About Nicole Pacinello

    Body awareness was introduced at a young age.

Growing up on Long Island, I was a competitive ballerina for most of my childhood and adolescence.  An acute awareness of my bones, muscles and the way they worked together was constantly impressed upon me through ballet.  Experiences such as ballet, in combination with various other medical emergencies, caused me to pay particular attention to holistic medicine at a young age.  I've  learned a lot about the connection between what we eat and how we feel.  I began to realize that eating certain things, especially sugar, did not help my performance in the studio.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but the complications I suffered in my past medical history turned out to be a mixed blessing.  I gained compassion for those who suffer from health problems and simultaneously, I began to educate myself about alternative forms of healing.  My doctors weren’t offering me any helpful insight or treatment and I was interested in looking at the deeper root of the problem.  I knew I was out of balance and knew that it was more than a physical issue... I'd been stressed for months, wasn’t sleeping well, I worried constantly about never getting better or maybe even staying on medications for the rest of my life. I had to make changes in every area of my life.

    My interests began to connect.

I received my training to practice Health Counseling at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, which is the only nutrition school integrating all the different dietary theories—combining the knowledge of traditional philosophies with modern concepts like the USDA food pyramid, the glycemic index, the Zone diet, and even blood type diets. When I found the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I knew that it was the right school for me.  We studied all the different dietary theories from traditional to modern, from East to West, from fad to trend.  We also addressed health from a new, holistic perspective – healthy relationships, fulfilling careers, enjoyable exercise and nourishing spirituality are all just as important as what you put into your body. My certification was completed as of June 2009.

    I am building the most amazing career.

I graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in 2009 with a diploma as a Certified Holistic Health Counselor and I'm also a member of the American Association for Drugless Practitioners.  As a continuation of my interest in holistic health, I completed a B.A. in Psychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in December 2009.  I am currently taking credits towards completing my Master's in Holistic Health Counseling from the Clayton College of Natural Health, as well as an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling.

    My clients are incredible people that continue to inspire me.

I find that most of my clients are intelligent, interesting, and awesome people that have found themselves feeling a bit stuck in one or several areas of their lives.  They have tried everything when it comes to food and dieting and still feel confused about how to get healthy.  I can offer a new approach with support for my clients through each step of the process.