10P Aromatic Pathways: Cultivating Emotional Awareness Through the Power of Scent

Community safety

South LA Central LA West LA

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Adults impacted by trauma, incarceration, or high-stress environments often struggle with emotional regulation, self-awareness, and prosocial behavior. Traditional rehabilitation rarely addresses the deep, sensory roots of trauma or leverages innovative, culturally relevant tools for healing and growth. Emotional illiteracy leads to recidivism, isolation, and poor mental health.

This 12-month curriculum combines 10P’s trauma-informed, peer-led emotional literacy framework with the science of scent and memory. Participants engage in monthly modules using olfactory-based experiential learning to unlock positive emotional states, build self-awareness, and practice regulation. Activities include scent mapping, empathy storytelling, coping strategy development, and cultural exploration. Each participant receives an aromatherapy kit and creates a personalized Emotional Literacy & Scent Portfolio. The program is delivered by 10P-trained facilitators and scent experts, supported by peer mentors. Evaluation uses pre/post assessments and narrative portfolios. The train-the-trainer model and open-source curriculum ensure sustainability and scalability.

If successful, LA County will lead in innovative, trauma-informed rehabilitation, with adults empowered to heal, grow, and reintegrate. Emotional literacy will become accessible and culturally relevant, reducing recidivism and supporting community resilience. The program’s open-source model will enable widespread adoption across agencies and peer networks.