Episodes

  • What is self-love? Dismantling misconceptions and defining your practice [54]

    What is self-love? Dismantling misconceptions and defining your practice [54]
    Jan 11 2026
    Welcome to the Mental Wellness Practice Podcast, a place for you to explore foundational elements and strategies to support mental health. Hosted by Dr. Shainna , a mental health counselor, educator, and author of the best-seller The Self-Love Workbook, this episode is part two of the Self-Love Series. This series was curated to offer guidance in cultivating deeper self-awareness, initiating profound inner healing, and building authentic connection. In this episode, Dr. Shainna helps you define self love as you break through 10 common misconceptions standing in your path. Resources Mentioned in This Episode:⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠💍 Anxiring → Intentional jewelry designed to support self-regulation and calm. Get your discount with code DRSHAINNA at⁠ www.anxiring.com⁠ 💤TapeHer → The mouth tape that transformed Dr. Shainna’s sleep routine. Try it with code DRSHAINNA at⁠ www.tapeher.com⁠Stay Connected: Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram or Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ www.drshainna.com⁠💌 Love what you’re hearing? Share, follow, and leave a review, it helps others find this space too.TakeawaysSelf-love is often misunderstood and requires personal definition.Many misconceptions about self-love hinder its practice.Self-love is not selfish; it is essential for healthy relationships.True self-love is built on humility and stability, not ego.Self-love is a practice, not a destination or achievement.Self-love is not about material purchases or external validation.Self-love requires resilience and accountability.Self-love is not an excuse to avoid hard work or responsibilities.Self-love encompasses a range of emotions, not just positive feelings.Self-love fosters healthy interdependence, not hyperindependence.Keywordsself-love, personal growth, mental health, self-acceptance, emotional well-being, self-care, resilience, self-worth, personal development, mental wellnessAbout Dr. Shainna:Dr. Shainna is a mental health counselor, educator, and advocate who is passionate about destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide recognize the importance of fostering mental wellness. She is the creator of The Self-Love Workbook, The Self-Love Workbook for Teens, Luna Finds Love Everywhere: A Self-Love Book for Kids, The Self-Love Planner, and Designing Healthy Boundaries. She has been featured through outlets such as Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Dr. Shainna’s passion for promoting mental health awareness and access inspired her to host the Mental Wellness Practice Podcast. Dr. Shainna is the owner and operator of Integrated Counseling Solutions, LLC, a strengths-based clinical mental health and consulting practice located in Central Florida. Additionally, she has served on the Board of Directors of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida and is a past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Dr. Shainna has been honored with the Association for Specialists in Group Work's Al Dye Award, the Pete Fischer Humanitarian Award, and UCF’s 30 under 30 and Noble Knight distinctions for her efforts in promoting mental wellness. This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional.Additional Mental Wellness Resources:Designing Healthy BoundariesThe Self-Love Workbook for TeensThe Self-Love PlannerLuna Finds Love EverywhereFind a Mental Health Provider:National Alliance on Mental IllnessNational Mental Health LifelineOpen PathTherifyMelanin & Mental HealthInclusive TherapistsTherapy for Black GirlsAsian Mental Health Collective
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    19 mins
  • The Risks of Neglecting Self-Love That Nobody Wants to Talk About (Part 1 in The Self-Love Series)

