Shainna Ali, Ph.D.

Curriculum Vitae

Shainna Ali

Ph.D., LMHC, NCC, ACS — Counselor · Educator · Advocate

Licensed mental health counselor, best-selling author of six books, counselor educator, podcast host, and advocate dedicated to cultivating mental well-being at individual and collective levels. Owner and Director of The Mental Wellness Practice in Central Florida.

Mental Health Counseling Self-Love & Boundaries Counselor Education Advocacy & Policy Keynote Speaking
6
Published Books
100k+
Books Sold
100+
Presentations
75+
Written Articles
17
Scholarly Publications
74+
Podcast Episodes
20+
Media Features

Education & Credentials

Licenses, Degrees & Awards

Education & Licenses

Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
University of Central Florida, 2016
M.A. in Mental Health Counseling
University of Central Florida, 2012
B.A. in Anthropology, Cum Laude
UCF Burnett Honors College, 2010
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
State of Florida — License #MH15290
Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
NBCC — #717726
Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
Center for Credentialing & Education — #ACS 3047

Awards & Honors

Al Dye Award
Association for Specialists in Group Work
Pete Fischer Humanitarian Award
Florida Counseling Association
UCF 30 Under 30
University of Central Florida Alumni Recognition
Noble Knight Award
University of Central Florida
1st Place — Graduate Research Forum
Education Category — University of Central Florida
1st Place — Florida Statewide Research Symposium
Education Category — Florida Statewide Competition
Emerging Leader
Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)

Clinical Practice

Areas of Expertise

Dr. Shainna draws on a strengths-based, holistic, and culturally affirming approach to support individuals navigating a wide range of mental health experiences.

Mental Wellness Self-Love Generational Healing High-Functioning Anxiety Trauma Recovery Identity & Culture Existentialism Strengths-Based Therapy Holistic Wellness Gender & Sexuality Emotional Intelligence Culture & Diversity Matrescence

Clinical practice through The Mental Wellness Practice, LLC • Supervision available (ACS)

Press, Writing & Podcasts

Media

75+
written contributions across platforms
Psychology Today 6 Steps to Design Healthy Holiday Boundaries Psychology Today Why Do People With Anxiety Love Halloween? Psychology Today 5 Ways Businesses Can Enhance Burnout Prevention Psychology Today 7 Things to Know About 988 Psychology Today 5 Mental Health Lessons We Can Learn from Simone Biles Psychology Today What Meghan Markle Shares About Her Mental Health
Psychology Today Should We Stop Preaching Self-Love to New Moms? Psychology Today Using Dance to Cultivate Self-Love Psychology Today Using Writing to Cultivate Self-Love Psychology Today Using Fashion to Cultivate Self-Love Psychology Today Using Fitness to Cultivate Self-Love Psychology Today Using Photography to Cultivate Self-Love Psychology Today Creating Meaningful Resolutions for 2022 Psychology Today Rethinking Pandemic Fatigue Psychology Today Take a Deeper Dive into Your Spotify Wrapped Psychology Today Can Memes Benefit Mental Wellness? Psychology Today How to Cope With Pandemic Stress During Pregnancy Psychology Today Does Prenatal Mental Health Matter? Psychology Today When Holiday and Pandemic Stress Collide Psychology Today The Supreme Court Rules In Favor of LGBTQ+ Workplace Rights Psychology Today 4 Commonly Overlooked Forms of Discrimination Psychology Today Telemental Health During the Coronavirus Pandemic Psychology Today Self-Care and Social Distancing Psychology Today Coping with Coronavirus Stress Psychology Today Self-Care for the Holiday Season Psychology Today How to Maintain Your Digital Wellness on Instagram Psychology Today The Cost of Caring Without Self-Care Psychology Today Five Signs of Workplace Burnout Psychology Today Remembering Avicii: A Mental Health Tribute Yahoo How to Support Someone Struggling With Their Mental Health Brown Girl Mag 9 South Asian Misconceptions Standing in the Way of Mental Wellness NAMI Mental Health Advocacy & Education Articles (3) ACA Blog Professional Counseling Articles (8) Medium Mental Wellness, Boundaries & Identity (long-form) Thrive Global Burnout Prevention & Thriving in Modern Life
All PT Articles →
5
broadcast outlets
TV & Radio
national coverage
20+
publications
National
& international reach
The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast

The Mental Wellness Practice

An educational podcast where you can expand your mental health knowledge and gain practical strategies to cultivate mental well-being. Hosted by Dr. Shainna Ali — updated weekly.

Listen to the latest episodes of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast

Solluna with Kimberly Snyder

Ep. 629: “Childhood Trauma and How to Learn Self-Love”

Thank You Heartbreak

Ep. 101: “I Used To Think I Didn’t Need Help” with Chelsea Leigh Trescott

Veggie Doctor Radio

Ep. 144: “Modern Friendship with Dr. Shainna Ali”

Veggie Doctor Radio

Ep. 85B: “How Self-Love is an Act of Service”

Mental — Destigmatise Mental Health

Ep. 329: “Boundaries, Anxiety, Self-Love & Better Connection”

Phoenix Helix

Ep. 202: “Self-Love Workbook with Dr. Shainna Ali”

Something For Everybody

Ep. 335: Self-love, healthy boundaries, and raising emotionally intelligent children.

Mind Money Balance

Ep. 42: “Self Worth and Money with Dr. Shainna Ali”

It Starts With Attraction

“The Seven Components of Self-Love”

Greatest Day Podcast

Ep. 14: “Self Love with Dr. Shainna Ali” — self-love, self-care, social media & the loneliness epidemic

She Believed She Could™ Podcast

“How To Practice Self-Love And Create Healthy Boundaries” with Allison Walsh

Mama Knows

“Reparenting Your Inner Child, Now That You’re a Mom Yourself”

Angus Eye Tea

“What Happens When You Ignore Self-Love?” — defining self-love, self vs. selfish, and men & self-love

Live Happy Now

“Self-Love for Kids with Dr. Shainna Ali” — discussing Luna Finds Love Everywhere

Fit Womens Weekly Podcast

“How To Set Boundaries Unapologetically With Dr. Shainna Ali”

High Vibe Mindset

Ep. 59: “Mental Health Meets Empowerment: Transformative Self-Love Practices”

Elevated Wellness

Ep. 61: “Designing Healthy Boundaries with Dr. Shainna Ali”

Service & Leadership

Professional Organizations & Board Roles

Past President — FAMCD

President of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development, advancing culturally responsive counseling practices statewide. 2015–2016.

Advocacy Leadership

Past President — UCF CEDSA

President of the UCF Counselor Education Doctoral Student Association, representing doctoral students in counselor education. 2014–2015.

Academic Leadership

Founder & President — Community-Charity Club

Founded and led the Community-Charity Club at UCF South Lake, building a community-focused service organization. 2008.

Community Leadership

Board of Directors — To Write Love on Her Arms

Serves on the Board of Directors for TWLOHA, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention, self-harm recovery, and mental health advocacy.

Nonprofit Board

Board of Directors — From Outside In

Serves on the Board of Directors for From Outside In, a nonprofit committed to affirming mental wellness and community empowerment. 2020–Present.

Nonprofit Board

Past Board Member — Mental Health Counseling Association of Central Florida

Past member of the Board of Directors for the Mental Health Counseling Association of Central Florida (MHACF), supporting community mental health services and advocacy.

Past Board Member

Dean’s Advisory Board — UCF CCIE

Appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Board for the University of Central Florida’s College of Community Innovation and Education. 2024.

Higher Education

ACA Foundation — Growth & Giving Committee Co-Chair

Co-chairs the American Counseling Association Foundation’s Growth and Giving Committee, supporting the future of the counseling profession. 2025–Present.

