By Jack Fox, M.A., Resident in Counseling
Most of us have experienced a smell that reminds us of someone or some time in our lives. There is a scientific reason for this phenomenon!
Centers for Emotion
The places in your brain that are dedicated to working with smell are very closely wired with the centers for emotion. This explains why the smell of cookies may bring up fond memories of a grandparent, or spring flowers elicits feelings of happiness.
This could work in a negative way as well.
Smells that existed at the time of a traumatic event may trigger unwanted memories or recollections of a really difficult time in your life if you experience the same smell in the present. During this time where we are all staying at home, it may be helpful to remember that the power of smell can bring positive feelings or memories. Fill your living space with them!
Candles, essential oils, or scent diffusers are all great ways to invoke the positive emotional response that smell can have for us!
About Jack Fox:
Jack graduated from the College of William and Mary with a B.S. in Psychology and recently finished his graduate work at Regent University with a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Throughout his studies, Jack has seen and worked with many clients, both adolescents and adults, struggling with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment issues, and even people with a desire to get to know themselves just a little bit better! The more Jack has worked with people, the more a simple truth has come to light: You are not alone!
Jack believes that success in therapy results from a combination of understanding first what is dysfunctional, then where the dysfunction comes from. Finally, changing a behavior resulting from the thoughts or emotions driving the dysfunction can result in truly powerful changes in life. He mainly uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EDMR, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy to help attain the goals of his clients. Through these techniques, Jack enters into relationship with his clients and gets to understand and hear their full story, providing a safe environment for vulnerability.
To learn more about Jack, visit HERE.
