Standards of Practice

Effective Date: January 9, 2026

For Graduates of ISHA Clinical Aromatherapy (Level 1–3)  and Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry (HTSM)  

These Standards of Practice were written to support ethical, safe, and professionally responsible practice within ISHA’s integrated approach to essential oils, prayer, and energy healing. Graduates are expected to abide by the standards that apply to their level(s) of training and certification/completion.

Standards are dynamic and may be evaluated and updated over time as practice norms evolve.

 

Section A: Standards for All ISHA Graduates  

Standard A1 — Scope, Training, and Representation
Practitioners practice within the scope of their education, training, background, and experience. Credentials are represented clearly and accurately to clients and the public (e.g., website bio, brochure, flyer). ISHA credentials and certificates are displayed upon request. ISHA’s Code of Ethics and these Standards of Practice are available for client/public inspection.

Standard A2 — Legal Compliance, Touch, and Payment
Practitioners comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding touching the human body and receiving payment for services. When licensure is required for hands-on services, practitioners obtain and maintain the appropriate license(s) and operate within legal scope.

Standard A3 — Professional Insurance
Practitioners maintain professional liability insurance through a reputable provider appropriate to their services (including energy healing and/or aromatherapy, as applicable).

Standard A4 — Informed Consent and Client Choice
Practitioners explain what will be done, how, and why—at a level appropriate to the client—so the client can make an informed choice. Clients choose whether to receive prayer, hands-on energy work, and/or essential oils. The client’s preferences, comfort, pacing, and boundaries are honored at all times.

Standard A5 — No Diagnosis or Prescribing
Practitioners do not diagnose, prescribe, or treat medical conditions. Practitioners do not direct clients to discontinue medical care or medications and do not present their services as a substitute for licensed medical treatment.

Standard A6 — Confidentiality and Records
A confidential record is maintained for each client, documenting relevant history, presenting need, assessment, interventions used, client responses, evaluation, and a follow-up plan. Records are stored securely and handled responsibly.

Standard A7 — Referrals and Collaboration
Referrals are made to appropriate professionals as needed. When possible and appropriate, practitioners seek opportunities to collaborate respectfully with other providers in support of the client’s overall well-being.

Standard A8 — Professional Development and Ongoing Learning
Practitioners assume responsibility for continuing education and professional development (e.g., workshops, conferences, journals, webinars, research). New learning is integrated thoughtfully to strengthen skill, safety, and effectiveness.

Standard A9 — Consultation and Supervision
Practitioners seek supervision, consultation, and support as needed from qualified resources aligned with ISHA standards.

Standard A10 — Community Representation and Leadership
Practitioners serve as responsible representatives of ISHA’s work within their communities and conduct themselves with integrity, respect, and professionalism.

 

Section B: Additional Standards for ISHA Certified Aromatherapists (Level 1–3)

These standards apply to graduates practicing clinical aromatherapy within ISHA’s framework.

Standard B1 — Credentials and Public Communication
A Certified Aromatherapist (Level 1, 2, or 3) clearly represents their ISHA aromatherapy certification level and completed coursework in public materials. Certification documentation is available upon request.

Standard B2 — Knowledge Base and Responsible Practice
Certified Aromatherapists operate from a foundational knowledge base in aromatherapy and maintain a commitment to continual learning. Practice reflects both the art of aromatherapy and its developing scientific foundations, including ongoing evaluation of outcomes.

Standard B3 — Assessment and Information Gathering
When essential oils are used within a healing practice, the practitioner obtains relevant health information and conducts an energy assessment to understand the context and parameters of the client’s current concerns. The practitioner does not diagnose or prescribe.

Standard B4 — Allergies, Sensitivities, and Contraindications
Practitioners always ask about allergies, sensitivities, and relevant health considerations. If a sensitivity to a specific oil (or the plant source) is known, that oil and blends containing it are not used.

Standard B5 — Safety: Toxicity, Phototoxicity, and Pregnancy
Practitioners understand toxic and phototoxic risks and use essential oils with appropriate precautions as taught in the ISHA aromatherapy program. Extra caution is used with pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, and oils are used judiciously and within program guidelines.

