Incorporating Olfactory-based Techniques in Psychotherapies: A Scoping Review

Abstract Olfaction, evolutionarily the most primitive sense, affects emotion, memory, and cognition with a direct connection to the limbic system. This scoping review integrates evidence on the use of olfactory cues within psychotherapeutic modalities addressing mental health conditions. Searches on Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar located studies that utilized odor-based techniques in psychotherapeutic practices. The final 10 included studies encompassed randomized controlled trials, case studies, quasi-experimental designs, and conceptual works. Commonly used pleasant aromas, such as lavender, rose, citrus, and peach found to reduce anxiety and pain while improving sleep and mood. In contrast, unpleasant odors such as fuel and burning rubber were used in trauma-focused treatments in post-traumatic stress disorder. The meaning and symbolic role of odors in psychoanalytic contexts were also observed. The findings support the therapeutic potential of olfactory cues in enhancing emotional regulation, sleep, and engagement. Heterogeneity observed in aroma types, modes of delivery, intervention duration, and outcome measures limits comparability across studies and reduces the generalizability of findings. The present review underscores the need for standardized protocols, longitudinal examinations, cyber-psychology collaboration in virtual exposure works, and neurobiological investigations to establish safety and efficacy. The incorporation of aromas into therapy could be advantageous and generally safe across a variety of populations, with promising implications for emotion-focused and trauma care.