Focus and Approach

Françoise Decatrel is a certified Clinical Aromatherapist and trained Herbalist whose work centers on emotional wellbeing, stress reduction, and nervous system support. She specializes in pairing aromatherapy and herbal approaches with practices that help regulate the body’s stress response, tone the vagus nerve, and complement therapy or other healing modalities for those experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, depression, or chronic stress.

Her work also supports women navigating hormonal shifts and life transitions, particularly those in the years surrounding perimenopause. Drawing from both science and traditional wisdom, Françoise helps women understand the interplay between stress, hormones, and emotional balance, offering a grounded path toward calm, clarity, and self-trust.

Education and Training

Françoise completed her Clinical Aromatherapy certification through the School for Aromatic Studies’ Aromatic Scholars program and holds additional aromatherapy certifications in Menopausal Skincare, Trauma Resiliency, Mental Health, and Grief Resiliency.
Her herbal studies include coursework through The Herbal Academy and The Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism, where she earned a certification in The Female Reproductive System: Perimenopause, Menopause & Aging.

She is also a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher and a Reiki practitioner through the International House of Reiki. These disciplines inform her integrative approach, which bridges sensory awareness, energetic balance, and plant-based healing.

The Way Apothecary

The Way Apothecary began as a one-on-one practice supporting women through the physical and emotional transitions of midlife, blending aromatherapy, herbalism, and holistic guidance. Over time, it evolved into a broader sanctuary for all women seeking calm, emotional balance, and meaningful daily ritual. Today, The Way Apothecary brings together scientific research and traditional wisdom to create aromatherapy and herbal formulas and practices that restore steadiness to the body and mind.

Earlier Work

Before founding The Way Apothecary, Françoise created Amayori in 2015, a Japanese-inspired bathing and fragrance brand that was 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 continues to explore the therapeutic power of scent, ritual, and plant medicine as gentle tools for self-awareness and healing.