Maria Aparecida das Neves

Biography and Expertise of Maria Aparecida das Neves

Maria Aparecida das Neves has built a remarkable career at the intersection of psychoanalytic psychology and botanical therapies. For over three decades, she has dedicated herself to exploring and implementing complementary health practices, particularly aromatherapy and Bach Flower Remedies, within rigorous clinical settings. Her foundational work has been to demonstrate that these traditional practices can be powerful allies in mental health treatment when applied with scientific precision and professional care.

Her most significant contribution is the creation and coordination of the Botanical Therapies project at the Institute of Psychiatry (IPq) of the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). This initiative is a landmark achievement, directly aligning with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” By establishing this program within one of Latin America’s foremost academic medical centers, she provides a replicable model for incorporating TCIM into public healthcare. Therefore, her work offers invaluable insights for developing evidence-informed policies consistent with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

Furthermore, the expertise of Maria Aparecida das Neves addresses the congress motto pillar of “Well-being Societies.” Her focus on mental health, eating disorders, and overall wellness through integrative approaches provides tangible solutions for pressing public health challenges. The international recognition of her project underscores its innovative impact, bringing scientifically validated “Knowledge Diversity” to the forefront of psychiatric care.

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Maria Aparecida das Neves reflects a consistent evolution from a clinical psychologist to a leader in integrative medicine. Her career began with a strong foundation in psychoanalytic practice, enriched with specialized knowledge in complementary therapies. This combination allowed her to occupy strategic roles in private and public sectors, culminating in her influential position at the University of São Paulo.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a unique ability to develop and manage innovative therapeutic programs. Her work has consistently aimed to expand patient care, making her a respected figure in psychology and integrative health.

• 2015 – Present: Coordinator of Botanical Therapies for the Complementary and Integrative Care Nucleus (NUCCI) at the Rehabilitation Center and Day Hospital (CRHD) of the Institute of Psychiatry (IPq) – HCFMUSP. She founded and leads the acclaimed aromatherapy program for mental health patients.
• 1991 – Present: Clinical Psychologist at the São Paulo Traffic Engineering Company, providing psychological support to employees.
• 1989 – Present: CEO of the Academy Essence Group, an organization for education in aromatherapy and complementary therapies.
• 1998 – 2002: Shareholder director of the G.A.T.A. Program, a psycho-pedagogical initiative focused on addressing eating disorders.
• 1996 – 2000: Psychologist at PSS – Philips Social Security Association, offering mental health services to corporate members.
• 1995 – 2000: Provided clinical services at the Associação Auxiliadora das Classes Laboriosas, a historic mutual aid association in São Paulo.

Academic and Complementary Education

Maria Aparecida das Neves has cultivated a rich and diverse educational background that underpins her integrative approach to health. Her formal academic training in psychology provided the scientific and ethical foundation for her clinical practice. Beyond her university degrees, she pursued extensive international training in complementary therapies, ensuring her expertise is both deep and globally informed. This commitment to lifelong learning is a hallmark of her professional identity.

This dual-track education enables her to navigate the complexities of both conventional and complementary medicine with credibility and skill. Consequently, she is uniquely positioned to teach and practice in a way that respects both traditions.

• Specialist in Sports Psychology and Eating Disorders (1998): Institute of Psychiatry of the Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo (USP).
• Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology (1989): Faculdade Paulistana de Ciências e Letras, with a Psychoanalytic approach.
• Certified Practitioner and Trainer in Bach Flower Remedies (since 1999): Trained by the Dr. Edward Bach Center Foundation, she is qualified to teach all levels of the international program.
• Advanced Aromatherapy Training: She has studied with world-renowned institutions and experts, including:
  • Tisserand Institute (Advanced Clinical Aromatherapy Retreat, France)
  • International Institute Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education (CARE, USA)
  • Ecole Pénoel (Aromathérapie Quantique, France)
  • Workshops with leading experts like Robert Tisserand, Rhiannon Lewis, and Gabriel Mojay.

