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 The Mental Wellness Practice, LLC • Supervision available (ACS)
Published Works
Best-selling author of five books on mental wellness, self-love, and healthy boundaries — with a sixth available for pre-order.
Scholarship & Inquiry
Refereed Journal Articles
Book Chapters
Audio
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.
Latest Episodes
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”
“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?”
“Self-Love for Kids” — 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”
Press & Writing
Media Features
Written Contributions
Speaking Engagements
Service & Leadership
Board of Directors
Serves on the Board of Directors for TWLOHA, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention, self-harm recovery, and mental health advocacy.
Nonprofit BoardServes on the Board of Directors for From Outside In, a nonprofit committed to affirming mental wellness and community empowerment. 2020–Present.
Nonprofit BoardPast 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 MemberAppointed to the Dean’s Advisory Board for the University of Central Florida’s College of Community Innovation and Education. 2024.
Higher EducationCo-chairs the American Counseling Association Foundation’s Growth and Giving Committee, supporting the future of the counseling profession. 2025–Present.
Committee ChairPresident & Founder
President of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development, advancing culturally responsive counseling practices statewide. 2015–2016.
Advocacy LeadershipPresident of the Counselor Education Doctoral Student Organization at the University of Central Florida, representing doctoral students in counselor education. 2015.
Academic LeadershipFounded and led the Community-Charity Club at UCF South Lake, building a community-focused service organization. 2008.
Community LeadershipEditorial Service
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 BoardEditorial board member for this peer-reviewed journal advancing creative and expressive approaches to mental health counseling and education. 2016–Present.
Editorial BoardEditorial board member, contributing expertise in mental health counseling and advocacy. 2013–2018.
Editorial BoardEditorial board member and ad-hoc reviewer, advancing scholarship in addiction and offender counseling. 2013–2018.
Editorial BoardCommittee Chair
Chair of the Graduate Student Committee for the International Association for Addictions & Offender Counselors. 2013–2015.
Committee ChairChair of the Affirmative Practice & Social Justice Committee for the Association for LGBT Issues in Counseling. 2014–2015.
Committee ChairChair of the Professional Development Committee for Chi Sigma Iota, Upsilon Chi Chapter. 2013–2014.
Committee ChairChair of the Newsletter Committee for Chi Sigma Iota, Upsilon Chi Chapter. 2011–2012.
Committee ChairCommittee & Conference Service
Search Committee Member for the UCF Alumni Association 30 Under 30 honoree selection. 2021 & 2024 Classes.
UCF Alumni AssociationCommittee Member for the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP). Pending.
International ServiceCommittee Member supporting young alumni engagement and university community initiatives. 2020.
Alumni ServiceCommittee Member for the Mental Health Counseling Association of Central Florida Presidential Search. 2020.
Professional ServiceAcademia
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
Invited workshop at the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development (FAMCD) Annual Conference — evidence-based framework for setting and sustaining healthy personal and professional boundaries.
FAMCD • Invited SpeakerInvited professional development session at the American Counseling Association (ACA) Annual Conference — translating The Self-Love Workbook framework into clinical practice for counselors and social workers.
ACA • Invited SpeakerInvited training at the Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development (AMCD) National Conference — building culturally responsive therapeutic relationships with intersectional and identity-affirming approaches.
AMCD • Invited SpeakerInvited presentation for the UCF College of Community Innovation & Education — exploring how anxiety presents in high-achieving populations and evidence-informed clinical strategies for counselors.
UCF CCIE • Invited PresenterGet in Touch
For speaking inquiries, media requests, consulting, or collaboration — Dr. Shainna would love to hear from you.
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