Beyond the Scent ECA 2025: Why I Attend Clinical Aromatherapy Conferences
This year I am heading to Bath for the Essence of Clinical Aromatherapy seminar. It will be my fourth time attending but my first time joining in person. Over the years I have found this event to be one of the most valuable learning experiences for my practice.
Every talk and lecture has helped shape how I work. It gives me the tools and confidence to translate clinical research and therapeutic insight into the real world. Whether I am creating bespoke products, offering consultations, or designing sensory experiences for events and retreats, the foundation remains the same. I want each aromatic product or interaction to support emotional and physical wellbeing in a meaningful way.
Even the simplest of blends becomes more purposeful when you understand its therapeutic potential. A room spray may smell beautiful, but it can also help shift a mood, calm the nervous system or bring clarity to the mind when you formulate with intention. Clinical aromatherapy helps bring that clarity. It connects the art of scent with the science of wellbeing.
As someone exploring both traditional practices and modern applications, I find this knowledge especially helpful when researching less familiar ingredients. At the moment I am looking into some Indian attars ahead of my Aromatic India trip. Having a strong clinical framework helps me explore them with care, curiosity and context.
If you are curious about how essential oils can be used beyond surface-level scent, the Essence of Clinical Aromatherapy seminar offers a deep and inspiring programme. This year includes in-person lectures across two days, alongside a rich selection of on-demand talks.
Here is a look at the full line-up.
In-Person Talks on Saturday 12 July 2025
Dr Elizabeth Thompson (UK)
Essential Oils within the Integrative Medicine Model
Consultant in palliative care and founder of the National Centre for Integrative Medicine. A leading voice in bringing essential oils into modern integrative health.
Dr Helen Seers (UK)
Improving Patient Reported Outcome Measures in Clinical Aromatherapy
Experimental psychologist and co-director of Meaningful Measures, developing outcome tools designed for complementary therapy settings.
Professor Mark Moss (UK)
Aroma Effects on Psychological and Biological Markers of Stress
Psychologist and scent researcher, exploring the measurable effects of essential oils on mood, stress and cognitive performance.
Cristina Ferreira Leite (Portugal)
An Aromatic Integrative Medicine Approach to Prevention
Pharmacist and aromatherapist known for integrating essential oils with lifestyle and emotional care in preventative health.
Dr Emmanuel Adukwu (UK)
Essential Oils as Complementary Therapies for Serious Infections
Applied microbiologist researching essential oils for bacterial and fungal infections of concern in clinical environments.
Dr Maura Di Vito (Italy)
Hydrolates and Their Role in Microbiological Research
Pharmacist and coordinator of Italy’s postgraduate programme in essential oil science, focusing on hydrolates and their efficacy.
Dr Philippe Colls (France)
Bladder Health and Hydrosols
Urological surgeon introducing aromatic hydrosols as part of hospital-based urology protocols with promising early results.
Delphine Marchaud (France)
Gattefossé Foundation 2025 Clinical Aromatherapy Prize Presentation
Director of the foundation supporting research and education in professional aromatherapy settings.
Tribute to Jonathan Benavides
A heartfelt moment to honour a respected educator and clinical practitioner in the field of aromatherapy.
In-Person Talks on Sunday 13 July 2025
Dr Sally Moorcroft (UK)
Clinical Application of Essential Oils in Integrative Medicine
GP and herbalist who brings together aromatherapy, traditional medicine and nutrition in patient care.
Dr Ewa Kozminska (Poland)
A Family Doctor's Perspective on Aromatherapy in Primary Care
Medical doctor and phytotherapist advocating for practical ways to bring essential oils into everyday family healthcare.
Jo Grinbergs and Julie Quinn (UK)
Aromatherapy in Palliative Care within the NHS and Hospice Services
Experienced complementary therapists helping to embed essential oil therapy within NHS cancer and hospice care programmes.
Dr Ellen McKenna (Northern Ireland)
Multidisciplinary Herbal Care
Scientist and herbalist sharing case-based insights into working across disciplines in a Northern Irish herbal clinic.
Thomas Schlager (Austria)
Aromatherapy in Wound Care Training
Nurse educator sharing experiences from working with essential oils in clinical wound care across hospitals and training institutions.
Dr Jacqui Stringer (UK)
Rebuilding Intimacy after Cancer with Essential Oils
Pioneer of integrative oncology at The Christie, exploring the emotional and relational recovery journey through aroma.
Jemima Neale (UK)
Integrating Therapies in NHS and Hospice Care
Therapist and coordinator leading complementary therapy integration in clinical care pathways.
Yuliana Kireyeva (UAE)
Aromamusicology for Anxiety and Wellbeing
Aromatherapist and choral conductor introducing a sensory approach that combines sound and scent in therapeutic settings.
On-Demand Lectures Available Online
Lauren Kearney (UK)
Essential Oils and Positive Birth Environments
Midwife and educator promoting supportive, scent-inclusive birth experiences in clinical maternity care.
Magali Lerasle-Girard (France)
Body and Mind Connection Through Touch and Aroma
Practitioner blending psychology and aromatic therapies to guide personal and emotional growth.
Julia Falkenstein (Germany)
Aromatherapy for Digestive and Emotional Resilience
Clinical aromatherapist and alternative health practitioner focused on the microbiome, stress-related illness and chronic disease.
Angela Sidlo (USA)
AcuAroma Therapy for Bodyworkers
Reflexologist and aromatherapist offering a new approach using acupoints and oils together in integrative therapy.
Fiona Carr (Australia)
Touch and Smell for Calm and Comfort
Body therapist and educator working in palliative care with her gentle method Touch for C A R E.
Madeleine Kerkhof (Netherlands)
Aquacare in Clinical Aromatherapy
Palliative care specialist and author sharing advanced practices in using hydrosols and oils in water-based therapies.
Gisela Leinberger (Germany)
Personal Scent Perception and Osmology
Author and aromatherapist exploring how scent interacts with memory, mood and seasonal change.
Teresa Barron (UK)
Scar Therapy and Essential Oils
Nurse and educator showing how combining scar work with tailored blends improves outcomes after surgery or injury.
Philippe Banel (France)
Formulation Strategies in Clinical Aromatherapy
Co-founder of Natur’Alchemia sharing insights on making aromatic treatments more effective and easier to follow.
Annie Prince (New Zealand)
The Personalised Consultation in Aromatherapy
Clinical aromatherapist and author championing therapeutic dialogue and individualised treatment plans.
Julia Williams (UK)
Tripudio Movement and Aromatherapy
Therapist and educator introducing gentle movements that support the lymphatic system and emotional wellbeing alongside scent.
Dr Wendy Maddocks (New Zealand)
How to Read Clinical Aromatherapy Research
Academic and practitioner sharing practical tools to evaluate research papers with confidence.
Whether you work in health, education, product development or wellness, this year’s programme offers a wealth of insight. Clinical aromatherapy is not just about beautiful scents. It is about knowledge, intention and safe practice. It is about supporting the whole person.
If you are not joining in person, you can still access the on-demand sessions. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to deepen their connection with aromatic plants and learn how to use essential oils with confidence and care.
