Certificate course in Aromatherapy with a specialization in psychiatry (ZAP)
Working professionally with essential oils - the certificate course for the psychiatric context
Do you work in psychiatric nursing and would like to acquire in-depth knowledge of aromatherapy? Aromatherapy, as a complementary care method, promotes health and well-being, alleviates symptoms, and is always tailored to the individual needs of the patient—in line with the nursing process and nursing diagnoses.
What awaits you?
In-depth training in the use of aromatherapy in psychiatric institutions, so that you can actively participate in the further development of aromatherapy in your environment.
Practical training: Our lecturers know what they are talking about – from their own experience in everyday nursing practice.
Qualified qualification: Certificate
Upgrade option: You can continue the course until you receive your diploma.
Who is this course intended for?
Psychiatric nurses who wish to apply aromatherapy within a predefined care concept. See the entry requirements for detailed information.
Regula Rudolf von Rohr, psychiatry expert
Aromatherapy in psychiatry
"In therapy, whether in group or individual settings, it is repeatedly and impressively demonstrated how people in psychological crises react directly to plant scents. Scents touch, provide access to emotions, can influence mood, and thus have a positive effect on drive and motivation. With dry inhalation, for example, applied in a scent bottle or scent stick, positive emotions can be enhanced or dealing with difficult symptoms and issues can be made easier."
Information on the certificate course with a specialization in psychiatry
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More details about the content and lecturers of the individual modules are linked below. A day of in-person instruction (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) corresponds to 7 learning hours; self-study, including preparation and follow-up phases, also corresponds to 7 learning hours.
- Basic seminar and fundamental knowledge, in-person day
Basic seminar and fundamental knowledge for self-study - Practical applications via the nose, in-person day
- Essential oils in a psychiatric context: In-person workshop
- Living plants and dancing molecules - In-person day
Living Plants and Dancing Molecules: Self-Study - Aromatherapy in healthcare institutions: In-person day
- Skin applications and palliative care in-person day
- Essential oils in a psychiatric context (advanced course) In-person day
- Wraps and compresses (basics) In-person day
Test
- Basic seminar and fundamental knowledge, in-person day
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The following requirements must be met for the certificate to be issued:
- Passed final exam
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Data from August 2026 onwards:
- Before August 20, 2026: Self-study/preparation phase for the follow-up module
- Thursday, August 20, 2026: Basic seminar and fundamental knowledge
- Friday, August 21, 2026: Applications via the nose
- Before September 8th: Self-study/preparation phase for the follow-up module
- Tuesday, September 8, 2026: Dancing Molecules
- Monday, September 14, 2026: Essential oils in a psychiatric context (basics)
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026: Aromatherapy in healthcare institutions
- Monday, October 26, 2026: Essential oils in a psychiatric context (advanced study)
- Friday, October 30, 2026: Wraps and Compresses Basic
- Wednesday, November 11, 2026: Skin applications and palliative care
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026: Exam (half day)
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Nursing professionals, health professionals, care professionals, health and social care assistants (AGS) working in a psychiatric context.
In justified cases, exceptions to the admission requirements are possible. Please contact us for a consultation or, in this case, submit a written application including a letter of motivation.
Register now
Location: farfalla Academy in Uster
Duration: 10 days - Price: CHF 2,535
Would you like to receive personal advice?
We'll help you find the right aromatherapy courses for you! Schedule an appointment online now or contact us directly at akademie@farfalla.ch.
Are there any questions left?
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Choosing the right course depends on your professional background and goals. Here you will find an overview of the different programs:
Aromatherapy courses for private use and for people in counseling and care
- Short course on aromatherapy for the home medicine cabinet (AHA, 5 days)
For whom? Anyone interested in using essential oils safely in everyday life.
Objective: To provide sound basic knowledge of aromatherapy for private use. - Certificate course in aromatherapy for counseling (ZAHA, 5 + 5 days)
For whom? All interested individuals who want to use essential oils safely in everyday life and are aiming for a certificate.
