The FES Professional Flower Essence Practitioner Certification Program
The FES Flower Essence Practitioner Certification Program
Learn the art and practice of Flower Essence Therapy
Have you heard the call?
to expand your flower essence knowledge
Do you yearn to better understand and connect with a rich diversity of essence plants in a deep way?
to serve more people with essences
Do you dream of widening the circle of people you help with essences and learn to work with clients?
to level up your essence practice
Are you ready to learn the most in-depth framework of flower essence therapy being taught today?
Whether you’re a committed flower essence enthusiast looking to begin a practice, or a seasoned practitioner wanting to expand your knowledge, we teach you in-depth flower essence therapy and qualify you for certification by the Flower Essence Society
The Spring 2026 cohort is currently underway
Join the waitlist to register your interest (no purchase required)
This is an enriched online learning experience with live lectures, high quality course materials, and meaningful group interactions. You will learn:
History of Essences & Flower Essence Therapy
Overview of flower essence history and the unique role and research of the Flower Essence Society
Plant Observation & the Language of Nature
The 12 Windows of Plant Perception and deep immersion into plant profiles, families, and archetypes
In-Depth Exploration of the FES & Bach Essences
Study and work with the North American essences of FES and the traditional Bach flower remedies*
Structured Flower Essence Therapy Framework
An archetypal map of the human soul can provide a structured framework to bring clarity to your essence practice
Principles of Flower Essence Selection
Selecting flower essences for others, plus practical opportunities to practice selecting essences for classmates
Plant Attunement & Essence Making
Experience learning directly from plants by practicing attunement, observation, and the essence making process
Structuring the Client Consultation
Step-by-step approaches to both the practical and therapeutic aspects of working with clients
The Art of Formulation & Treatment
Different approaches to formulating blends and application in the context of Flower Essence Therapy
Supporting Clients through Healing Cycles
Understand different ways people react to flower essences at different stages of their journey
The lessons were transmissions to my soul
The FES practitioner program with Ruth Toledo Altschuler was a life-changing opportunity. I was blown away by the materials provided throughout the program, and I connected intimately with the flowers through Ruth’s photos and her one-of-a-kind teaching style.
Danielle Backers, USA
Who this Course is For
For those who feel called to deepen their understanding of Flower Essences and their application in Flower Essence Therapy
Perfect for:
Intermediate and advanced students of Flower Essence Therapy
Wellness practitioners who’d like to add this modality to their offerings
Flower Essence practitioners who’d like to learn the FES North American and Bach essences
Anyone with a foundational understanding of flower essences (if you are a beginner, we highly recommend taking Bach Flower Foundations first)
I recommend Ruth’s course to anyone who feels drawn to the energies of the plant world
I searched for years for a Flower Essence Practitioner Certification course that not only taught me about flower essences but also encouraged me to get out into nature and experience the Flower energy through all my senses.
Ruth gave me all this and so much more. She’s very dedicated to the field of flower essences and is extremely supportive throughout the course.
Edel Gowing, Flower Essence Practitioner, Diviner, Quantum & Energy Healer, Ireland
Here’s What You Get
- Unlimited access to our comprehensive audio-visual Flower Essence Practitioner Certification Training Course
- 18 hours of live interaction in Zoom sessions
- 36 hours of pre-recorded video lessons
- FES Flower Essence A-Z Guide PDF
- The 12 Windows of Plant Perception PDF
- Reading the Book of Nature PDF
- The Metaflora Approach to Healing PDF
- Topical Application of Flower Essences PDF
- Four Stages of Response in Flower Essence Therapy PDF
- An 80-hour Certificate of Completion from the School for Flower Essence Studies, which includes a 60-hour certificate from the Flower Essence Society (FES)
- Eligibility to pursue certification with the Flower Essence Society
- BONUS: Trauma-Informed Flower Essence Therapy Replay
This course was the highlight of my year
Ruth’s grounded, organized and efficient presentation of the material, mixed with her unique, elegant, and organic explorations into the world of the FES and Bach flower essences really worked for me. This course with Ruth has truly set me on my own course in the best way possible.
