Dr. Danielle - Holistic Psychology

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Dr. Danielle - Holistic Psychology

👩🏻‍🎓PsyD | LCSW
🧠🔬Researcher |📖 Author |
🌎Leading field of Mental Health & Aromatherapy🌿
💬DM’s are NOT monitored- Active on IG

Natural medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years and now with the advancements in research, we get to understand their interactive benefits. Learn exactly how plant compounds benefit the brain. Plant based solutions offer simple, safe and natural benefits for the brain and emotional health. Essentials oils are one of the most concentrated forms of delivery and can provide powerful effects. The Problem
Traditional mental health treatment ignores the power of plants, the role of gut health, the heart and nutrition. Without nature, mood and emotions are difficult to balance, behaviors become impossible to manage, stress maladaptively cycles, and brain health begins deteriorating. The good news is it doesn't have to ...

The Solution
There is hope! As mental health providers, we desire to keep up to date with the latest science and treatment. Being that plants contain natural compounds similar to atoms in our own body they help regulate neuro-inflammation, influence neurotransmitters, restore emotions and balance mood. These lasting and impactful natural solutions are the answer to long term emotional wellness.

01/12/2026

Essential oils are more than just pleasant aromas…they’re concentrated plant compounds that interact directly with the nervous system. And when you're using them in your therapy space, quality isn't just a nice-to-have, it's non-negotiable.

Poorly made or adulterated oils can contain synthetic additives, chemical residues, or diluted plant material. These impurities can trigger respiratory irritation, headaches, or even emotional dysregulation, especially in sensitive or neurodivergent clients.

Brands can label their oils as “PURE” even though they may not be. This is a problem in the industry as there is no standardization governing these statements.

🌿 To ensure the oils you use are safe and effective, look for essential oils that are:
✔️ Sourced directly from the plant’s native environment
✔️ Rigorously third-party tested, including GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) reports
✔️ Free from fillers, solvents, and synthetic compounds
✔️ Transparent about sourcing and production practices

📚 A 2022 analysis of commercially available essential oils revealed that over 80% of products sold online were adulterated, mislabeled, or misrepresented—a sobering statistic that highlights how easy it is to unknowingly use low-quality products.

In a clinical setting, purity is more than preference. It's a matter of client safety, therapeutic integrity, and informed care.

🧠 When in doubt, remember this: What your client breathes in during session can either help them regulate or push them further into dysregulation. Choose wisely.

If you want to order from the same trusted source I have found to be tested pure, DM me the word GET STARTED.

01/09/2026

When used intentionally, aromatherapy can help your therapy space feel safe, grounded, and emotionally supportive. But scent is personal and the wrong approach can disrupt more than it helps.

Here’s how to incorporate essential oils respectfully in your clinical environment:

💧 Stick to 1–2 drops of a gentle oil like Lavender, Wild Orange, or Bergamot. These oils tend to be well-tolerated and can subtly support nervous system regulation without being overpowering.

💨 Diffuse before the session, not during. Run the diffuser 10–15 minutes ahead of time to gently infuse the room, then turn it off before your client arrives. If you’d like to diffuse during session, always ask first.

🚫 Avoid strong blends, menthol-rich oils (like Peppermint), or heavy florals unless you have clear consent. These can be activating or triggering for some nervous systems, especially in trauma-informed work.

✨ Scent should never dominate the space. It should simply hold it—quietly, safely, and in service of the work.

An easy tip: Consider placing a cotton round with a drop of oil under your chair or tucked behind furniture. This keeps the scent subtle and contained.

Comment “EOBRAIN” to get my essential oils & the brain e-guide wheel!

01/07/2026

As a holistic mental health practitioner, I often reach for essential oils as a gentle, fast-acting intervention to support emotional regulation and nervous system balance. When used intentionally, they offer a safe and effective way to shift brain states within seconds.

Here are three simple ways to incorporate essential oils into your daily life or clinical practice:

🌬️ Aromatically

Diffuse: Transform your space by diffusing calming or uplifting oils. This method purifies the air, supports mood, and signals safety to the nervous system.

Inhale: For immediate impact, breathe in directly from the bottle or rub a drop between your palms and inhale deeply. It’s an easy tool to ground yourself—or your clients—before or after a session.

💆‍♀️ Topically

Targeted Application: Apply diluted oils to pulse points, the back of the neck, or over the heart to support relaxation, focus, or emotional release.

Bodywork Support: Use during massage or somatic work to deepen relaxation and enhance circulation and tension relief.

🥤 Internally

Supplemental Support: Some high-quality oils can be used internally to support digestion, immunity, or stress response. Add a drop to water, herbal tea, or a veggie cap.

Culinary Use: Elevate meals with a drop of lemon, oregano, or peppermint for both flavor and function—just be mindful of potency and source.

