Our experiences, especially emotionally difficult ones, can leave a lasting impression on how we think, feel, and respond to certain situations. For women who have experienced a difficult or traumatic birth, those emotions may continue long after the physical recovery is complete.
Finding ways to acknowledge, process, and move forward from those experiences can be an important part of emotional well-being. One approach that some women find helpful is Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT), a guided process that combines essential oils with intentional reflection and emotional awareness.
What Is Aroma Freedom Technique?
Aroma Freedom Technique was developed by psychologist Dr. Benjamin Perkus. It combines the use of essential oils with guided exercises designed to help individuals identify and explore negative thoughts, emotional patterns, and limiting beliefs.
During an AFT session, a trained facilitator guides you through a series of steps that may involve identifying an emotion or memory, noticing how it feels in your body, inhaling specific essential oils, and reflecting on what comes up throughout the process.
The goal is to create an opportunity for greater emotional awareness, clarity, and a more positive outlook moving forward.
Our sense of smell is closely connected to brain regions involved in emotion and memory. This connection is one reason aromatherapy is incorporated into the Aroma Freedom process. While certain aromas may help promote relaxation or influence mood, research has not established that AFT itself treats or resolves psychological trauma.
For women navigating emotions surrounding pregnancy, birth, or postpartum experiences, AFT may offer a complementary opportunity for reflection and emotional support.
Essential Oils Used During an Aroma Freedom Session
Essential oils are an important component of the Aroma Freedom process. Different oils and blends are selected to accompany various stages of the guided experience.
For a one-on-one or group Aroma Freedom session, it is recommended that you have the following essential oils available:
Lavender
Known for its gentle, floral aroma, lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy to encourage relaxation and a sense of calm. It can be particularly comforting when working through emotionally challenging thoughts or experiences.
Stress Away
This Young Living essential oil blend has a sweet, warm, and slightly citrusy aroma. It is often used to create a calming atmosphere and encourage feelings of relaxation during stressful moments.
Frankincense
With its earthy, grounding aroma, frankincense has traditionally been used during meditation, prayer, and quiet reflection. Many people enjoy using it when they want to feel more centered and present.
Inner Child
This Young Living blend has a sweet, comforting aroma and is incorporated into the Aroma Freedom process during reflection on past experiences and emotional patterns. Its name reflects the intention of approaching those experiences with compassion and understanding.
Release
Release is a Young Living essential oil blend with a rich, herbal aroma. Within an AFT session, it is used as part of the process of reflecting on emotions, beliefs, or experiences that someone may be ready to approach differently.
Transformation or Believe
These Young Living blends are commonly used toward the later stages of the Aroma Freedom process. Their aromas accompany reflection on new perspectives, intentions, and possibilities for moving forward.
What If You Don't Have All the Essential Oils?
Although the original essential oil recommendations are preferred for an Aroma Freedom session, there are alternatives if you don't have every oil available.
Here are the substitutions recommended by the facilitator:
| Recommended Oil | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|
| Lavender, Stress Away & Frankincense | Trauma Life blend, or proceed with the 1-2 oils you have available |
| Stress Away | Vanilla |
| Inner Child | Stress Away, Peace & Calming, Orange, or Joy |
| Release | Frankincense, Forgiveness, Thieves, or Purification |
| Transformation or Believe | Lemon, Citrus Fresh, or an uplifting Young Living oil you enjoy |
Remember, the purpose isn't to have a perfect collection of essential oils. If needed, you can even use fresh fruit for the Orange, Lemon, and Citrus Fresh! It is to have the appropriate tools available to participate comfortably in your guided session.
Whenever possible, use the original oils recommended by your facilitator. If you're uncertain about substitutions, reach out before your appointment.
How to Prepare for Your Aroma Freedom Session
Option 1: Request a Single-Use Essential Oil Sample Kit
If you don't already have the recommended essential oils, you can request a single-use sample kit when booking your Aroma Freedom session. Simply select the essential oil sample kit add-on at the time of booking, and the oils will be mailed directly to you.
Please request your sample kit at least 10 days before your scheduled session to allow enough time for delivery. This is a convenient option if you're new to essential oils or would prefer to experience AFT before purchasing full-size bottles.
Option 2: Purchase Your Own Essential Oils
If you prefer to have your own essential oils available for your session and future use, you can purchase the recommended oils individually.
The facilitator uses Young Living essential oils. You can explore the essential oils mentioned in this blog and learn more about Young Living's Seed to Seal quality commitment. Be sure to order far enough in advance for your oils to arrive before your appointment.
Creating Space for Emotional Healing After Birth
Birth is a deeply personal experience, and not every birth unfolds the way we hoped or imagined.
For some women, feelings of disappointment, fear, grief, anger, or a loss of control can remain long after their baby arrives. These emotions deserve acknowledgment, compassion, and support.
This is one reason I chose to incorporate Aroma Freedom Technique into my Birth Trauma Workshop. I believe women deserve opportunities to explore their birth experiences, feel heard, and discover supportive tools as they move forward.
AFT is one of the complementary approaches we introduce as part of that experience, recognizing that emotional healing looks different for every woman.
Whether you're preparing for an Aroma Freedom session or simply exploring different approaches to emotional wellness, remember that you don't have to navigate difficult experiences alone.
Interested in learning more?
To explore individual Aroma Freedom sessions, visit Messer Wellness.
If you're looking for support in processing a difficult or traumatic birth experience, I also invite you to learn more about my Birth Trauma Workshop and the resources available to support you on your journey.
Disclaimer: Aroma Freedom Technique and aromatherapy are complementary, non-medical practices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical or mental health condition. AFT is not psychotherapy and should not replace professional mental health care, including trauma-focused therapy when appropriate. Essential oils may cause sensitivities or allergic reactions; follow product safety guidance and consult a qualified healthcare professional with concerns, particularly during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or around infants and children.
DISCLAIMER
I’m a proud affiliate for some of these tools and products that are suggested on this page and throughout my site. Meaning if you click on a product and make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. My recommendations are based on knowledge and experience and I recommend them because they are genuinely useful and helpful, not because of the small commission that I may receive.
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