Amanda K., USA
Officially Authorized by the Flower Essence Society
This program includes the full FES Professional Course curriculum and materials plus additional content from the School for Flower Essence Studies
Learn and practice an approach of comprehensive plant observation and plant study practice developed over the decades by the Flower Essence Society, described in their classic publication, the 12 Windows of Plant Perception. From a wealth of visual materials and live online immersion, you’ll come to an understanding of the archetypal qualities expressed by plants.
Understand the integrity required for flower essence preparation that is finely attuned to the plants. From there, you’ll be looking at the whole range of flower essence application.
Participate in discussions that will help you understand how flower essences impact individuals, based on the principles described as the Four Stages of Flower Essence Response.
Through expansive step-by-step immersion, see how the work of Dr. Bach is expressed in the framework of the eight MetaFlora Levels of the Human Soul to understand the reach and depth of Flower Essence Therapy.
Build depth in Flower Essence Therapy through the foundational understanding of the Archetypal Map of the Human Soul, as outlined in the MetaFlora approach to Healing.
Be inspired and oriented towards doing your own direct observation of plants and your own plant studies.
In tandem with your classmates of dedicated individuals who are committed to learning how to work with clients offering flower essences, you’ll have the opportunity to apply what you’re learning by working with one another — creating combinations and experimenting with a variety of approaches.
This is an 80 hour program which includes 60 hours of Flower Essence Society training. Upon finishing the course, you get two certificates of completion!
Go further and get certified! This program prepares you for the Flower Essence Practioner certification process through the Flower Essence Society
Practitioner Certification
through the Flower Essence Society (FES)
Upon completion of this course, you’ll have the option to certify with FES. Submission requirements:
- 3 Case Studies
- 1 Plant Study
- 1 Archetypal Character Study
Your final cases will be evaluated by Ruth Toledo Altschuler prior to being sent to FES for issuance of your official Practitioner Certificate.
$250 Reading Fee not included.
Additional mentoring options available.
Graduate Tracy O’Meara Smith with her FES Practitioner Certification
The empowerment derived from this experience is immeasurable
Securing the FES Certification was a pivotal and invaluable investment in my personal growth. Beyond its official recognition, the certification process embodied a transformative journey that fostered heightened sensitivity and an innate understanding of working with nature. I recommend this course without hesitation!
Tracy O’Meara Smith, Silverdale Holistic Therapy, Perth, Australia
Meet Your Instructor
Ruth Toledo Altschuler
Flower Essence Practitioner, Educator, and Mentor
FES trained me as a practitioner 33 years ago — they showed me how to understand the essences and their healing qualities by walking the path of Nature and learning through the actual teachings of the plants. This completely changed my life. Now, the Flower Essence Society has granted me the honor of offering their full Practitioner Training Program here in the US, using the methods and rich materials developed by them over the decades.
Serving as an educator and mentor helping the evolution of our field of Flower Essence Therapy is something I do out of a spirit of devotion and inspiration. I have lived and breathed in-depth Flower Essence Therapy for over three decades now, having gathered a unique combination of experience unparalleled in the field.
I’m devoted to this work and it’s approach due to the integrity that characterizes everything FES does, and the powerful alignment in their clear connection with Nature.
It’s from this place of intimacy with the FES Flower Essences and their signatures, that I offer to train practitioners based on FES’s very own MetaFlora approach to healing.
It has been our great honor to collaborate with Ruth for over three decades in the worldwide development of flower essence therapy. We consider her to be one of our most esteemed colleagues in this work.
She has continually brought remarkable understanding for the flower essences and how their distinct qualities guide the soul healing process with each client. Her grasp of our teaching is so intricate and precise that she has also served as the most outstanding translator for our words…with an ability to understand both intellectual concepts and deeper soul meaning simultaneously.
Her innovative online teaching programs instill awareness for the living archetypes of the flowers and how the human soul can fruitfully evolve through these profound messages of the flowers. We feel deeply thankful that through her programs, the beauty, truth, and healing purpose of the FES flowers and Dr. Bach’s original flowers can continue to shine their goodness into the world.
