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
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
Media & Publications
As Featured In
Published Writing
40+ evidence-based articles on mental health, identity, self-love, and wellness for a global audience.
Current column exploring practical strategies for mental wellness and self-care.
Long-form explorations of mental wellness, boundaries, identity, and personal growth.
Contributing author on wellness, burnout prevention, and thriving in modern life.
Expert perspectives on mental health, identity, and self-love for multicultural audiences.
Contributions to the National Alliance on Mental Illness supporting public education and advocacy.
Professional publications advancing the counseling field and clinician development.
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”
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
Get in Touch
For speaking inquiries, media requests, consulting, or collaboration — Dr. Shainna would love to hear from you.
Send a Message →