Committee Chair

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness

Inaugural editorial board member for the Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education — advancing inclusive and affirming counseling scholarship. 2019–Present.

Inaugural Board

Journal for Creativity in Mental Health

Editorial board member for this peer-reviewed journal advancing creative and expressive approaches to mental health counseling and education. 2016–Present.

Editorial Board

The Annual Review of Addictions & Offender Counseling

Editorial board member, contributing expertise in mental health counseling and advocacy. 2013–2018.

Editorial Board

Journal of Addictions and Offender Counseling

Editorial board member and ad-hoc reviewer, advancing scholarship in addiction and offender counseling. 2013–2018.

Editorial Board

Graduate Student Committee — IAAOC

Chair of the Graduate Student Committee for the International Association for Addictions & Offender Counselors. 2013–2015.

Committee Chair

Affirmative Practice & Social Justice Committee — ALGBTIC

Chair of the Affirmative Practice & Social Justice Committee for the Association for LGBT Issues in Counseling. 2014–2015.

Committee Chair

Professional Development Committee — Chi Sigma Iota

Chair of the Professional Development Committee for Chi Sigma Iota, Upsilon Chi Chapter. 2013–2014.

Committee Chair

Newsletter Committee — Chi Sigma Iota

Chair of the Newsletter Committee for Chi Sigma Iota, Upsilon Chi Chapter. 2011–2012.

Committee Chair
30 Under 30 Search Committee (2024 & 2021 Classes)
UCF Alumni Association — Search Committee Member
International Registry of Counselor Education Programs
Committee Member (Pending)
Young Alumni Committee — UCF Alumni Association
Committee Member, 2020
Presidential Search Committee — MHACF
Committee Member, 2020
Conference Committee — Adult Higher Education Alliance
Committee Member & Coordinator, 2015
Conference Committee — Association for Creativity in Counseling
Committee Member, 2015
Newsletter Committee — Chi Sigma Iota, Upsilon Chi
Committee Member, 2014–2015
Conference Committee — Association for LGBT Issues in Counseling
Committee Member, 2013–2014
Technology & Development Committee — ALGBTIC
Committee Member, 2013
Awards Committee — Chi Sigma Iota, Upsilon Chi
Committee Member, 2011–2012
American Counseling Association Annual Conference
Proposal Reviewer, 2015 & 2016; AMCD & FCA Exhibit Booth Representative, 2015
Southern Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (SACES)
Proposal Reviewer, 2016
Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (ACES)
Proposal Reviewer, 2015
Adult Higher Education Alliance Conference
Conference Coordinator, 2015
UCF Counseling Conference
Proposal Reviewer, 2015; Volunteer, 2014
Association for Creativity in Counseling Conference
Proposal Reviewer, 2015

