Curriculum Vitae
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.
Education & Credentials
Clinical Practice
Dr. Shainna draws on a strengths-based, holistic, and culturally affirming approach to support individuals navigating a wide range of mental health experiences.
Clinical practice through Integrated Counseling Solutions • Supervision available (ACS)
Service & Leadership
Appointed to the Dean’s Council for the University of Central Florida’s College of Community Innovation and Education.
Higher EducationCo-chairs the American Counseling Association Foundation’s Growth and Giving Committee, supporting the future of the counseling profession.
Professional LeadershipServes on the Board of Directors for To Write Love on Her Arms, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention, self-harm recovery, and mental health advocacy.
Nonprofit BoardPast president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, advancing culturally responsive counseling practices statewide.
AdvocacyServed on the Board of Directors for the Mental Health Association of Central Florida, supporting community mental health services and advocacy.
Community LeadershipEditorial Boards
Serves on the editorial board of this peer-reviewed journal, which advances creative and expressive approaches to mental health counseling and education.
Editorial BoardServes on the editorial board for the Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education — advancing inclusive and affirming counseling scholarship.
Editorial BoardSpeaking Engagements
Academia
Dr. Shainna has taught graduate and undergraduate courses across counseling, psychology, and human services — bringing clinical expertise and lived scholarship into the classroom.
Workshops & Professional Trainings
Evidence-informed workshop translating The Self-Love Workbook framework into practical strategies for counselors, social workers, and healthcare providers experiencing burnout.
CE WorkshopTraining for mental health practitioners on building culturally responsive therapeutic relationships, with attention to intersectionality, microaggressions, and identity-affirming approaches.
Professional TrainingWorkshop grounded in research on group counseling with LGBTQ+ populations — covering the coming out process, strengths-based approaches, and facilitating safe therapeutic spaces.
Specialist TrainingCorporate training series addressing burnout, boundary-setting, emotional intelligence, and building sustainable wellness cultures for organizations and teams.
Corporate TrainingScholarship & Inquiry
Exploring the lived experiences of Guyanese Americans, the intersection of culture and mental health stigma, and culturally affirming counseling practices for this underrepresented community.
Examining how intergenerational trauma, inherited emotional patterns, and family systems shape mental wellness — and how individuals and communities can foster generational healing.
Advancing self-love as a measurable, evidence-informed framework — articulating its seven components and translating the construct into practical interventions for diverse populations.
Published Books
Refereed Journal Articles
Book Chapters
Press, Writing & Podcasts
My Written Contributions
Broadcast & On-Air Features
Print & Digital Media Features
My Podcast
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
Podcast Guest Appearances
Ep. 629: “Childhood Trauma and How to Learn Self-Love”
Ep. 101: “I Used To Think I Didn’t Need Help” with Chelsea Leigh Trescott
Ep. 144: “Modern Friendship with Dr. Shainna Ali”
Ep. 85B: “How Self-Love is an Act of Service”
Ep. 329: “Boundaries, Anxiety, Self-Love & Better Connection”
Ep. 202: “Self-Love Workbook with Dr. Shainna Ali”
Ep. 335: Self-love, healthy boundaries, and raising emotionally intelligent children.
Ep. 42: “Self Worth and Money with Dr. Shainna Ali”
“The Seven Components of Self-Love”
Ep. 14: “Self Love with Dr. Shainna Ali” — self-love, self-care, social media & the loneliness epidemic
“How To Practice Self-Love And Create Healthy Boundaries” with Allison Walsh
“Reparenting Your Inner Child, Now That You’re a Mom Yourself”
“What Happens When You Ignore Self-Love?” — defining self-love, self vs. selfish, and men & self-love
“Self-Love for Kids with Dr. Shainna Ali” — discussing Luna Finds Love Everywhere
“How To Set Boundaries Unapologetically With Dr. Shainna Ali”
Ep. 59: “Mental Health Meets Empowerment: Transformative Self-Love Practices”
Ep. 61: “Designing Healthy Boundaries with Dr. Shainna Ali”
Get in Touch
For speaking inquiries, media requests, consulting, or collaboration — Dr. Shainna would love to hear from you.
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