    The Risks of Neglecting Self-Love That Nobody Wants to Talk About (Part 1 in The Self-Love Series)
    Jan 6 2026
    Welcome to the Mental Wellness Practice Podcast, a place for you to explore foundational elements and strategies to support mental health. Hosted by Dr. Shainna , a mental health counselor, educator, and author of the best-seller The Self-Love Workbook, this episode begins the Self-Love Series. This series was curated to offer guidance in cultivating deeper self-awareness, initiating profound inner healing, and building authentic connection. In this foundational episode, Dr. Shainna explores the heart of self-love by walking you through the vital risks and rewards of this practice. You’ll be gently guided to recognize common symptoms like self-criticism and emotional dysregulation, empowering you to choose a proactive path toward healing and healthy relationships.Chapters00:00 The Invisible Thread of Self-Love01:05 Understanding Self-Love: Definition and Importance03:06 Consequences of Neglecting Self-Love04:59 The Risks and Rewards of Self-Love11:17 Recognizing the Symptoms and Choosing Self-LoveTakeawaysSelf-love connects our daily experiences and well-being.Neglecting self-love leads to negative consequences.Self-love is not just an abstract concept; it requires action.The journey of self-love is individualized and ongoing.Self-kindness can replace toxic self-criticism.Emotional dysregulation stems from a lack of self-love.Healthy boundaries are essential for self-respect.Self-love can transform our relationships and legacy.Recognizing the signs of self-neglect is crucial.Simple actions can lead to significant changes in self-love.Stay Connected: Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram or Facebook → @drshainna Find more resources, workshops, and support → www.drshainna.com💌 Love what you’re hearing? Share, follow, and leave a review, it helps others find this space too. Special thanks to Matt Gilhooly of The Life Shift Podcast for the intro and outro production.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:The Self-Love Workbook💤💍 Anxiring → Intentional jewelry designed to support self-regulation and calm. Get your discount with code DRSHAINNA at www.anxiring.comThis podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional.Additional Mental Wellness Resources:Designing Healthy BoundariesThe Self-Love Workbook for TeensThe Self-Love PlannerLuna Finds Love EverywhereFind a Mental Health Provider:National Alliance on Mental IllnessNational Mental Health LifelineOpen PathTherifyMelanin & Mental HealthInclusive TherapistsTherapy for Black GirlsAsian Mental Health CollectiveKeywordsself-love, mental well-being, emotional health, self-care, personal growth, self-awareness, boundaries, mental health, self-acceptance, emotional regulation
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    14 mins
  • A five-step guide to meaningful goals: A Micro-lesson on intentionality, alignment, and growth [52]

    A five-step guide to meaningful goals: A Micro-lesson on intentionality, alignment, and growth [52]
    Dec 23 2025

    About 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by February. In this mini episode, Dr. Shainna helps you tackle the common challenges of New Year’s Resolutions and introduces a five-step process to create meaningful and intentional resolutions. This method emphasizes moving beyond rigid goals to more intentional resolutions, providing a simple process to infuse intentionality throughout the year.


    This episode is short and sweet, designed to be paused as-needed to offer you a free mini-lesson on intentional goals.

    To dive deeper into the process checkout:

    ⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠

    ⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠


    Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram or Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ ⁠⁠www.drshainna.com⁠


    Additional resources:

    💍 Anxiring → Intentional jewelry designed to support self-regulation and calm. Get your discount with code DRSHAINNA

    Designing Healthy Boundaries

    The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠

    ⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠


    💌 Love what you’re hearing? Share, follow, and leave a review, it helps others find this space too.


    This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional.
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    10 mins
  • How to have healthy conflict: Transforming how we see difficult conversations in order to improve our relationships [51]

    How to have healthy conflict: Transforming how we see difficult conversations in order to improve our relationships [51]
    Nov 26 2025

    We're conditioned to believe that a healthy relationship is a conflict-free relationship. But what if that smooth surface is actually a sign of emotional avoidance, slow decay, or even fear? Avoiding the tough conversations doesn't eliminate issues; it simply pushes them beneath the surface, ensuring they surface later as burnout or resentment, and often making them harder to manage.

    In this episode Dr. Shainna chats with Audrey Augustave, the Practice Owner and Lead Therapist of A Nurtured Life Psychotherapy, and the creator of the incredible podcast, Un-Loc’d, which provides clinical insight on mental health subjects through the Caribbean lens.Together they unpack:

    • How to recognize the subtle signs that a conflict is moving from unhealthy demolition to healthy construction.