Standard B6 — Client Education and Method of Use
Practitioners explain the options for use (as trained), which may include diffusion, diluted topical application, or energetic-field-only use. The client’s preferences and comfort guide the approach.

Standard B7 — Professional Framing and Claims
Practitioners do not make medical or disease claims about essential oils, herbs, or supplements. Practitioners may provide general education consistent with training—such as how essential oils are commonly used to support well-being (e.g., relaxation, stress support, mood support, and healthy lifestyle practices)—without presenting oils as cures or guaranteed remedies.

Standard B8 — Treatment Planning and Reassessment
Aromatherapy support is based on the client’s individual need and guided by assessment principles taught in the ISHA aromatherapy program. After the session, the energy system is reassessed to evaluate response and determine follow-up needs and/or referrals.

Standard B9 — Professional Context and Collaboration
Certified Aromatherapists may participate with other providers when appropriate to support integrated care and communicate respectfully about their role and scope.

Standard B10 — Ethical Alignment
ISHA aromatherapy graduates affirm and operate from a Code of Ethics and align, as applicable, with the standards of relevant professional aromatherapy organizations referenced by ISHA.

 

Section C: Additional Standards for Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry (HTSM) Practitioners

These standards apply to graduates practicing Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry.

Standard C1 — Training Path and Representation
A HTSM Healing Practitioner integrates Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry within the scope of their background. Training completion is represented accurately (e.g., HTSM 101–105 for Basic Healing Practitioner completion; HTSM 202–203 for Advanced Healing Practitioner completion, as applicable). Certificates of completion are displayed upon request.

Standard C2 — Legal Compliance for Touch and Payment
HTSM Healing Practitioners comply with state laws regarding touching the human body and receiving payment for services. When licensure is required, practitioners obtain and maintain appropriate credentials.

Standard C3 — Community and Institutional Guidelines
Practitioners represent HTSM responsibly within their community. When practicing under the auspices of a church or institution, practitioners follow the guidelines/standards of that organization or institution.

Standard C4 — Knowledge Base and Ongoing Growth
HTSM Healing Practitioners maintain a commitment to continual learning and growth, grounded in the art and developing scientific understanding of energetic healing and (when applicable) the informed use of essential oils.

Standard C5 — Assessment and Client Context
Practitioners obtain relevant health information and an energy assessment to understand the parameters of the client’s current needs. Practitioners do not diagnose or prescribe.

Standard C6 — Energetic Assessment and Spiritual Guidance
Practitioners assess the energy system using appropriate tools and training. This process may include spiritual guidance and intuitive information (e.g., clear hearing, clear seeing, clear feeling, inner knowing). While the depth and range may vary among practitioners, assessment is used responsibly to guide intervention.

Standard C7 — The Role of Healing and Client Autonomy
Healing is recognized as an individual lived experience. The practitioner serves as a facilitator, not the source of outcomes. HTSM practitioners recognize God/Divine Source as the cause of healing. The client remains in control at all times; pacing, openness, and intensity are guided by the client’s needs and consent.

Standard C8 — Respect for Spiritual Path and Beliefs
Practitioners honor the individual’s right to choose their spiritual path and respect the client’s beliefs and practices. HTSM is offered as a support that complements the client’s path, rooted in Christian love, compassion, and service, and modeled after the healing ministry of Jesus to all people.

Standard C9 — Prayerful Setting and Informed Participation
Sessions are conducted in an atmosphere of prayer. Practitioners explain what will be done, how, and why, including the roles of prayer, hands-on energy work, and anointing (when used). The client is a knowledgeable participant and chooses what they wish to receive.

Standard C10 — Treatment Planning and Reassessment
Interventions are based on the client’s individual needs and guided by the assessment framework outlined in HTSM teaching materials. After the session, the energy system is reassessed to evaluate response and determine follow-up needs and/or referrals.

Standard C11 — Records, Referrals, and Ethics
Practitioners maintain confidential records and make referrals as needed. Practitioners commit to quality care, leadership, and ethical practice under the HTSM Code of Ethics and appropriate supervision/consultation.