Author and Educator

Maria Aparecida das Neves is a dedicated author and educator committed to disseminating knowledge about integrative practices within the scientific community. She has contributed chapters to major medical and psychiatric textbooks in Brazil, a significant achievement that helps legitimize and integrate botanical therapies into the mainstream curriculum. Her publications serve as practical guides for clinicians seeking to incorporate these modalities into their own practices.

By publishing in highly respected works such as “Clínica Psiquiátrica – Guia Prático” and “Medicina Integrativa na Prática Clínica,” she ensures that evidence-based information on aromatherapy and other practices reaches a wide audience of healthcare professionals. Therefore, her writing is a crucial tool for education and advocacy.

• Author: Co-authored “Diário Aromático com os óleos das escrituras sagradas,” a unique exploration of aromatherapy from a historical and cultural perspective.
• Chapter Contributor: Penned chapters on botanical therapies in key reference books published by Editora Manole, including:
  • Medicina Integrativa na Prática Clínica (2021)
  • Clínica Psiquiátrica – Guia Prático (2021)
  • Clínica Psiquiátrica, vol. 3 – A terapêutica psiquiátrica (2021)
• Translator: She translated Robert Tisserand’s seminal work, “Aromatherapy for Everyone,” into Portuguese, making this essential text accessible to the Brazilian community.

Awards and Recognitions

The pioneering work of Maria Aparecida das Neves has received significant international acclaim, validating her innovative approach to mental healthcare. This recognition highlights the clinical importance and scientific merit of integrating aromatherapy into a complex hospital environment. It also underscores Brazil’s growing role as a center for innovation in integrative medicine.

This prestigious award serves as a powerful endorsement of her project’s success and its potential as a model for healthcare systems worldwide. Consequently, it brings well-deserved attention to the therapeutic possibilities of botanical medicine in treating mental health conditions.

• René-Maurice Gattefossé International Award in Clinical Aromatherapy (2024): This highly respected award recognized her project, “Botanical Therapies in Mental Health,” developed at the Institute of Psychiatry of the Hospital das Clínicas (USP). The award celebrates excellence and innovation in the clinical application of aromatherapy, positioning her work on the global stage as a leading example of evidence-based practice.

Leadership and Community Building

Beyond her clinical and academic roles, Maria Aparecida das Neves is a dynamic leader and community builder in the field of aromatherapy and integrative health. She actively contributes to professional organizations and dedicates significant effort to creating educational platforms that foster knowledge exchange between Brazilian and international experts. Her work as an event organizer has been pivotal in elevating the professional standards and scientific discourse of aromatherapy in South America.

Her leadership activities are instrumental in developing a robust professional community and promoting high-quality education. This work aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s axis on “TCIM Education and Training.”

• Board Member of ABRAROMA: She serves on the board of the Brazilian Association of Aromatology and Aromatherapy (ABRAROMA), contributing to the strategic direction and ethical standards of the profession in Brazil.
• Event Organizer: She is the visionary behind the International Symposium of Aromatherapy in São Paulo, having organized four successful editions (2014, 2017, 2019, 2023). She has brought world-renowned experts like Robert Tisserand and Gabriel Mojay to Brazil for the first time.
• Professor: She teaches at the postgraduate level at Universidade Paulista (UNIP) and the University of São Paulo’s School of Permanent Education (EEP), training the next generation of practitioners in naturopathy and phytotherapy.
• Public Educator: She is a frequent speaker at events like IPq Open Doors and the USP 60+ Program, and she developed an interview series on YouTube with international aromatherapy leaders.

Connect with Maria Aparecida das Neves

To further explore the work of Maria Aparecida das Neves and her contributions to integrative mental health, you can visit the official website of her organization and connect through professional networks. These platforms offer additional information on her courses, publications, and clinical initiatives.

Official Website: Grupo Essence

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn