Creative Care Aromatherapy group workshops are proving a popular feature of the Rehabilitation and Recovery component of the HSE Dublin and South East’s mental health services in the Carlow/Kilkenny area.
The sensory led Occupational Therapy workshop allows participants create personalised self-soothing tools, such as personalised body scrubs and inhalers (scent sticks), with each designed for grounding and relaxation.
Occupational Therapists in the mental health services work with users to improve their day-to-day lives and mental health. Occupational Therapists can look at all aspects of daily life in the service user’s home, school or workplace. It focuses on developing structured and productive routines, while incorporating meaningful activities. This can include activities the user is doing well and activities that they are having difficulty with.
Occupational Therapy helps to get a better understanding of who the service user is, the daily challenges that they’re facing and point to everyday activities that bring meaning and purpose.
Female service users from counties Carlow and Kilkenny recently enjoyed a workshop facilitated by Rosie Saunders of “Restoring Rhythm”, who specialises in incorporating aromatherapy in occupational therapy.
Lisa O Riordan is a Senior Occupational Therapist with the Carlow/Kilkenny Rehabilitation and Recovery Mental Health Team and based in “Tuisicint”, located on the grounds of St Canices Hospital. Lisa is the creator of the Creative Care Aromatherapy group workshop resource, which is the first of its kind to be utilised in mental health services in the South East. Speaking about the recent workshop, Lisa said:
“The ladies got a hands-on experience, where they explored calming scents and textures that helped them connect with their senses and find moments of peace. The workshop provided a nurturing space for mindfulness and self-care, empowering each participant to craft unique tools to support their well-being.”
“Our HSE organised workshop was enriched by Rosie of ‘Restoring Rhythm’, who brought a calming presence and helped ensure everyone felt supported throughout the experience.”
“The ladies that attended reported thoroughly enjoying the group and gaining great benefit from the experience. One participant commented, ‘It’s like a ladies’ shed, instead of a men’s shed!’, highlighting the sense of community and shared support that the workshop foster.”
Last updated on: 24 / 11 / 2025