    • The specific language you can use to initiate a difficult conversation without triggering a defensive response.

    • And the practical, actionable strategies you can implement today to transform your next disagreement into a genuine moment of connection.

    Takeaways

    • Conflict is always telling you something that you need to know.

    • There are no negative emotions.

    • Feelings are trying to tell you something.

    • Pay attention to the fire alarm in your life.

    • Emotions signify underlying issues that need addressing.

    • Understanding feelings can lead to personal growth.

    • Ignoring emotions can lead to bigger problems.

    • Self-awareness is key to navigating conflict.

    • Emotions should be embraced, not suppressed.

    • Listening to our feelings can prevent emotional burnout.

    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

    Tune into the Un'Locd Podcast

    💤 TapeHer → The mouth tape that transformed Dr. Shainna’s sleep routine. Try it with code DRSHAINNA

    💍 Anxiring → Intentional jewelry designed to support self-regulation and calm. Get your discount with code DRSHAINNA

    Stay Connected: Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram or Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ ⁠⁠www.drshainna.com⁠

    💌 Love what you’re hearing? Share, follow, and leave a review, it helps others find this space too.

    This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional.

    Additional Mental Wellness Resources:

    ⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠

    ⁠The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠

    ⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠

    ⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠
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    49 mins
  • How Horror Heals: The Science of Recreational Fear [50]

    How Horror Heals: The Science of Recreational Fear [50]
    Oct 8 2025
    Can fear and pleasure coexist? We often see these concepts as separate, and sometimes even oppositional. But is that accurate?In this episode of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast, Dr. Shainna explores the surprising psychology of recreational fear — the thrills we seek when we watch horror movies, ride roller coasters, drive fast, or even go bungee jumping.Joined by Dr. Marc Andersen and Dr. Mathias Clasen from the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University, we’ll explore what happens when fear becomes fun — and how these playful experiences can actually improve emotional regulation, resilience, and mental wellness.What recreational fear really isCommon misconceptions about fear and what it reveals about our brainsWho can benefit from engaging with fear in a safe, intentional wayKey findings from the Recreational Fear Lab and what they teach us about emotion regulationPractical strategies to reframe fear as a tool for growth, confidence, and connection⁠Mathias Clasen⁠, literature and media researcher, is an associate professor in the School of Communication and Culture, Department of English at Aarhus University.⁠Marc Andersen⁠, cognitive scientist, is an associate professor in the School of Culture and Society, Department of Culture, Cognition and Computation at Aarhus University.⁠Dr. Shainna⁠ is a mental health counselor, educator, and advocate dedicated to helping individuals cultivate lifelong mental wellness. She is the owner of The Mental Wellness Practice in Central Florida and the creator of the bestselling Self-Love Workbook series and Designing Healthy Boundaries. Her insights have been featured in VOGUE, ABC, CBS, NPR, The Washington Post, and Insider, and she has been recognized with honors including UCF’s Noble Knight Distinction and the Pete Fischer Humanitarian Award for her efforts to promote emotional well-being. 🌐 Learn more at ⁠www.DrShainna.com⁠ or connect on Instagram ⁠@DrShainna⁠.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Learn more about ⁠The Recreational Fear Lab⁠ and Mathias and Marc’s ⁠research⁠💍 Anxiring → Intentional jewelry designed to support self-regulation and calm. Get your discount with code DRSHAINNA at⁠ www.anxiring.com⁠Stay Connected: Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram or Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ ⁠⁠www.drshainna.com⁠💌 Love what you’re hearing? Share, follow, and leave a review, it helps others find this space too.This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional.Additional Mental Wellness Resources:⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠⁠The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠
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    36 mins
  • Friendship breakups: Choosing between reconciliation and release [49]

    Friendship breakups: Choosing between reconciliation and release [49]
    Sep 29 2025

    In this episode, Dr. Shainna explores the complexities of friendships, discussing why they sometimes end and how to approach healing, whether through reconciliation or release. She emphasizes the importance of reflection, understanding personal roles in friendships, and the potential for growth through these relationships.

