IDT and the Senses: Exploring the Power of Scent in IDT

Contributed by Irena Stenner, IDT teacher (Wellington)
 
In Wellington, Mary Brownlow and I are excited to be developing a new workshop for the IDT community:
IDT and the Senses – with a special focus on scent.
 
This workshop explores how scent can be integrated into the IDT process as a powerful tool for grounding and emotional regulation. We have found this especially helpful for clients who need support with regulation—whether at the beginning or end of a session, or when working through triggering material. Scent, when paired with breath and drawing, provides a rich, multisensory approach that supports embodiment, calm, and creative expression.
 
Scent activates the limbic system—our emotional brain and can evoke vivid memories, feelings and states of being.  When used thoughtfully within IDT, it becomes a portal to deeper self-awareness, healing, and connection.
 
This experiential workshop will guide participants through four core processes that weave together scent and drawing:

• Scent for Grounding & Regulation – Drawing from a soothed nervous system
• Scent as a Gateway to Imagery – Accessing memories, feelings, and symbols through smell
• Scent-Infused Parts Work – Meeting a compassionate inner part connected to a supportive scent
• Before/After Scent Practice – Using scent to mark inner shifts and support therapeutic transitions

 
When Are Scent-Based Interventions Appropriate?
 
As with all IDT approaches, attunement is key. Directive interventions are most effective when they align with the client's needs and stage in the therapeutic process:

• A client at T1 may benefit from more structured guidance.
• A client in overwhelm may need scent-based grounding to return to the body.
• A client developing a compassionate inner part may find support through a resonant scent.

 
Practitioners are encouraged to listen deeply, let drawing cues emerge naturally, and follow the client’s lead. In moments of dysregulation, these scent-based interventions can offer gentle and effective support.
 
We’re delighted to bring something new and nourishing to the IDT community—blending the senses and IDT.
 
Watch this space – we’ll be offering the workshop in Wellington at the end of July. For more information, please contact Mary at [email protected]