The Ability to Self-Soothe

Creating a Comforting Scent from Childhood

The ability to self-sooth is necessary for anyone going into the field of psychology. Partnering with an individual on the journey of emotional healing and spiritual reconciliation is taxing for both the patient and the therapist. After a day of giving proper focus to a client, a therapist can feel drained and psychically exhausted. It is important for any therapist to find healthy and fulfilling ways to center and re-energize. For those entering the field of art therapy, creativity is central in this process.

A group of Masters and Doctorate students in the Art Therapy program at Antioch University Seattle gathered for an experiential which focused on the concept of self-soothing. The directives were to create a comforting perfume that was reminiscent of childhood then compose a poem or piece of short prose about the experience. Using perfume-making supplies donated by Bramble Berry, Inc., seventeen students joyfully set out to self-sooth.

We were thrilled to be asked to participate in such a fun creative course. Since we work primarily with fragrances and soap supplies, none of us had ever heard of this type of art therapy and were intrigued by it all.

The following are some examples of the perfumes created and their accompanying poems.

Perfume Name: Sierra Madre Courtship

Scents used: Moonlight Pomegranate, Cold Water, Kentish Rain

O deep brown eyes

Makes my heart go pitter pat

He’s such a privilege

Perfume Name: Willow Fields

Scents used: Nag Champa, Patchouli

Romping through the weeping willows,

Waving to me in the wind,

I am at home with the Earth,

Romping through the weeping willows.

Perfume Name: Compilation/Moth Balls

Scents used: Patchouli, Honeysuckle, Spearmint

Old Scarves

Hyperaware

Birds drink/suckle

Eating flowers

Dirt

Garlic, sweat

Car oil

Perfume Name: Default Setting

Scents used: Moonlight Pomegranate, Orange Peel Cybilla

I kind of like lilies

But it didn’t smell like lilies

I kind of like lavender

But it didn’t smell like lavender

So I made a smell like Christmas

Perfume Name: Honey Bunch

Scents used: Oatmeal Milk and Honey, vanilla Select, Almond Cybilla, Kentish Rain

Sugary Sweet

Honey suckle

Fresh garden

Candy fun

Perfume Name: Treefort

Scents used: Peppermint, Christmas Forest

I played in a tree fort at a family cottage with my sister & cousins.

Lots of cedar, spruce, & white pine around.

I made a zip line & then flipped off it

& landed on my head when I was 11

Perfume Name: Baby Ava

Scents used: Vanilla Baby Powder Surplus, Oatmeal, Milk & Honey, Moonlight Pomegranate, Vanilla Select

You came so unexpected,

A true gift for the world.

So sweet and pure and innocent.

My brand new baby girl.

I wish that I could wrap you up to protect you from all harm.

I know you will live & learn,

And grow up to be strong.

But for now you are my little girl,

And I will keep you close and warm.

Perfume Name: Mom’s Christmas Cake

Scents used: Nag Champa, Almond Cybilla, Lilac, Lavender, Jasmine Dreams, Honeysuckle, Orange Peel Cybilla, Oatmeal Milk and Honey, Moondlight Pomegranate, Green Garden Cybilla

The early morning anticipation of the candied fruit & the almond oil. Using all my strength to mix the batter, round & round. Getting antsy, I just can’t wait for the time to come when we pour the batter into the pans & I am left with the best part: the spoon & bowl.