    In this episode you will learn about:

    • What friendship means to you.
    • Your role friendship dynamics
    • Common root causes in friendship breakups
      • Strategies to reconcile a ruptured friendship
      • Strategies to release a friendship

    • Stay Connected: Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram or Facebook → @drshainna Find more resources, workshops, and support → www.drshainna.com

      💌 Love what you’re hearing? Share, follow, and leave a review, it helps others find this space too.


      Special thanks to Matt Gilhooly of The Life Shift Podcast for the intro and outro production.


      Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

      💤 TapeHer → The mouth tape that transformed Dr. Shainna’s sleep routine. Try it with code DRSHAINNA at www.tapeher.com

      💍 Anxiring → Intentional jewelry designed to support self-regulation and calm. Get your discount with code DRSHAINNA at www.anxiring.com


      This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional.


      Additional Mental Wellness Resources:

      The Self-Love Workbook

      The Self-Love Workbook for Teens

      The Self-Love Planner

      Luna Finds Love Everywhere


      Find a Mental Health Provider:

      National Alliance on Mental Illness

      National Mental Health Lifeline

      Open Path

      Therify

      Melanin & Mental Health

      Inclusive Therapists

      Therapy for Black Girls

      Asian Mental Health Collective
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    13 mins
  • Psychedelics & Mental Health: A New Era of Healing [48]

    Psychedelics & Mental Health: A New Era of Healing [48]
    Aug 29 2025
    In this enlightening episode, we delve into the transformative world of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. Discover how this innovative approach is reshaping mental health treatment, offering new hope for those battling depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Join us as we explore the science, stories, and potential of psychedelics in therapy, featuring insights from leading experts in the field.Today, we have a very special guest: Amanda Gow, Co-founder of Bendable Therapy and a licensed Psilocybin-Assisted Therapist. Amanda is a trailblazer in the mental health space, bringing over a decade of executive leadership in youth and family services across Oregon. With a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health and deep roots in nonprofit work, she’s now helping shape the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy—making it accessible, ethical, and rooted in real, community-driven care.Welcome to a deep dive into the transformative world of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.In this episode, we explore:How this innovative approach is reshaping mental health treatment.New hope for those battling depression, PTSD, and anxiety.The science, stories, and potential of psychedelics in therapy.The profound impact these therapies are having on mental health and the future of healing.Join us as we explore a world that's gaining attention fast, but is still full of questions, misconceptions, and mystery: psychedelic-assisted therapy.About AmandaAmanda Gow, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Bendable Therapy is a licensed psilocybin facilitator who brings compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of the healing journey to every session. With a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health, Amanda’s approach is rooted in creating safe, supportive, and transformative spaces where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions, memories, and inner worlds. Her extensive background, including over a decade of leadership work with youth and families, shapes her trauma-informed practice and commitment to holistic care.Bendable TherapyLinkedInBook a Free ConsultationDONATE to support Bendable ProgramsAbout Dr. Shainna:Dr. Shainna is a mental health counselor, educator, and advocate who is passionate about destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide recognize the importance of fostering mental wellness. She is the creator of The Self-Love Workbook, The Self-Love Workbook for Teens, Luna Finds Love Everywhere: A Self-Love Book for Kids, The Self-Love Planner, and Designing Healthy Boundaries. She has been featured through outlets such as Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR Washington Post, and Insider. Dr. Shainna’s passion for promoting mental health awareness and access inspired her to host the Mental Wellness Practice Podcast. Stay Connected: Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram or Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ ⁠⁠www.drshainna.com⁠💌 Love what you’re hearing? Share, follow, and leave a review, it helps others find this space too. Special thanks to Matt Gilhooly of ⁠The Life Shift Podcast⁠ for the intro and outro production.Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 💤 TapeHer → The mouth tape that transformed Dr. Shainna’s sleep routine. Try it with code DRSHAINNA at⁠ www.tapeher.com⁠ 💍 Anxiring → Intentional jewelry designed to support self-regulation and calm. Get your discount with code DRSHAINNA at⁠ www.anxiring.com⁠Mental Wellness Resources:Designing Healthy BoundariesThe Self-Love WorkbookThe Self-Love Workbook for TeensThe Self-Love PlannerLuna Finds Love EverywhereFind a Mental Health Provider:National Alliance on Mental IllnessNational Mental Health LifelineOpen PathTherifyMelanin & Mental HealthInclusive TherapistsTherapy for Black GirlsAsian Mental Health CollectiveThis podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional
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    41 mins
  • People-Pleasing vs Kindness: How to Stop Self-Abandonment [47]

