AFT Individual Session FAQs
What is AFT?
AFT stands for Aroma Freedom Technique. It is a step-by-step process for identifying and releasing negative thoughts, feelings and memories that interfere with reaching our goals and dreams. AFT is meant to be used as a way to set a person’s emotional energy flowing in a positive direction, towards growth and expansion rather than contracting in fear, doubt and paralysis. AFT uses Young Living Essential Oils to trigger a permanent shift in how we view ourselves and the world. A Certified AFT Practitioner may not be a therapist or counselor, but will walk you through the process.
Are essential oils included in your 1:1 zoom/and or in person AFT sessions?
Yes, if you don’t already have your own essential oils, however please book accordingly and at least 2 weeks ahead of time to allow for enough time for me to ship samples for your session. If you already have the AFT oils (listed in FAQ #3 below) have them ready when you have your 1:1 session with me.
What essential oils are recommended for the AFT session?
All the essential oils listed are Young Living Essential Oil specific: This technique due to the nature of the in depth work with the brain and limbic system, from research from the creator of AFT , ONLY YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS are recommended to be used with this technique no other brands will have the same effect. Clarity, Frankincense, Stress Away, Lavender, Inner Child, Release, Transformation, Believe and any other uplifting essential oil to you.
How is AFT different than aromatherapy?
In AFT:
There is no previous training required in aromatherapy.
There is no contact between the practitioner and the client.
Very few oils are required.
Oils are smelled only at certain key points during the AFT process.
Are essential oils really required in order for AFT to work for me?
It’s a well known fact that change takes 21 consecutive days of consistent effort. So, yes, the 12-step AFT process will “work” without essential oils. The desired outcome will take 21 days to achieve. Using Essential oils with the 12-step AFT process reduces this change to 3 days for most people.
Is it OK to use a carrier oil to extend the essential oils?
No, the addition of a carrier oil causes the essential oils to linger longer on the hands. When you use the essential oils “neat” they absorb quite readily so when you get to the next round, there is very little residual of the previous oil left on the hands.
What if I have no sense of smell?
Essential oils work even without sense of smell because molecularly they have constituents our bodies use at the cellular level. Essential oils are comprised of an array of naturally occurring constituents like esters, oxides, alcohols, phenols and aldehydes. Without giving you a full lesson in chemistry, let's use Roman Chamomile Essential Oil and Lavender Essential Oil as great examples. Lavender Essential Oil contains 40% linalyl acetate and Roman Chamomile Essential Oil contains 35% isobutyl angelate. The constituents don't specifically rely on a sense of smell.
Furthermore, focusing on and staying present to the feelings that you are aware of in your body as you hear the negative thought will let them begin to process through to completion. The oils just support and accelerate that natural process.
What if I don’t like the scent of the oils?
If having the essential oils on the hands and the hands directly over the nose is too strong, trying pulling your hands back from your face to a distance where you can still smell the scent and they aren’t so strong. While placing the essential oils directly into the palm of the hand is best, you may also try smelling the scent directly from the bottle.
Can you use “other” essential oil brands outside of the Young Living Essential Oils brand when completing any of the AFT methods/tools?
No. AFT was created to be used with YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS only. When you deeply inhale an essential oil, it needs to be pure and of the highest quality. The brain is a very sensitive organ so it’s important to make sure you aren’t inhaling oils that may have solvents, pesticides, or synthetic constituents. Young Living’s Seed to Seal Process ensures that what you are smelling is only the purest oil, properly cultivated, distilled, tested, and bottled.
Is AFT the same as psychotherapy?
No! AFT does not use any diagnostic labels, and does not treat any conditions. It is most often used on its own, but it has also been effectively integrated into many kinds of professional services including psychotherapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, and more.
How does AFT compare to psychotherapy?
In AFT there is no diagnosing or labeling.
AFT is NOT a treatment of any disease.
AFT does not require taking a history.
AFT can be used as a standalone session.
AFT can be learned by anyone.
AFT can be used on oneself or others.
AFT can be incorporated into ongoing therapy but does not replace such treatment.
AFT is very active and requires full participation of client.
AFT is meant to be used daily.
What is the purpose of emotion?
Emotions are an expression of our state of being and are often an attempt to get a particular need met. For example, often we experience pain and don’t express it, then we develop thoughts & beliefs that later block us. We are bundles of unresolved emotions and unresolved things are where we get stuck.
Do you have to be an AFT practitioner to use and complete AFT on myself outside of a personal session with you?
No, this process is so effective yet simple that my goal to my clients is after your 1:1 session, you will have the understanding and tools to perform the 60 sec reset daily when needed and a follow up 1:1 AFT is when you feel stuck in life again.
Is there any adverse reactions following an AFT session (Traditional 1:1 or 60 sec reset):
I encourage anyone before and after a session to drink plenty of water. When we are working on emotional clearing, it can create a “detox” effect in your physical body. There are also supplements that can be discussed in your 1:1 session. Resting, taking a detox bath with espom salts can help with any “detox” effect. In my past sessions, no adverse reactions have been noted with using the tips above. **I encourage anyone to check with your current health care provider if you are taking medications to ensure this is a right time for you. This doesn’t replace any medical treatment, diagnosis, or cure, AFT is simply a tool alongside other health modalities.
Is Certification required in order to do AFT?
No. Dr. Perkus hopes that everyone will do AFT regardless of whether they are certified. However, only certified practitioners are allowed to call themselves a "Certified AFT Practitioner" and charge for their services.
Can you do AFT on yourself?
Absolutely. It was actually designed to be used on oneself. Whenever you are feeling stuck or blocked in some area of your life, you can take yourself through the process and experience nearly instant results. Of course, you may also benefit from having someone help you through the process, whether it be a friend, spouse, or a Certified AFT Practitioner.
Do you offer small group/retreat speaking opportunities?
Yes! I would love to be your next speaker for your next retreat or small group. I offer small group trainings “ AFT 101” and everyone will get to experience a 60 sec reset. Contact me directly at hello@jamieschwegel.com to setup a direct consultation on what you are looking for and for rates. Prices vary.
Does any of the your “services” or “tools” that support self healing replace “traditional” therapies &/or psychological services?
No, AFT doesn’t replace any Mental Health Diagnosis or Treatments. AFT sessions aren’t intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. AFT is intended to be a tool of support alongside any of your other medical or healing modalities but doesn’t replace any medical needs or advice.
If I wanted to purchase my own essential oils for future and current AFT sessions do you have a recommendation on how to order with the most discounts?
Yes, if you currently don’t have a wholesale Young Living Account, I would love to enroll you and you can save 24% lifetime with wholesale pricing and no monthly order obligations just approx $50 a year to keep your account active. You will also get other education and resources as a member of my oily community. Use this link for enrollment: https://tinyurl.com/jamieschwegel