Objective: To provide sound basic knowledge of aromatherapy for private use. - Diploma course in Aromatherapy for counseling (DAHA; also bookable as an upgrade to AHA: AHA-Z + AHA-D, 5 + 5 + 7 days)
For whom? Interested individuals who wish to use essential oils safely in everyday life and within the scope of their professional field (e.g., coaching and consulting) or life area (family, caregiving, etc.).
Goal: Expertise in aromatherapy through coaching and consulting.
Short course for specialists in consulting/sales in pharmacies and drugstores
- Aroma expert: in pharmacies and drugstores (42 hours)
For whom? Professionals in pharmacies and drugstores who wish to provide customers with in-depth advice on aromatherapy measures, among other things.
Objective: Practical knowledge about essential oils, gentle organic floral waters, and organic carrier oils – as natural support in all phases of life and for many everyday ailments. A valuable addition to consultations and for meaningful complementary sales.
Certificate courses for nursing staff
- Certificate course in Aromatherapy without a specialization (ZAO, 10 days)
For whom? Nursing professionals (long-term care, acute care hospital, psychiatry)
Goal: Sound training in aromatherapy in a professional context.
- Certificate course in aromatherapy with a specialization in psychiatry (ZAP, 10 days)
For whom? Nursing professionals from a psychiatric institution.
Goal: To provide sound training in aromatherapy in a psychiatric institution.
Diploma courses with specific focus areas
- Diploma course in Aromatherapy for nursing staff (DAO, 17 days)
For whom? Nursing staff without a specific area of expertise (long-term care, acute care hospital, psychiatry)
Goal: Expertise for use in nursing care with the competence to implement aromatherapy professionally and independently in a facility.
- Diploma course in Aromatherapy/Aromacare for therapists (DAT, 17 days)
For whom? Therapists who want to specifically integrate aromatherapy into their services.
Objective: Expertise for the therapeutic use of essential oils.
- Diploma course in Aromatherapy/Aromacare with a specialization in Psychiatry (DAP, 17 days)
For whom? Nursing professionals or therapists with a focus on mental health.
Goal: Expertise for use in nursing care with the competence to implement aromatherapy professionally and independently in a facility.
- Short course on aromatherapy for the home medicine cabinet (AHA, 5 days)
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Components of in-person and e-learning
The course combines in-person seminars with a digital learning platform within a blended learning concept. The in-person sessions are supplemented by modern e-learning methods. Participants can flexibly complete individual learning phases within a defined timeframe. In addition, there are short learning assessments and the opportunity to contact the instructors with further questions.
This combination of structured self-study phases and interactive classroom modules allows for individual adaptation to personal learning pace and existing knowledge. All learning elements are didactically coordinated, ensuring that participants experience significant added value in their learning process through a clear structure and targeted tasks.
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Course certificates confirm participation and successful completion of the exams. The diploma also certifies passing the Aromatherapy/Aroma Care diploma exam and independently writing a thesis. This document documents and reflects the practical application of the acquired knowledge.
Recognition by the EMR
The part-time Aromatherapy course meets the requirements of the EMR quality label for the Empirical Medicine Register, requiring at least 100 hours of training. Medical or paramedical professionals who meet the necessary requirements can register aromatherapy as a recognized method with the EMR. Further details on the requirements can be found in the list of methods in the EMR regulations: EMR regulations .
Self-employment outside the healthcare sector
Individuals who do not have a healthcare background but are seeking freelance work such as consulting or private practice are advised to carefully assess their individual requirements. This includes, in particular, their previous education and cantonal legislation.
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The language of instruction is either Standard German or Swiss German, depending on the instructor. Upon request of individual participants, any seminar can be conducted in Standard German; this will be clarified at the beginning of each seminar.
Further information on aromatherapy courses and training can be found in the FAQ of the farfalla Academy.