Patricia Kaminski & Richard Katz, Directors of the Flower Essence Society
Adjunct Instructors
Kathleen Aspenns
Kathleen is a Nature Intuitive, Certified Flower Essence Practitioner, Educator, and host of the Flower Essence Podcast.
As an Essence Researcher and Producer, she developed the Flora of Asia line of flower essences from herbal plants used in Chinese Medicine and cultivated in California.
In her practice, Kathleen helps animals and the people who love them with trauma-informed Flower Essence Therapy.
Rochana Felde
Rochana is a Flower Essence Educator, Practitioner, Content Designer, Business Coach, and host of the Flower Essence Podcast.
As a Plant Spirit Researcher she creates flower essences from the wild coastal cliffs, forests, and meadows of Northern California.
In her practice, Ro loves to help sensitives develop resilience, personal power, and business acumen with Flower Essence Therapy and business coaching.
Ruth, Kathleen, and Rochana are the founders of the School for Flower Essence Studies
Program Schedule
Spring 2026 Cohort Schedule
Self-Directed Study:
Course is open immediately upon registration
Begin study to prepare for live Zoom discussions
Live Zoom Sessions:
Every Friday for 9 weeks
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time
2026
- May 1
- May 8
- May 15
- May 22
- May 29
2026
- June 5
- June 12
- June 19
- June 26
Live sessions are interactive discussions
- With our hybrid learning module, all lessons have been pre-recorded in the course for your self-directed learning.
- The live sessions are meant to support you in your understanding and integration of the material.
- If you don’t enjoy being in the spotlight, that’s okay! We offer several avenues for you to ask your questions including our private discussion group.
All sessions recorded
We understand live attendance might not be feasible for certain time zones and situations, so don’t worry, all sessions are recorded and are posted in your cohort portal within 24 hours.
Pricing Options | Spring 2026 Cohort
Investment
- Early Bird pricing and payment plans will be announced during the next launch
What Students Have to Say
Gratitude for this deep and magical flower essence training!
I really can’t imagine a more wonderful teacher and guide to the FES flower essence curriculum than Ruth. She really confirmed what I believe about flower essence therapy – that it facilitates the most profound awakening of our true nature, and the most loving and compassionate healing of our human souls. Flower essence therapy is soul healing.
This was so much more than just learning ‘this flower essence is for this symptom’. I came away from the course with a deeper understanding of how the flowers can accompany the journey of a soul in human incarnation. The Meta Floral levels were so helpful in showing the various levels of healing we all encounter during this human journey, and how flower essences can be trusted companions.
I am also so appreciative of the additional breadth of wisdom and knowledge that was shared through Kathleen and Rochana. Ruth, Kathleen, and Rochana are an incredibly magical trio of guides to the flower kingdom. So grateful!!!
Maria Wristen
I knew I had found the mentor I was looking for
Ruth is a dedicated, generous, and inspiring mentor, teacher, and facilitator. I was considering different flower essence practitioner trainings to fulfill my goal of starting a practice. After having a consultation with Ruth, I knew I had found the mentor I was looking for. She brings a wealth of experience into the training program that offers so much value. I found the organization and structure helpful to my learning.
And I greatly appreciated Ruth’s encouraging presence and perhaps most of all her own personal connection to the flowers. She has continued to be supportive in fulfilling the certification requirements, above and beyond my expectations. I feel very fortunate to have participated in this training with Ruth and very prepared to move forward as a practitioner.”
Marsha Snider, MSW
I treasure Ruth as a teacher with years of expertise and profound insight and wisdom
Ruth Toledo Altschuler is a remarkable teacher and practitioner of Flower Essence Therapy. She’s also a professional photographer, a skill which she brings into her course work, helping people to see the beauty and signatures of flowers and their environments.
I feel lucky to have taken workshops and courses from her, learning about the benefits and energetic qualities of flowers and in which circumstances to use them. Ruth has a warm, compassionate way of interacting with students (some of whom are already professional Flower Essence Practitioners). She fosters a community spirit and dialogue among students within her courses.
I treasure Ruth as a teacher with years of expertise and profound insight and wisdom. I highly recommend her Flower Essence workshops and courses!
Eloise DeLeon
Energy Healer & Flower Essence Practitioner
New York, USA
I highly recommend this comprehensive training
Taking the Flower Essence Practitioner Certification Training with Ruth Altschuler was a joy in every way. This training was such a deep dive into the plants themselves, as well as the plants as flower essences. You learn how to really see the plant itself and its gesture, and the many levels of addressing our clients, in choosing the flower essences that go into the selection of a formula. Ruth has a gentle and perceptive way of teaching. You also get to enjoy her amazing photography of the plants. I highly recommend taking this training with Ruth, it very comprehensive and you will learn a lot.
Evfa C.
USA
I searched for years for a course like this
I searched for years for a Flower Essence Practitioner Certification course that not only taught me about flower essences but also encouraged me to get out into nature and make my own. To not just know what the essences are for but to get out into nature and experience the Flower energy through all my senses.
Ruth gave me all this and so much more. Ruth is a fountain of knowledge on flower essences and she is happy to share it all with her students. She’s very dedicated to the field of flower essences and is extremely supportive throughout the course.
I would not hesitate to recommend Ruth’s course to anyone who feels drawn to the energies of the plant world. Lastly, there was no problem taking part in the Zoom live sessions from Ireland as Ruth had them at a reasonable time making the course workable.
Edel Gowing
Flower Essence Practitioner, Diviner, Quantum & Energy Healer
Ireland
One of the best courses I've ever taken!
The FES Practitioner Certification Program was one of the best courses I’ve ever taken. I couldn’t wait for it to begin, and I didn’t want it to end!
Ruth, Rochana and Kathleen are not only incredibly knowledgeable and have so much depth of experience, but they are natural, inspiring teachers. The course was very well organized, which made the learning experience even more enjoyable. Each class and lesson left me feeling inspired, expansive and so excited to continue learning.
I am beyond grateful for this program and the guidance and foundation it has given me in the world of flower essences.
Lindsey O’Connor
I can't recommend this course highly enough
Having worked independently with flower essences for over 20 years, I wanted to study more deeply from a teacher and in a community. I knew it would be a rich experience, but I had yet to learn how expansive it would be. I feel deeply fortunate that I can learn from Ruth.
Her knowledge of and love for this work is profound, but even more than that, what she has to offer as a teacher and guide is rare. Flower essences practiced in their most sophisticated iteration are truly an art form–integrating Soul work that supports the arduous, wonderous task of being human like nothing else. Ruth embodies this with a full-hearted presence.
Ruth is an incredible listener and regards each student with deep respect and patience. She meets us all where we are and is deeply present, clear, and kind, making even complex material approachable and able to be integrated. She embodies this in a way that inspires and challenges me to work with the essences and my clients in such a way that honors the wisdom of nature, the Soul, and the pioneers of flower essence therapies. I can’t recommend this course highly enough.
Jessi Slavich
Vena Cava Skincare | Bodywork | Flower Essences
Portland, Oregon USA
I recommend this course without hesitation
This course expanded my knowledge and facilitated a profound inner transformation, unlocking an intuitive depth that now feels second nature in the realm of flower healing. This experience broadened my perspective and deepened my connection with the flowers and plants, revealing the profound importance of this relationship.
It provided a solid framework and foundation, empowering me to establish a business and practice that amplifies and nurtures my unique gifts.
What sets this course apart is the encouragement to develop one’s process and connection to the flowers and the work, which is crucial when working in the healing arts. The empowerment derived from this experience is immeasurable, transcending the mere acquisition of certification to enrich one’s profound connection with the natural world and flower healing.
Tracy O’Meara Smith
Silverdale Holistic Therapy
Perth, Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I take this course even if I don't want to become a practitioner?
Yes, over the decades many participants in these flower essence trainings have taken the courses for their own healing journey and inspiration rather than focusing on the practitioner certification path. They felt enriched by the discussions and gained deeper insight on the application of each essence. Additionally, they were inspired by the renewed connection with Nature and plants that came from the whole experience. The certification work to become a practitioner is entirely optional.
Q. When will this be offered again? How many times per year?
We open enrollment once or twice per year in the Spring and Fall.
The Spring program is typically a condensed, immersive schedule (approx. 5 weeks), and upcoming Fall programs may have a more extended schedule (6 months).
Q. Will there be recordings of the live classes? Are they downloadable?
Yes! All live sessions will be recorded and available in the course platform for unlimited viewing. They can also be downloaded.
If your schedule permits and you can attend the live sessions, we’d love to have you with us on the Zoom. Participating in the discussions will make your experience richer as you can engage with the teacher, with the material, and with the group real-time. Students love to feel in community with other flower essence folk!
Q. How soon are the recordings uploaded after the live sessions?
The recordings will be uploaded shortly after each session, usually the same day but within a maximum of 24 hours.
Q. Can I download the course materials?
You’ll be able to download the following Flower Essence Practitioner Certification course materials:
- FES publications (once you’ve signed the Copyright agreement)
- Course handouts
Q. What Flower Essences do I need to purchase or own?
We cover the 38 Bach flowers, the FES Quintessentials range, and the FES Range of Light in this program.
If you’re able to invest in all of these, they’ll be invaluable and will last you many years.
If you cannot invest in all the kits now, we recommend you wait until we cover the first half of the program. At that time each student compiles a tentative list of essences they feel will meet the needs of the clients they will tend to attract.
Ruth will review your list and give you personalized suggestions on what to purchase to meet the sphere of needs of your prospective clientele.
Pro Tip: You will want to work from 1/4 oz. stock bottles. In the future, 1 oz. sizes can be purchased to refill the 1/4 oz bottles when needed.
Q. Do I get a certificate of completion for the course?
Yes! Upon completion of all modules, two Certificates of Completion for this course will be available, one from the School for Flower Essence Studies and one from the Flower Essence Society.
This is different than the optional process of being certified by the Flower Essence Society (FES) as a practitioner after meeting their rigorous standards.
Q. What are the requirements for FES Certification?
To become a practitioner certified by the Flower Essence Society you need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of all course modules and assignments
- Completion of a Plant Study
- Completion of an Archetypal Character Study
- Completion and approval of 3 client Case Studies
Note that FES Certification is optional and requires an additional $250 Reading Fee.
Q. How much time will I have to complete my FES Certification work?
After this class, you will have one year to complete your cases and submission requirements.
If you need more time, you can ask for extensions. You can be sure you will receive encouragement to get through to the end!
Q. Can I call myself a Certified Flower Essence Practitioner after taking this course?
Once you’ve completed this Flower Essence Practitioner Certification course AND your submission of cases and studies have been reviewed and approved by Ruth and the Flower Essence Society, you’ll be “certifed”. Note that the term “certified” has different meanings depending on context, profession, and locales, but in this industry it’s generally accepted that the title “Certified Flower Essence Practitioner” indicates that case studies have been completed, reviewed, and approved by a well regarded certifying body or school (in this case, the Flower Essence Society).
Q. Does certification make me licensed to practice Flower Essence Therapy?
No. Just like Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Reiki, and other complementary modalities, Flower Essence Therapy is not a “licensed” profession in the United States — meaning that there is no state or federal government body regulating it. Certification is something done on a voluntary basis, standards vary greatly, and it’s not overseen by any one governing body.
Q. How do I access the course once I've registered?
To access the Flower Essence Practitioner Certification Program once registered:
Click Sign In on the upper right-hand corner of the website.
This will bring you to your Dashboard on our learning platform (and prompt you to log in if you are not already logged in).
Click on the program graphic to access the FES Practitioner Training course or the associated Material library and Cohort recordings.
Q. My password doesn't work, how do I reset my password?
If you have tried this and do not receive a reset email, please send a message to hello@floweressencestudies.com, and we will create a temporary password for you, which you can then update.
Q. Can alumni attend the live sessions for a reduced fee?
Yes! We love having our alumni students attend the live sessions again.
If you’ve taken the FES Practitioner training from us before and would like to resit the live sessions, you may do so for a fee of only $200. (We will never charge full price for repeating a course!)
Email us at hello@floweressencestudies.com to request a resit registration link.
Q. What's your return policy?
You must ask for a refund within 7 days of purchase. Email us at hello@floweressencestudies.com with your request.