🌱 Reminder: Purity matters. Always choose essential oils that are third-party tested and free from synthetic fillers or solvents. The quality of what you use directly affects safety and efficacy.

Essential oils are powerful tools for co-regulation, both for yourself and your clients. Start with one method, observe the shift, and build from there.

I’d love to know…which method do you use most?

01/02/2026

What is your New Years intention, word or goals, comment it below!

My word is: Enjoy

My intention is to be present in the moment, focus on how can I share my talents and gifts each day and let that be enough.

My goal is to finish the Mental Health & Aromatherapy book and publish! Essential oils have been such a tangible and effective solution for mental health and having this book will really empower individuals and therapists to know what to use, how to help and how to get results.

If you’ve been wanting to expand your knowledge and enhance your practice now is the perfect time to start.

I grew up with home remedies: ginger for an upset stomach, saltwater for a sore throat, herbs for digestion. So when I stepped into the mental health world, I naturally looked for evidence-based ways to support focus, mood, stress, and emotional regulation.

That search led me to essential oils and now I teach others how to use them safely and ethically in practice.

Here’s how to begin:

Learn the science. Join the VIP training in the Holistic Brain APP

Use them yourself. Personal experience builds trust and confidence.

Offer clients tools. Complement your care model with simple, supportive options.

🧠 2026 can be the year you confidently integrate natural solutions—grounded in research and practice.

Want to start learning with my coaching program?

DM the word VIP25 and I’ll send you a link to join our VIP coaching & certification group!

Let’s make wellness more accessible—one scent, one session, one story at a time.

12/31/2025

What is on your HOPE for 2026? Each year, I like to make Hope Goals, meaning I write out all the hopes I desire. I then narrow down on which I feel ready to realize that year and turn it into a goal with steps to achieve it.

I’ve learned throughout the years that hopes sometimes come to pass just as we thought, and others come in different forms. So I turn my hopes over to God to improve upon them in ways I could not foresee.

My hope for 2026 is to enjoy a few bucket-list adventures and goals that I’ve dreamed about doing for many years!

+ Go to Paris with my best friend
+ Go to Egypt with my other bestie
+ Finish my Mental Health & Aromatherapy book
+ Start paying extra towards my mortgage to pay it off in 10 years!

Wishing you hope, dreams, happiness, and joy in 2026.
Let this be the year of hope!

12/29/2025

Ever have a client walk in completely scattered or emotionally flooded? The kind of session where it takes 10 minutes just to settle the energy?

That’s where Douglas Fir comes in.

This coniferous oil has a crisp, clean scent that’s surprisingly calming. But it’s not just about how it smells, it’s how it works. Douglas Fir is rich in beta-pinene, a compound studied for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests it may help regulate neurotransmitters involved in focus, memory, and emotional resilience.

In the therapy space, that translates to clearer thinking, calmer transitions, and a more anchored nervous system—for both client and clinician.

🧠 Try Douglas Fir to:
→ Create a grounded atmosphere at the start of session
→ Support clients feeling mentally foggy or emotionally stuck
→ Pair with citrus oils like Bergamot to balance mood and focus

💡 Tip: A drop on a cotton round tucked near a chair can offer a subtle reset without being overpowering.

You don’t have to say much. The brain recognizes the message: it’s safe to settle.

Comment EOBRAIN to get my essential oils & the Brain e-guide!

12/26/2025

Therapists hold space for deep emotions, trauma, and energetic intensity every day. But without mindful resets between sessions, that weight can accumulate—and affect your clarity, presence, and nervous system.

One way to support yourself is through scent-based rituals designed to reset both emotionally and energetically.

🌿 Essential oils for emotional cleansing:

Myrrh: Grounding and centering, often used for emotional boundaries

Tea Tree: Symbolic of energetic purification and release

Lemongrass: Uplifting and clarifying, known for its cleansing properties

🧴 How to use:

Hand wipe ritual: Add a drop of Tea Tree and Lemongrass to a fragrance-free baby wipe and gently wipe your hands after a session.

Room mist: Mix 10 drops each of Myrrh, Lemongrass, and Tea Tree in a 2 oz spray bottle with distilled water and a splash of witch hazel. Shake and mist your space between clients.

Personal inhaler: Carry a blend of these oils in a personal inhaler to take a grounding breath and reset your focus.

These simple practices can become a powerful part of your clinical hygiene—helping you clear what isn't yours and step into each session fresh and grounded.

💡 Your well-being is not optional. It's foundational to the healing work you facilitate.

Want more scent-based support tools for your practice? Comment or DM “EOBRAIN” to get my essential oils & the brain e-guide wheel!

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas, from my heart to yours.

If today looks like joy around the tree, a quiet morning alone, or something entirely different, know that I’m wishing you peace, presence, and the comfort of being exactly where you are.

12/22/2025

In therapy with children, especially those who are neurodivergent or have sensory processing challenges, small predictable rituals can make a big difference. One gentle, effective way to create consistency is through scent.

🌿 What’s a scent anchor?
A scent anchor is the intentional use of an essential oil to signal a repeated emotional or behavioral cue, like calming the body, shifting focus, or beginning a session. Over time, the brain learns to associate that specific aroma with a particular state of being.

🧠 Why it works:
The olfactory system connects directly to the limbic system, responsible for emotion, memory, and stress response. In children, this connection is especially powerful. Repeated exposure to a calming scent at the same point in their therapy process can help build neural pathways for regulation and predictability.

🧴 How to use it in practice:

Choose a gentle oil like Lavender, Roman Chamomile, or Cedarwood

Use a personal inhaler, cotton round, or diffuser in the space

Pair the scent with a repeated phrase, breathwork exercise, or grounding tool

Use with caregiver consent and introduce slowly

✨ Example:
Opening each session with one drop of Lavender on a cotton pad + a deep breath can begin to anchor the nervous system before any words are spoken. After a few weeks, just the scent alone may begin to shift their internal state.

Aroma anchors are a simple, non-verbal way to support safety and nervous system regulation in young clients—meeting them where they are, gently and consistently.

Comment EOBRAIN to get my Essential Oils & the Brain e-guide to learn more!

12/19/2025

The Holistic Brain App was created for holistic seekers to make integrative care more accessible, evidence-informed, and practical applications.

Inside, you’ll find:
🧠 Aromatherapy protocols to support regulation, memory, mood, trauma work, and more
📚 Research summaries that bridge science and practice
🧰 Therapist tools like scent anchor guides, nervous system education, and session prep resources
🌀 Somatic practices that integrate essential oils with breathwork, mindfulness, and meditation
👩‍⚕️ Self-care resources to help you regulate between sessions—not just your clients

Whether you’re just starting to integrate natural tools or looking to deepen your trauma-informed aromatherapy knowledge, this app is a practical companion for your brain-based work.

It’s not about doing more.
It’s about regulating more intentionally—with tools that support both practitioner and client.

🔗 Want access? Comment BRAINAPP for the link to download.

12/17/2025

When you are using essential oils to support the nervous system, quality becomes everything. And not all essential oils are created equal.

🧠 The olfactory system has a direct line to the brain’s limbic system, which governs memory, emotion, and autonomic response. That means what you inhale impacts your physiology in seconds. If that scent is adulterated, oxidized, or contaminated? You’re not just getting poor results. You could be harming regulation.

📚 A 2019 review published in Molecules found that many commercially available essential oils were adulterated with synthetic compounds or diluted with cheap carriers—impacting both safety and therapeutic effect.

⚠️ Common issues with low-quality oils:

Contain phthalates or synthetic fragrances that disrupt endocrine function

Oxidized oils may trigger respiratory irritation or inflammation

Lack of transparency around sourcing and testing

No guarantee of active compounds being present in therapeutic amounts

🌿 On the other hand, pure, well-sourced essential oils retain their full chemical complexity, allowing them to work as nature intended. This is especially critical for oils used to support trauma healing, emotional regulation, and neurodivergent care.

✅ What to look for:

Third-party testing, like GC/MS reports

Transparent sourcing and harvesting practices

Clear labeling (botanical name, country of origin)

No added fragrance, preservatives, or diluents

Therapists: your clients trust you to create a safe space. That includes what they smell. Quality oils don’t just smell better; they support co-regulation, safety, and the brain’s ability to heal.

To learn more about quality essential oils, DM or comment the word TOP10

12/15/2025

Frankincense has long been valued for its grounding properties, but modern research suggests it may also support memory and cognitive clarity.

🧠 One study found that Boswellia serrata (a species of Frankincense) improved spatial learning and memory in lab models by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the hippocampus, KEY areas for memory processing.

Here's how you might use Frankincense in practice:

Diffuse during sessions to support calm and recall

Apply to the temples or back of the neck (diluted) before learning or focus-based work

Take one drop under the tongue daily (if using a high-quality oil and appropriate for the client) to support internal balance

Frankincense can serve as a gentle bridge between mind and body, enhancing focus, easing overwhelm, and supporting memory formation through its direct effects on the brain.

💡 Therapist Tip: Invite your client to pair Frankincense with journaling or reflective work. Over time, the scent anchors a state of clarity and insight.

Want to learn more about why I think Frankincense is such a powerful essential oil? DM or comment FRANK, and I’ll send you my Frankincense e-guide.

Address

302 Washington Street
San Diego, CA
92103

Website

https://www.theholisticbrain.com/, https://www.theholisticbrain.com/app/

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