Welcome to the course! All practical information as well as schedule can be found here.

Lesson 1 The Fragrant Brain How smell perception works The brain structures and pathways involved in olfaction The nose-to-brain route Interpreting the neurotransmitter and brain wave data Lesson outcomes Describe the principal brain structures impacted when we smell something List three neurotransmitters and their functions Explain the meaning of “nose-to-brain route”.

Why we use fragrance Odors & mental states The many variables influencing our smell perception Different ways to smell and sniff and their effects Lesson outcomes Give examples of different ways to sniff and their perceptual consequences Explain why we may experience the same odors differently List four factors influencing smell perception

Olfactory function and dysfunction (the osmias) Diagnosis of cognitive impairment Quality of life impacts Smell training Lesson outcomes Assess an individual’s olfactory capacity Use smell training to improve smell dysfunction

This is an opportunity for you to join us live and bring your questions to receive feedback from Robert.

Hedonics and the brain Pleasant and unpleasant odors and their effect on us Sexual function and dysfunction Appetite and weight control Addictions Lesson outcomes Assess a clients olfactory preferences Use odor to help mitigate eating disorders Use odor to help mitigate chemical dependence

The various mood disorders and the depressed brain Depression and mood elevation Seasonal affective disorder The inter-relationship between anosmia and depression Lesson outcomes Use odor to reduce the impact of depression Use odor to improve mood Use smell assessment as a possible indicator of mental health

This is an opportunity for you to join us live and bring your questions to receive feedback from Robert.

The various anxieties and phobias Mechanisms (GABA, HPA axis, stress hormones) Anticipatory anxiety (medical, dental, exams) Sedation and sleep Lesson outcomes 1 Describe the relationship between stress and anxiety 2 Use odor to manage anxiety 3 Use odor to improve sleep quality

Cognitive decline and essential oils Mild cognitive impairment, brain fog, early dementia Performance (mental focus, driving, work performance) ADHD Lesson outcomes Administer a simple memory test Use odor to improve work performance / mental focus Use odor to manage the symptoms of brain fog or cognitive decline

This is an opportunity for you to join us live and bring your questions to receive feedback from Robert.

Memory enhancement using essential oils Memory, odors and sleep Creating olfactory associations Fear, threat, PTSD Lesson outcomes Create an association between a positive feeling and an odor. Use odor associations to reduce the impact of PTSD or negative associations Work with, or modify, a client’s existing odor associations

Cross-modal considerations Odor mixtures and their impact Blending for psychological effects Psychological wellness tests Lesson outcomes Use other modalities in conjunction with aroma-therapy Create appropriate products as vehicles for therapy Listen to a client actively and empathetically Understand the limitations of practice

This is an opportunity for you to join us live and bring your questions to receive feedback from Robert.

You've made it to the last step of AromaPsychology.