About Mel
“I want to be a witch, a vicar, or a brain surgeon” – me, at 8 yrs
a dash of brains and magic…
I think 8 year old me was saying she wanted to help people, to make things better – preferably with a dash of brains and magic thrown in.
Reflexology makes all that possible.
- I listen, share ideas, and troubleshoot, if it helps
- My reflexology training was clinical, to better understand my clients holistically
- What reflexology does is sometimes hard to explain or put into words
I am grateful to be alive and healthy, and it is my passion to be able to help other people feel good, feel better, feel able to knit up their own wellbeing.
Here I am, up on the Malvern Hills a few years ago. I love being up hills, paddling in the sea, and photographing nature on walks near home in the Derby parks.
How Reflexology helped me
I learned reflexology in 2012-13, when I became a carer. My younger child didn’t cope with school very well, and I needed to be my own boss, so I could care for her flexibly on her off days.
2017: My Mum was in a nursing home and had Alzheimers. My 98-yr-old Dad was in hospital with pneumonia. I had a child out of school because of extreme anxiety. My husband fell and broke his back.
I felt like I was in a tunnel of caring. I was exhausted, and I realised that one small step in the wrong direction that lowered my wellbeing, could mean I wouldn’t be able to support all these people. Reflexology was one of my lifelines.
What reflexology does
Having reflexology relieves our tension, and refreshes and energises us, so we feel ready to deal with things again.
I know what it’s like to feel stuck. Sometimes it’s not easy to relax ‘to order’. I remember saying I felt, ‘wired’.
And, under pressure, we learn what our bodies do with prolonged stress.
We need help. Reflexology is a powerful relaxer. Especially when we’re in the thick of a stressful period.
How do you know I’m any good at reflexology?
My Level 5 Practitioner’s Diploma (2013) is the highest level reflexology practitioner qualification available in the UK.
I’m fascinated by the link between the mind, the emotions, and the body, and the impact of these two on mental and physical health. And I’m always learning new things!
I’m particularly interested in Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage, Limbic Reflexology, and Vertical Reflexology Technique, and I regularly use elements of these in my work.
Professional Membership
I’m a member of the Association of Reflexologists; this assures you of my quality as a practitioner, and my commitment to ongoing learning and review of my skills.
My Approach
When you connect with me, I will be considering your wellbeing. Have you arrived with blocked sinuses, or an aching back? How are you feeling emotionally? If you are on medication are there any changes to that?
I take into account what you share with me, and your priorities, when I choose which reflexology techniques to use.
If you are having a series of appointments, I produce a treatment plan just for you, which we review from time to time.
We discuss what symptoms or feelings you would most like to change, check in on them regularly to see how that is going, and brainstorm where to go from now.
What my clients say
Mel is not only extremely professional knowledgeable and highly conscientious, she has great humour and always goes the extra mile putting you at ease
I found Mel to be an exceptionally skilled reflexologist. Her approach is professional, thorough and effective. Mel is also a very caring person. I highly recommend her services.
Your feet, and body, are thoroughly checked through … this is not a massage of feet…she is doing direct healing…my words, I don’t think Mel would ever chose those words! But that is my experience. I can highly recommend her…she is a really grounded person and super knowledgeable. My feet love visiting!
Book a session with me
If you would like to find out more about how reflexology might be able to support you, please call, text or email me to arrange a time to have a chat. Or, to book in your first session!