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)
Press, Writing & Podcasts
Media 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”
Service & Leadership
President & Founder
President of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development, advancing culturally responsive counseling practices statewide. 2015–2016.
Advocacy LeadershipPresident of the UCF Counselor Education Doctoral Student Association, representing doctoral students in counselor education. 2014–2015.
Academic LeadershipFounded and led the Community-Charity Club at UCF South Lake, building a community-focused service organization. 2008.
Community LeadershipBoard 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 ChairEditorial 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
Proposal Review & Conference Coordination
Speaking 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 TrainingScholarship & Inquiry
Published Books
Refereed Journal Articles
Book Chapters
Get in Touch
For speaking inquiries, media requests, consulting, or collaboration — Dr. Shainna would love to hear from you.
Send a Message →