Speaking Engagements

Keynotes, Panels & Presentations

Florida Counseling Association Annual Conference
Plenary Session — Statewide Professional Conference
Plenary Speaker
National Career Development Association (NCDA)
National Conference — Plenary Session
Plenary Speaker
411 Luncheon
Featured Keynote Address
Keynote Speaker
Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development (FAMCD)
Annual State Conference — Multiple Years, Various Topics
Keynote & Presenter
University & College Campus Keynotes
Mental health awareness, self-love, and wellness — higher education audiences nationwide
Keynote Speaker
American Counseling Association (ACA)
National Annual Conference — Multiple Sessions, Multiple Years
Presenter
Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (ACES)
National Conference — Research & Clinical Practice Sessions
Presenter
Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development (AMCD)
National Conference — Multicultural & Culturally Affirming Counseling
Presenter
Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW)
National Conference — Group Counseling with LGBTQ+ Populations
Presenter
Association for LGBT Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC)
National Conference — Affirming Practice & LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Presenter
Association for Creativity in Counseling (ACC)
National Conference — Creative Counseling Interventions
Presenter
Southern Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (SACES)
Regional Conference — Counselor Education Research
Presenter
North Central ACES (NCACES)
Regional Conference — Research & Practice
Presenter
International Association for Addictions & Offender Counselors (IAAOC)
National Conference — Counseling Practice Sessions
Presenter
UCF Graduate Research Forum
University of Central Florida — 1st Place, Education Category
Award-Winning Presentation
Florida Statewide Research Symposium
1st Place, Education Category — Statewide Competition
Award-Winning Presentation
Corporate & Organizational Wellness Sessions
Burnout prevention, self-care, emotional intelligence, and mental wellness — organizations nationwide
Workshop Facilitator
Generational Healing & Culturally Affirming Counseling
Conferences & community events — exploring intergenerational trauma, identity, and mental wellness
Featured Speaker
International Conference Presentations
LGBTQ+ counseling, cultural identity, and self-love frameworks — global audiences
International Presenter
Self-Love & Mental Wellness Summits
Public speaking and panel discussions on self-love, boundaries, and emotional wellbeing
Panelist & Keynote

Academia

Teaching Experience

Dr. Shainna has taught graduate and undergraduate courses across counseling, psychology, and human services — bringing clinical expertise and lived scholarship into the classroom.

University of Central Florida

Adjunct Faculty • Department of Counselor Education
  • Multicultural Counseling
  • Group Counseling Theory & Practice
  • Introduction to Counseling
  • Career Counseling

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Adjunct Faculty • Online Campus
  • Counseling Theory
  • Cultural Diversity in Counseling
  • Group Dynamics

Rollins College

Adjunct Faculty • Hamilton Holt School
  • Human Development
  • Psychology of Gender

Northwestern University

Instructor • School of Professional Studies
  • Mental Health Counseling
  • Professional Practice in Counseling

Northern Illinois University

Adjunct Faculty • Counseling Department
  • Counseling Skills & Techniques
  • Multicultural Issues in Counseling

Stetson University

Adjunct Faculty • Human Services
  • Introduction to Human Services
  • Self-Care & Professional Development

Self-Love & Self-Care for Helping Professionals

Evidence-informed workshop translating The Self-Love Workbook framework into practical strategies for counselors, social workers, and healthcare providers experiencing burnout.

CE Workshop

Culturally Affirming Counseling Practice

Training for mental health practitioners on building culturally responsive therapeutic relationships, with attention to intersectionality, microaggressions, and identity-affirming approaches.

Professional Training

LGBTQ+ Affirming Group Work

Workshop grounded in research on group counseling with LGBTQ+ populations — covering the coming out process, strengths-based approaches, and facilitating safe therapeutic spaces.

Specialist Training

Scholarship & Inquiry

Research

The Impact of Strengths-Based Group Counseling on LGBTQ+ Young Adults in the Coming Out Process
Ali, S., & Lambie, G. W. (2019). Journal for Specialists in Group Work.
doi:10.1080/15401383.2019.1632767
Strengthening Counseling Students’ Awareness of LGBTQ+ Adolescent Experiences Through Innovative Group-Based Instruction
Ali, S., & Bloom, Z. (2019). Journal for Specialists in Group Work.
doi:10.1080/15401383.2018.1535922
Intersectionality and Mental Health: Implications for Counseling
Ali, S. (2018). In P. Arredondo (Ed.), Multicultural Issues in Counseling: New Approaches to Diversity (5th ed.). American Counseling Association.
Counseling Considerations for Clients with Opioid Use Disorder
Ali, S. (2017). In S. Barden & M. Shannon (Eds.), Beyond the Prescription: A Counselor’s Guide to Treating Those with Opioid Use Disorder. American Counseling Association.

Get in Touch

Let’s Connect

For speaking inquiries, media requests, consulting, or collaboration — Dr. Shainna would love to hear from you.

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