Meet Nicola – The Heart Behind Keelhealings
I’m Nicola, the founder of Keelhealings, based in Albufeira, Portugal.
Originally from the Midlands in the UK, I’ve lived in Portugal for over four years, creating a space where people can slow down, feel safe, and reconnect with themselves.
My work centres around emotional regulation, nervous system safety, and gentle healing — supporting people who are carrying stress, trauma, or emotional overwhelm and need a calm, supportive environment to begin releasing what their body is holding.
A Foundation Built on Emotional Safety
Before moving into holistic work, I spent 25 years working in childcare and residential care, supporting children with trauma, behavioural challenges, and additional needs.
I worked closely with therapists, social workers, and families, and later held senior roles within residential care. This experience deeply shaped how I work today — with patience, clear boundaries, emotional awareness, and a strong understanding of what it truly means for someone to feel safe.
That foundation underpins everything I offer now.
​Training Qualifications & Modalities
Alongside my professional background, I’m trained in a range of holistic practices, allowing me to support each person in a way that feels right for them.
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Founder of Keelhealings
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Certified Reiki Master Teacher- trained by Judith Moehlenkamp, The Little Red Cabin.
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200-Hour Qualified Yoga Teacher- Internationally Accredited Certification, Bodsphere
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Holistic Massage Practitioner (Indian Head & Full Body Massage)- Ebodhi International Training Academy
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Sound Healing Practitioner
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Reiki Training Facilitator
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Retreat Host & Space Holder
I also incorporate coaching, cacao ceremonies, tarot, and group retreats where appropriate — always guided by what feels most supportive for the individual or group in front of me.
Why I Do This Work
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My own life experiences led me to want to understand myself more deeply — my mind, my patterns, my emotional triggers — and how healing happens when someone feels truly safe.
I chose not to let those experiences define me, but to learn from them and grow.
Through this journey, I came to believe deeply that we are not born with anxiety, PTSD, or depression — these are learned responses, and what is learned can be gently unlearned in the right environment.
Reiki played a key role in helping me regain emotional balance, confidence, and clarity, and it also taught me the importance of boundaries — in relationships, in energy, and in life.
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During my healing journey, I felt called to deepen my Reiki practice—not only for my own healing, but to support others unlocking their own healing potential. I believe Reiki is a gift many people possess, and becoming a Reiki Master Teacher has allowed me to guide others in reconnecting with their innate ability to heal and grow. I
Retreats & Shared Vision
After moving to Portugal, I co-hosted my first healing retreat in the Algarve with my close friend Michelle, whose encouragement and belief in me helped bring that vision to life.
Her support continues to inspire the retreat work I offer today — creating spaces for connection, reflection, and deep rest in beautiful, grounding environments.
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The Keelhealings Approach
I work with sensitivity, deep listening, and respect for each person’s individual journey. I don’t aim to fix — I hold space for people to reconnect with themselves at their own pace.
Through this work, people often feel more refreshed, refocused, and empowered, reconnecting with the inner strength and wisdom they already carry.
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Through Keelhealings, I’m here to remind you that healing is always possible. You have the power to shift, grow, and live the life your soul desires.