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The HEARTS Process Training

A gentle touch therapy rooted in presence, stillness, and care, that is developed to support those living with cancer, frailty, or emotional distress.

The HEARTS Process is a gentle touch therapy developed within cancer care to bring calm and connection to those who may be too unwell, anxious, or emotionally vulnerable for traditional hands-on therapies.

 

HEARTS stands for:

Hands-on, Empathy, Aromas, Relaxation, Texture, and Sound - a blend of sensory elements that work together to create safety and stillness.

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At its heart is the use of light, rhythmical touch over clothing, combined with therapeutic presence, voice, and scent to support deep relaxation and nervous system regulation.

 

Now used in a wide range of care settings, HEARTS offers a simple yet powerful way to bring comfort, reassurance, and human connection through intentional touch.

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It has been applied effectively in:

 

  • Hospices and palliative care to support those at end of life

  • Oncology wards and cancer support centres for people undergoing treatment

  • Dementia care to soothe agitation and offer grounding connection

  • Children with autism or sensory processing needs, using adapted rhythm and commentary

  • Carer support environments, where stress relief and emotional regulation are essential

  • Community groups and volunteer teams seeking simple tools to offer calm presence

 

The process is adaptable, portable, and meaningful - no massage tables or clinical settings required. Just gentle presence, a calm hand, and the willingness to offer stillness.

What you'll Learn

The HEARTS Process is a gentle, multi-sensory approach designed to support individuals who are anxious, emotionally distressed, frail, or nearing the end of life. This training blends theory with hands-on practice to help you offer comfort through mindful presence and safe, over-clothing touch.

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Theoretical Foundations:

 

  • The meaning and intention behind each HEARTS element:

    Hands-on, Empathy, Aroma, Relaxation, Texture, and Sound

  • The role of therapeutic presence and empathy in care

  • Understanding the difference between offering calm and “fixing”

  • The use of commentary (voice) as a tool for reassurance and connection

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Practical Applications:

 

  • Practising a library of gentle touch techniques over clothing

  • Creating a sensory environment using texture, sound, and scent

  • Offering relaxation in a variety of care settings: home, hospice, dementia care, palliative care, and more

  • Adapting your approach for adults, children, or those with complex needs (e.g. autism, dementia)

  • Understanding scope, safety, and consent in fragile or emotionally vulnerable situations

 

This training is suitable for carers, volunteers, complementary therapists, and healthcare professionals seeking to bring softness, safety, and connection into their care practices - especially where words or conventional treatments may not reach.

Training Format

HEARTS can be learned in a format that suits your needs and availability:

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  • 1-hour, 2-hour, or half-day tasters

  • 1-day introductory training

  • 12-hour full training programme (required for practitioner certification)

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Training is delivered in small, supported groups with time to practise, reflect, and receive.

It can also be tailored for organisations, whether that’s a care home, hospice team, volunteer group, or support service.

 

If you’re interested in hosting this training within your team or community, please get in touch to explore options.

Who is it For?

  • Family or unpaid carers

  • Volunteer and hospice workers

  • Therapists and wellbeing practitioners

  • Anyone supporting someone through cancer, frailty, end-of-life care, or trauma

Certification

There are no prerequisites to attend.

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However, certification as a HEARTS Practitioner is available only to qualified therapists or health professionals who:

 

  • Complete the full 12-hour training, and

  • Submit two successful case studies

 

All attendees receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Pricing & Inclusions

  • Full programme (12 hours): £300 per person

  • Short tasters and intro sessions are priced separately

  • Group or organisational training is available, please enquire

Real Moments of Connection

True stories of how the HEARTS Process made a difference

A radiographer gently placed a patient’s own fleece over them, infused with a familiar scent. Using HEARTS touch and soft commentary, the patient relaxed for the first time in days before entering the treatment room alone.

A Moment of Calm Before Radiotherapy

  • How many sessions will I need?
    Some people come for one session and feel supported. Others come weekly, monthly or seasonally for ongoing care. After your first session, I’ll suggest a rhythm based on your needs, but you’re always in charge.
  • What should I wear or bring?
    You don’t need to bring anything special, just come as you are. For aromatherapy massage, it’s recommended to shower beforehand, as the therapeutic oils will continue to absorb and support your body for 6–8 hours after the session. Leaving them on the skin allows you to receive the full benefit. You may also wish to wear older or darker clothing afterwards. Even though towels are used during your session, trace amounts of oil can transfer and may cause staining or unpleasant smells if not properly washed. For consultation or scent-based sessions, no preparation is needed at all, just bring yourself.
  • What if I’m not sure what kind of session I need?
    That’s completely okay, most people don’t. You don’t need to figure it all out beforehand. We’ll start by talking through where you are and what you’re hoping for. Each session is shaped around your needs. You’re also welcome to get in touch and share your main concerns, we’ll help you design a healing path that feels right for you.
  • Can I give a session as a gift?
    Yes. Gift cards are available for both individual sessions and custom experiences. Contact me to arrange something meaningful.
  • Is it safe to receive aromatherapy if I’m on medication or undergoing treatment?
    Aromatherapy can be a gentle support alongside medical care, but it isn’t one-size-fits-all. Before we begin, I’ll ask you to share your medical history, current medications, lifestyle, and any specific concerns. This helps me: Understand interactions between essential oils and medications. Adjust blends or techniques to suit your body’s needs. Ensure safety and avoid any contraindications. I’m trained in clinical aromatherapy, oncology massage, and gentle touch therapies, and I regularly work with clients undergoing cancer treatment, living with chronic or emotional health challenges. Each session is fully tailored, so you can feel confident you’re receiving care that’s both safe and effective. Contact us to discuss your needs before booking.
  • Is this suitable for carers or people in emotionally demanding roles?
    Yes, very much so. Many participants join because they’re caring for others, professionally or personally. These sessions offer a chance to slow down and reconnect, without needing to talk about everything you’re holding.
  • Can I bring someone with me?
    Yes, absolutely. Many participants come with a friend, partner, or family member. If you’re unsure whether a session is right for your guest, just get in touch and we’ll explore it together.
  • Can I come just once, or do I need to join a series?
    You’re welcome to attend a single session or join monthly. Each session stands alone, but attending regularly often deepens the impact and connection. There’s no pressure—just come when you can.
  • What should I bring or wear?
    Just wear something comfortable you can move and rest in. All materials (including oils, journals, and blending tools) are provided unless otherwise noted. If it’s a hands-on session, you may wish to wear short sleeves or loose layers.
  • Do I need any prior experience to join a session?
    Not at all. These sessions are designed to be welcoming, accessible, and fully guided. You don’t need to know anything about aromatherapy, meditation, or touch techniques to take part.
  • What’s included in the full programme?
    Five full training days, printed course materials, hands-on activities, safety guidance, and access to ongoing support. You’ll also receive an oil box with selected essential oils and blending tools if you book the full programme at the start.
  • Is there an exam?
    For those seeking the Certificate of Competence, an external practical assessment is required as well as a portfolio of your study through the IFA. However, if you’re attending for your own learning or as part of a caring role, you can still benefit from each module and receive a Certificate of Attendance.
  • Do I need any previous training or qualifications?
    No. AromaCare is designed to be accessible to everyone, including family carers, volunteers, and support workers. You don’t need any background in aromatherapy or healthcare, just curiosity and compassion.
  • Is this a professional aromatherapy qualification?
    No, AromaCare does not qualify you as a professional aromatherapist. However, it is an IFA-accredited programme, and once completed, it can be insured as an add-on to existing caring roles or wellbeing practice. It’s a safe, practical approach to using essential oils within everyday care settings.
  • Can I attend individual modules or do I need to commit to the full programme?
    You can start with just the Introductory Day, which is required before attending any other modules. From there, you can choose to continue with one, some, or all of the remaining four modules. Booking the full programme in advance includes a complimentary oil box.
  • Can I use this at work or in a professional role?
    Yes. HEARTS is used in hospices, hospitals, care homes, and community services around the UK. If you’re a therapist or healthcare professional, you can become a certified HEARTS practitioner by completing the full programme and submitting case studies.
  • Is this massage? Will I need a massage table?
    No. The HEARTS Process is not massage. It involves gentle touch over clothing, often done in a chair or bed. No massage tables or oils are required, and the person receiving remains fully clothed and comfortable throughout.
  • Do I need to be a therapist or have previous training to join?
    No. Anyone is welcome to learn HEARTS whether you’re a family carer, volunteer, support worker, or someone offering emotional support to others. The techniques are simple, safe, and accessible to all.
  • What if I just want to support someone I care for at home?
    That’s a perfect reason to learn HEARTS. Many people take the course to support a loved one, especially during illness, end-of-life care, dementia, or emotional distress. You don’t need to be a professional to bring comfort.
  • What’s the difference between a taster and the full programme?
    Tasters (1–4 hours) are designed to give you a feel for the technique and how it works. The 12-hour full training offers the complete method, hands-on practice, and the option to work toward certification.
  • Is this safe for people who are frail, anxious, or approaching end of life?
    Yes. HEARTS was developed specifically for people in those situations. It’s a method grounded in empathy and safety, designed to be adapted moment by moment to the person’s needs, without requiring words or deep pressure.
  • Can you deliver online or hybrid sessions?
    Yes. While many of our sessions are most powerful in person, we’re happy to deliver talks and some sensory-based workshops online or in a blended format.
  • What types of organisations do you work with?
    We work with hospices, carer support groups, community charities, palliative care teams, and small organisations supporting elderly or vulnerable people. If your work involves emotional labour or care, we’d love to support you.
  • How much do sessions cost?
    Pricing depends on group size, session length, location, and format. We aim to keep our work accessible, especially for charities or under-resourced teams, and are always open to discussion.
  • Do we need any equipment or special space?
    No special setup is needed. We can adapt to most environments, offices, community halls, meeting rooms, or care spaces. If needed, we’ll bring everything required for the session.
  • Can you work with both staff and the people we support?
    Yes. We design sessions that can support staff wellbeing, training for carers, or direct experiences for the people you care for, such as patients, older adults, or community members. Just let us know who the session is for, and we’ll tailor it accordingly.

Still have questions?

That’s completely okay. You’re welcome to get in touch anytime.

We’ll find the pace and path that feels right for you.

Ready to Explore or Join?

If you’re unsure whether HEARTS is right for you or your setting, just reach out. I’d love to chat.

Which course(s) are you interested in?
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