    People-Pleasing vs Kindness: How to Stop Self-Abandonment [47]
    Aug 25 2025
    Mental health is essential for each and every one of us, yet most of us don't get to learn the key components that can help us cultivate mental wellness. In The Mental Wellness Practice, you can learn important information, delve into reflection prompts, and leave with practical strategies. In episode 47, Dr. Shainna is joined by Craig Smith, husband, father, therapist, podcaster, and creator of the FOCUS Journal. Together they examine the quote, “People-pleasing is self-abandonment dressed up as kindness” and offer practical, compassionate guidance to shift from people-pleasing towards kindness.Here are some questions that are addressed in this episode:What is kindness?What is self-abandonment?What is people-pleasing?What is self-betrayal?What is self-neglect?Why do we people-please?How do we know if we are people-pleasing?How can we practice genuine kindness?What is the connection between self-love and kindness?About Craig:Craig Smith is a powerful man of God, a patient, present, loving father and husband, a FAITH spreader, a LOVE giver, and a HOPE dealer. He strives to live every day attracting love, success, and abundance into his life and inspire as many people as he can to do the same.For over a decade, Craig has helped individuals change their mindset and create the desired change in their lives. Craig strives to live and promote the Greatest Day Mindset, which is a lifestyle, a way of living every day with a positive attitude. It is choosing to be happy and live your life with energy, no matter your circumstances. Craig believes that while today may not be your last day on earth, it is the only day so why not choose to make today the Greatest Day of your life.Follow Craig on IGJoin the Inner Greatness CommunityCheckout the free Focus on Gratitude CommunityCheckout the FOCUS journalAbout Dr. Shainna:Dr. Shainna is a mental health counselor, educator, and advocate who is passionate about destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide recognize the importance of fostering mental wellness. She is the creator of The Self-Love Workbook, The Self-Love Workbook for Teens, Luna Finds Love Everywhere: A Self-Love Book for Kids, The Self-Love Planner, and Designing Healthy Boundaries. She has been featured through outlets such as Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR Washington Post, and Insider. Dr. Shainna’s passion for promoting mental health awareness and access inspired her to host the Mental Wellness Practice Podcast. Stay Connected: Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram or Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ ⁠⁠www.drshainna.com⁠💌 Love what you’re hearing? Share, follow, and leave a review, it helps others find this space too.Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 💤 TapeHer → The mouth tape that transformed Dr. Shainna’s sleep routine. Try it with code DRSHAINNA at⁠ www.tapeher.com⁠ 💍 Anxiring → Intentional jewelry designed to support self-regulation and calm. Get your discount with code DRSHAINNA at⁠ www.anxiring.com⁠Mental Wellness Resources:Designing Healthy BoundariesThe Self-Love WorkbookThe Self-Love Workbook for TeensThe Self-Love PlannerLuna Finds Love EverywhereFind a Mental Health Provider:National Alliance on Mental IllnessNational Mental Health LifelineOpen PathTherifyMelanin & Mental HealthInclusive TherapistsTherapy for Black GirlsAsian Mental Health CollectiveThis podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional.
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    48 mins