We recently connected with Trina Zaragoza and have shared our conversation below.
Trina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
Absolutely. For me, the defining moment came when I realized that nursing while rewarding, was just one part of how I wanted to empower others toward their best health. I had been struggling with migraines that no traditional treatment could fix. Through exploring energy work and holistic health practices, I experienced a profound shift. I realized that my migraines were tied to blocked energy, a reflection of how I had been suppressing my intuitive abilities and personal truths.
That moment was the catalyst for a deeper understanding of holistic health. I could no longer separate physical care from emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. It wasn’t just about treating symptoms anymore—it was about empowering people to take control of their whole health. That’s when I decided to dive into wellness coaching, blending my background as an RN with a focus on integrative and holistic health. I knew I could guide others in achieving the same holistic transformation I experienced.
I began integrating these modalities into my nursing work as I studied metaphysical practices and earned certifications in Reiki, Shamanic practices, and Angel Therapy. This naturally evolved into wellness coaching, where I could provide personalized, holistic care that empowers my clients to transform their lives—whether managing chronic conditions or seeking personal growth.
Now, at Altered Haven, I combine my experience as a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), RN, and energy practitioner to help people reconnect with their inner power and create lasting, positive change. The lesson from that defining moment is that real wellness comes from addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. It’s about empowerment, not just healing, and helping others reach their fullest potential.
Trina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Trina Zaragoza, a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), Registered Nurse (RN), and Energy Practitioner. My journey into holistic health and wellness started in nursing, where I spent many years working in hospice care, with veterans, and in adolescent psychiatric care. While these experiences were <span style=”background-color: rgb(178, 214, 243);”>enriching</span>, I realized that true healing goes beyond physical health its connecting the mind, body, and spirit.
This understanding inspired me to create Altered Haven, my holistic wellness brand, and its sister company, Wellness Whispers. Through these platforms, I offer a combination of Reiki, Bio-Well scans, integrative and wellness coaching, and energy sessions designed to support personal empowerment. My approach is simple but profound: I believe people are their best healers. No one knows your body, mind, and spirit better than you do. My role is to guide and empower you to reconnect with those parts of yourself so you can take charge of your wellness journey.
I’m currently restructuring my business and rebuilding the community aspect. Though it’s a work in progress, I’m excited about our direction. At Altered Haven, the focus is on offering tailored, holistic services that help people regain balance, feel more in tune with themselves, and move through life with a sense of empowerment.
My services are varied but complementary. From Bio-Well scans, which offer insights into your energy fields, to Reiki and energy healing, I work with clients to identify blockages and restore flow energetically and emotionally. I also provide integrative wellness coaching, blending my clinical background with holistic practices to create personalized plans that address both immediate concerns and long-term well-being.
What sets me apart is how I integrate my nursing experience with my passion for holistic healing. I’m proud to offer both the grounded, structured approach of coaching and the spiritual depth of energy work. Together, these create a powerful foundation for real transformation. Whether you want to improve your health, manage stress, or connect with your spiritual side, my goal is to help you step into your power.
As I continue building Altered Haven and Wellness Whispers, I want potential clients and followers to know they’ll find a supportive, personalized experience here. My focus is always on empowering individuals to trust their inner guidance and reclaim their role as the true healers of their own lives.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most challenging and defining moments in my life was losing my kinship foster child after caring for him for 2.5 years. He was born drug-addicted and had significant challenges because of that early exposure. When he was with us, we did everything we could to provide him with stability, love, and the support he needed to thrive. Unfortunately, after only five months of sobriety, the state decided to return him to his biological mother. Despite all his progress and the uncertainty of his situation, the system made a decision that was out of my hands.
This was devastating for me. It wasn’t just about the loss of a child we had come to love deeply; it was about confronting the painful reality of a system that didn’t seem to prioritize his long-term well-being. In the aftermath of that loss, I found myself questioning everything. It was a time of deep grief and reflection, and I knew I needed to refocus my energy in a way that would allow me to heal and continue helping others.
I returned to nursing during this time, but I also dove deeper into holistic modalities with energy work, Reiki, and Shamanic healing because I knew I needed something beyond conventional care. These practices allowed me to process my grief and regain my sense of purpose. I realized I could blend my nursing background with holistic approaches to help others more comprehensively.
That experience of losing him and the challenges I faced in navigating a broken system shaped who I am today. It gave me the resilience to create Altered Haven, where I help others reclaim their power through wellness coaching, energy healing, and personal empowerment. I believe that people are their best healers, and my mission is to provide them with the tools and guidance they need to connect with their mind, body, and spirit on a deeper level.
This journey taught me resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about finding a way to rise from it, stronger and more capable of helping others do the same.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
For me, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building authentic connections and listening to what my clients need. I believe people can sense when you’re genuinely invested in their well-being; that kind of trust is invaluable. One thing that sets me apart is how I blend my clinical nursing background with holistic wellness practices. I can offer a unique perspective that resonates with a wide range of people those dealing with chronic health issues to those seeking emotional or spiritual empowerment.
Word-of-mouth has been incredibly powerful for me, and it always starts with the trust I build during my sessions. Whether through wellness coaching, Bio-Well scans, or energy sessions, I focus on giving each client a personalized experience that leaves them feeling empowered to take control of their healing journey. When people feel genuinely supported, they naturally want to share that with others, and that’s how my community has continued to grow—even during the challenging periods when I had to restructure my business.
Another key strategy has been transparency about who I am and what I offer. I’m not just providing services; I’m offering a partnership in their journey to wellness. I make it a point to explain that my role is to guide them, but ultimately, they are their own best healers. I think that message resonates with people looking for more than a quick fix—they want to be actively involved in their transformation. That’s what draws people to me and keeps them coming back.
Lastly, consistency in my branding has helped me grow. Whether through Altered Haven or my sister company, Wellness Whispers, I focus on providing value through every interaction, whether it’s a coaching session, a podcast, or even just sharing insights on social media. People come to know what to expect from me—authenticity, care, and a holistic approach that respects their unique journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alteredhaven.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alteredhaven/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alteredhaven333
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trina-zaragoza-3564b09/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlteredHaven
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alteredhaven333
- Other: https://alteredhavensmysticalmusings.buzzsprout.com
Image Credits
Canva, Altered Haven