Focus and Approach

Françoise Decatrel is an aromatic healer whose work supports the whole person in cultivating wellbeing, navigating life transitions, and deepening self-awareness. Drawing on decades of study and practice in clinical aromatherapy, herbalism, sound healing, earth-based practices, subtle energy work, breath, meditation, and embodied awareness, she brings these disciplines together in support of each person’s unique healing process and personal growth.

Education and Training

Françoise completed her Clinical Aromatherapy certification through the School for Aromatic Studies’ Aromatic Scholars program and has completed advanced coursework in Aromatics and Mental Health, Aromatics, Trauma and Resiliency, and Aromatherapy and Grief.

Her herbal studies include coursework through The Herbal Academy and the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism, with a focus on nervous system support, emotional resiliency, mental health, and women’s hormonal balance.

She completed her Reiki practitioner training with the International House of Reiki, a lineage rooted in the original Japanese traditions of Reiki and influenced by Zen Buddhism, esoteric Buddhism, and Shinto.

Today, her Aromatic Medicine Healing sessions draw from this foundation while blending clinical aromatherapy, sound, Reiki-informed energy work, and plant-based ritual into a deeply personal and integrative approach developed over decades of study and practice.

Earlier in her path, she completed yoga teacher training, deepening her understanding of movement, breath, sound, and embodied awareness, foundations that continue to inform her work today.

She also completed a nine-month mentorship with aromatic shaman Cathy Skipper, studying an approach that integrates aromatherapy, Jungian psychology, and alchemical frameworks to support life transitions and inner change.

The Way Apothecary

The Way Apothecary is an expression of Françoise’s integrative approach, bringing together evidence-informed aromatherapy, traditional plant wisdom, ritual, sound, and subtle energy practices. Through plant-based formulations, guided practices, and personalized healing work, The Way supports nervous system balance, emotional wellbeing, and a deeper connection with oneself.

Earlier Work

Before founding The Way Apothecary, Françoise created Amayori in 2015, a Japanese-inspired bathing and fragrance brand that has been featured in leading publications including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Robb Report, and Vogue.

Philosophy

Across all of her work, Françoise explores the therapeutic power of scent, ritual, sound, and plant medicine as gentle tools for self-awareness and healing, rooted in an integrative understanding of mind, body, and spirit as one continuous system.