as possible to be evidence based. I spend a lot of time reading and researching essential oils and ways of using them.

Clients feel relaxed immediately during and after their session. I would expect the benefits of the session to start working straight away in terms of better sleep & relaxation. Pain relief may take a little longer but I expect you to do your ‘homework’ and use any cream/lotions I make up along with heeding any advice / monitoring, so I get a better understanding of your progress.

There are several ways of working with me, from the free sleep survey to a Facebook membership group, massage, online programmes or you can visit my treatment room in Wilton. There is even a VIP option including afternoon tea! Please see the Treatments page for more details or lets chat about what’s best for you.

The programmes are designed in four or six-month blocks so you get the best from your treatments and their effect is cumulative. However, some of my clients have been seeing me for over 10 years and find their monthly massage essential to their wellbeing and general health once they have resolved their initial reason for making an appointment. If you’re at all unsure, please call for a chat and we can work out the best option for you.

Please see the Treatments page

You get out what you put in, so do your homework! I believe everyone benefits from relaxation and better sleep. Everyone I treat leaves the treatment room feeling more relaxed. There is always something that can be done to make you feel more comfortable, even if there are complications or contraindications, some of which other therapists find ‘scary’ and refuse to treat! (Like pregnancy, cancer or stroke). Obviously in these cases, I seek the appropriate consent from a client’s medical doctor before starting on a treatment programme.

The preferred payment method is direct bank transfer prior to treatment, despatch of product purchases and/or in advance for packages. Fees for individual treatments, (not packages) may be paid by cash or cheque after your session. It may be possible to spread the cost of your treatment. Please contact us to discuss this more flexible option.

An initial consultation will take approx. 90 mins including treatment. For follow up treatments please allow an hour for your session. There is always a 10 minute re-assessment at the beginning of each session to measure your progress and make sure you get the most from your time with me. Telephone advice is offered in between sessions and if required aromatic home blends can be posted to you. For specific timings of treatments/calls in packages please look at the relevant page on the website.

Certainly not! Often illness or injuries are the triggers to prompt someone to initially come and see me. My clients recognise that, the more relaxed they are the better they feel and they make their own health and wellbeing a priority. Serving from a full cup!

Absolutely! I am constantly amazed by the power of the oils and I see the difference they make to people. I think it’s worth remembering that plants produce essential oils when they’re stressed by the threat of infection and predators, it’s fitting that we use them for the same thing. (Maybe not predators!!)

I remember my grandfather, I called him Sjabon who was an incredible gardener, showing me the ‘pretty flowers’ when I was about 3 years old and I thinking ‘but what does it do’? I started out with a conventional degree in microbiology & genetics and worked in a laboratory, which was interesting but I missed the people contact so I re-trained in Aromatherapy and then Aromatic Medicine, essential oil chemistry is fascinating!

Clinical Aromatherapy combines the understanding of the therapeutic properties of the essential oils with an evidence-based approach in terms of which oils to use for what ailment/relief etc.

Understanding a full history of my clients, taking into account their emotional and spiritual needs as well as their physical symptoms, is essential to ensure comprehensive and holistic care.

A Clinical Aromatherapist goes further than just accepting that Lavender, for example, is good for headaches because it’s been used for 5000 years. Although that may well be the case, a Clinical Aromatherapist will explore why it works (chemically, molecularly).

A responsible therapist should be aware of current research, be able to answer questions about efficacy and not rely on crystal swinging and tie dye… Coming from a scientific background has eased my path into working within the NHS, becoming accepted as part of the normal care when using allopathic terms.

No

No! I know a couple of excellent beauty therapists who I personally use and am happy to give you their details for any beauty treatments.

I am trained in and use a type of reflexology but I use oil rather than cream or talc for treatments and give you a blend to use at home in between sessions with me.

A firm believer in “jack of all trades master of none” I may use other techniques I have trained in, as tools, to support my aromatic therapy practice rather than as stand alone treatments.

There is more than a lifetime’s work and learning in essential oils alone and I prefer to concentrate on providing excellent Clinical Aromatherapy, which really works (rather than a host of therapies).

No, but please don’t wear your ‘best’ underwear as the essential oils may stain! You will be covered by a towel at all times but feel free to bring warm fluffy socks if you’re prone to cold feet! The room is kept warm but body temperature drops slightly during massage. Some people prefer to bring comfortable clothes to change into after their session rather than putting smart clothes back on.

Out of respect to other clients, (who maybe waiting for an appointment) a minimum of 24 hours notice is required for cancellations. A late cancellation fee will be charged on appointments cancelled within 24hours.

Please arrive promptly for your appointment. If you arrive a few minutes late (even with the best planning, it sometimes happens), we will continue with your session but unfortunately it will not be able to be extended and will finish at the scheduled time.

If you have received a gift voucher, you have six months from the date of the voucher to redeem it. Appointments for the most popular times can book up weeks or months in advance, so please don’t leave it to the last minute to book your session. Generally gift vouchers cannot be extended. The terms and conditions are on the reverse of your voucher.

Get in Touch

For further information about the benefits of aromatic therapy, to book a consultation or appointment, call the Shelley Baker Aromatic Therapy practice today.

01722 672072 | 07732 174614
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