Smells shape how we feel, behave, and what we remember, without our awareness.
Dei Sensi's purpse is to bring this influence into consciousness, so it can be used with intention.
A scent can calm you instantly.
Another can trigger alarm, anxiousness, or craving, before you’ve had time to think why.
This happens because smell is processed differently from our other senses.
Our Idea
If scent can influence us unconsciously, it can also be trained consciously.
Just as habits (good and bad) are formed through repetition, scent can be paired with specific emotional and behavioural states — becoming a reliable signal for calm, focus, confidence, or emotional regulation, SCENT ANCHORS.
Dei Sensi works with this principle, helping individuals develop a conscious relationship with smell to allow them to re-access these helpful states when needed most.
Our Approach
1.
Intention
We clarify the internal state or behavioural shift you wish to support.
2.
Context
We explore when, where, and why this state or behaviour occurs.
3.
Purposeful Scent
A scent is developed with your specific intention and subjective preferences in mind.
4.
Association
Through conscious repetition the scent becomes an anchor — a reliable cue for the desired state or habit.
Who it can help
Scent Anchors can support those who wish to:
- Cultivate calm in moments of stress or overwhelm
- Strengthen focus, presence, or confidence
- Interrupt unhelpful emotional or behavioural cycles
- Build supportive rituals around daily life, work, or rest
This work is not about masking experiences, but about creating awareness and agency in how we respond to them.
The science behind scent
The brain–scent connection
The olfactory system connects directly to the limbic system — the brain’s centre for emotion and memory. Unlike other senses, smell bypasses rational filtering, allowing for rapid emotional association.
Classical conditioning
Repeated pairing of a neutral stimulus with an emotional state creates learned responses. This principle has been studied extensively in psychology and behavioural science. We draw on these techniques and others to create the conscious association.
Scent anchoring and state association
Smell is uniquely effective as an anchor due to its strong emotional encoding, making it a powerful tool for behavioural awareness and regulation.
Dei Sensi does not replace medical or psychological care. Our work is designed to complement existing support and empower conscious self-engagement.
Our Services
One-on-One
Individually created Scent anchors can help break negative habit loops, anchor positive emotional states or reinforce the way we chose to live our lives.
This service can be an extremely powerful addition to on-going therapy or as a way of being more mindful throughout your day.
Group Workshops
Workshops designed to learn about the science behind our sense of smell and it's impact on our daily lives.
We can adjust the format to suit your group.
Museums / Coorporate Events / Schools
About Me.
Dei Sensi was founded by Anna Gilchrist, based in London.
Anna's interest in the role of scent, and its impact on our emotions, memory, and behaviour, began in 2014 while studying the Science of the Senses.
She has since continued her studies in psychotherapy, the science of breath work and Olfactory Spatial Design.
Through Dei Sensi, she now works with individuals and groups to harness the natural power of scent to create tools for better mental health and healthier habits.