About Me – Nickie Mitchell
Founder of Secret Garden Therapies
Hello, I’m Nickie – a qualified reflexologist, Indian head massage therapist, EMDR therapist, neurodevelopmental therapist, and social worker with over 20 years of experience in the NHS. My background lies in supporting children and young people with anxiety, depression, and neurodivergent conditions including autism and ADHD.
Through my work and personal life, I’ve come to believe that true healing must be holistic. For many, talking therapy alone doesn’t reach the deeper layers of stress, trauma, or emotional overwhelm. The body often holds onto what the mind can’t fully process – and that’s where reflexology offers something unique.
I was drawn to reflexology because of its deeply calming, restorative nature. Working through the feet, reflexology supports the nervous system, promotes balance, and helps the body shift out of stress and into rest. It creates space for the body and mind to release, realign, and repair. It’s not just a treatment – it’s a space to feel held and heal.
My journey into complementary therapy was inspired not only by my professional work, but also by my family life. I’m a mum of four – two of whom are neurodivergent – and I’m married to a wonderfully neurodiverse husband. I’ve supported loved ones through dementia, chronic illness, emotional overwhelm, and fertility challenges. Life has shown me how essential it is to have somewhere to pause, reset, and be cared for.
That’s why I created Secret Garden Therapies – a peaceful sanctuary where your nervous system can unwind, your mind can rest, and your body can begin to heal. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, chronic or acute illness, struggling to conceive, or managing caring responsibilities, reflexology offers a gentle path back to balance.
In addition to complementary therapies, I offer psychological therapies tailored to the individual child or adult, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma, as well as neuroaffirming ADHD and autism coaching and parent/carer support. This holistic blend of approaches ensures you receive personalised care designed to meet your unique needs.
This is your space – a space to feel held, supported, and seen – just as you are.