Here at the Wallace and Wallace Healing Center, we believe in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. True wellness isn’t achieved by addressing symptoms in isolation, but by understanding the intricate connections between our physical and emotional selves. In our pursuit of this integrated approach, we’ve found a powerful partnership in combining the profound depth of psychotherapy with the subtle, yet potent, support of clinical aromatherapy.
While many think of essential oils simply for their pleasant scents, clinical aromatherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses highly concentrated plant extracts to support physical and emotional health. When intentionally paired with the introspective work of psychotherapy, it becomes a remarkable tool for facilitating deeper healing and lasting change.
How Does This Partnership Work?
Our sense of smell is our most primal sense. Unlike other sensory information, scent bypasses the thalamus (the brain’s “switchboard”) and travels directly to the limbic system—the brain’s epicenter for emotion, memory, and behavior. This is why a single whiff of a specific scent can instantly transport us to a vivid memory and evoke a powerful emotional response.
Psychotherapy, on the other hand, works within the higher brain centers—the neocortex—engaging our capacity for language, reasoning, and conscious processing. It helps us understand our patterns, reframe our narratives, and develop new coping strategies.
By combining both, we create a beautiful dialogue between the "thinking" brain and the "feeling" brain, allowing for healing to occur on multiple levels simultaneously.
3 Ways Aromatherapy Supports the Therapeutic Journey
1. Creating a Container of Safety and Calm
The therapy room must be a sanctuary—a safe space where one feels secure enough to be vulnerable. We can use grounding and calming essential oils like Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Frankincense (Boswellia carterii), or Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) to diffuse in the room before a session. These scents signal to the primal brain that the environment is safe, helping to lower defenses, reduce anxiety, and ease the client into a more receptive state. This can be especially helpful for those who have experienced trauma or feel initial apprehension about therapy.
2. Accessing and Processing Emotions
Words can sometimes fail us when we’re navigating complex or buried emotions. Scent can serve as a key to unlock these feelings. A therapist might use an oil like Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) to gently uplift a heavy mood or Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) to help a client connect with feelings of self-compassion. By associating a specific, positive scent with a therapeutic breakthrough, we can also create an "anchor." The client can then use a personal inhaler with that same scent at home to reinforce the calm or confidence they cultivated in session, building resilience in their daily lives.
3. Somatic Integration: Healing the Body’s Memory of Trauma
Trauma and chronic stress are not just stored in our minds; they live in our bodies. Psychotherapy, particularly somatic-based modalities, helps release these physical holdings. Clinical aromatherapy acts as a direct support to this process. Soothing oils like Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) can be diluted in a lotion for a calming hand or shoulder massage during session, helping to calm the nervous system and gently guide a client back into their body when they feel dissociated or overwhelmed. This tangible, caring touch—enhanced by healing scent—can be profoundly regulating.
A Note on Safety and Professionalism
It is crucial to emphasize that we practice clinical aromatherapy, which is distinct from casual home use. Our certified aromatherapist works in consultation with your psychotherapist, using medical-grade, properly identified oils. We carefully consider each client’s unique history, medications, and therapeutic goals to create a safe and effective synergy. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it is a personalized layer of care integrated thoughtfully into your healing plan.
Embrace a Deeper Path to Wellness
At Wallace and Wallace, we are committed to offering innovative, evidence-informed, and holistic paths to wellness. The marriage of psychotherapy and clinical aromatherapy is a testament to this commitment—honoring the wisdom of both modern science and ancient healing traditions.
If you are curious about how this integrated approach could support your journey toward holistic wellness, we invite you to reach out. Let’s explore together how healing the mind and soothing the body can work in harmony to help you thrive.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact us today.