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How do Guyanese Americans perceive mental health? Guyana has one of the highest suicide rates in the world and today more individuals live in the diaspora than the nation itself. Why has a community carrying some of the heaviest mental health statistics gone largely unstudied in counseling literature?  This special episode is the first in a series exploring Guyanese American Mental Health. Dr. Shainna chats with a few fellow members of the Guyanese American Mental Health Research Team, Dr. John Harrichand and Dr. Aliya Subhit, for a long-overdue conversation about the gap in research, the lived realities of Guyanese American mental wellness, and the findings from their research. Learn more about the team’s work here. In this episode, you'll hear about: The Research GapDecolonizing mental health careExamining biasHow the researchers were drawn to this projectCultural Context & Gender DynamicsGuyanese American Perceptions of Mental health (research findings)Individualism and Collectivism in mental healthIntergenerational Coping Patterns Community & Religion as mental health factors Dr. John J. S. Harrichand is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling at Montclair State University. A Guyanese-born scholar who immigrated to Canada and then the United States, his research focuses on culturally responsive counseling, counselor education and supervision, and social justice advocacy for minoritized communities. Dr. Aliya Subhit is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), researcher, clinician, and advocate. As a first-generation Guyanese American woman, she brings clinical expertise and lived experience to the team's research on diaspora mental health. ⁠Dr. Shainna⁠ is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, author, and advocate dedicated to destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide cultivate mental wellness. She is the creator of multiple resources that make mental health support more accessible, including the best-selling⁠ The Self-Love Workbook⁠ and her highly anticipated new release,⁠ Generational Healing⁠. She is the host of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast and has been featured in Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR, The Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Dr. Shainna is the owner of The Mental Wellness Practice LLC, a strengths-based clinical mental health and consulting practice in Central Florida. She serves on the board of⁠ To Write Love on Her Arms⁠, is a former Board Director of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida, and is past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Her honors include 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. Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram and Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ www.drshainna.com⁠ A Qualitative Investigation of Guyanese American Perceptions of Mental Health (Ali, Harrichand, Shillingford-Butler, & Herbert, 2023), published in The Professional Counselor. Guyanese American Mental Wellness: A Phenomenological Study of Rupture and Resilience (Harrichand, Ali, & Subhit, 2026), published in COUNS-EDU. 💌 Loved this episode? Share it, follow the podcast, and leave a review. This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional. Guest & Host BiosAbout Dr. John HarrichandAbout Dr. Aliya SubhitAbout Dr. ShainnaFeatured Research Explored

Eldest daughter syndrome has gone viral—but this trend is no fad. With origins in birth order theory, the eldest daughter phenomenon may be a part of pop culture, but it is often misunderstood. You can fit the eldest daughter role without being the actual eldest daughter. And when you are the eldest daughter who doesn’t fit the seemingly universal description, that speaks volumes too.  In this episode I’m joined by Geri Lopez, therapist, first-gen advocate, and yes, eldest daughter, to explore the origins of birth order theory, key influences, and what it means for us as individuals and as a community. This is not just about the women who were born first, the messages in this episode shines a light on other elements of birth order theory that fall into the shadow of the eldest daughter concept and explores how deconstructing this concept is where we find choice, agency and sovereignty no matter when we were born. What is birth order theory? What is the “strong one” trend? Birth order 101: common eldest, middle, and youngest traits, and what happens when there is a big age gap between siblings The difference between clinical parentification and the pseudo-parent role that persists into adulthood When the eldest daughter is not the eldest daughter Gender, patriarchy, and how culture affects the roles we hold The immigrant family and collective culture layer of the eldest daughter experience How blame and martyrdom inhibit healing How generational patterns affect birth order Neuroplasticity and the power to shift Geri Lopez, LPC (she/they) is a Latinx therapist, burnout life coach, and first-gen advocate who helps women, queer adults, and therapists heal burnout, navigate identity and trauma, and build more grounded, sustainable lives. As a gender-fluid, bicultural, bilingual clinician, Geri provides affirming care for first-gen and LGBTQIA+ adults while helping clients strengthen boundaries, relationships, and nervous system regulation  without overworking or shrinking who they are. Follow Geri on Instagram → @womxn.compass.collective More about Dr. Shainna ⁠Dr. Shainna⁠ is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, author, and advocate dedicated to destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide cultivate mental wellness. She is the creator of multiple resources that make mental health support more accessible, including the best-selling⁠ The Self-Love Workbook⁠ and her highly anticipated new release,⁠ Generational Healing⁠. She is the host of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast and has been featured in Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR, The Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Dr. Shainna is the owner of The Mental Wellness Practice LLC, a strengths-based clinical mental health and consulting practice in Central Florida. She serves on the board of⁠ To Write Love on Her Arms⁠, is a former Board Director of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida, and is past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Her honors include 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. Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram and Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ www.drshainna.com⁠ 💌 Loved this episode? Share it, follow the podcast, and leave a review. Resources  Discount Code DRSHAINNA 🪷 La Agra  💍 ⁠Anxiring ⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠ ⁠Generational Healing⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠ ⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠ ⁠Designing Healthy Boundaries This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional. We dive into:More about Geri Lopez, LPC

What lies at the intersection of food and mental health? Most of us think about nutrition, and while that’s true, in this episode we are going a bit deeper. Dr. Shainna is joined by Alica Ramkirpal-Senhouse, a seasoned food blogger and recipe developer who focuses on preserving and sharing Guyanese and Caribbean cuisine. Together, they explore the nourishing elements of food that we commonly overlook such as comfort, connection, and cultural preservation. Tune in to explore Why food is far more than nutrition & the elements of it we most often overlook How to better understand your own comfort food How cooking is a form of cultural preservation The therapeutic elements of cooking How food consumption mirrors your identity and phase of life How slow cooking affects your mental wellness How Alica was drawn to cooking and why she is passionate about culinary reclamation How migration, gender, and culture influence creation, consumption, and preservation. More about Alica Alica Ramkirpal-Senhouse is a seasoned food blogger and recipe developer with 16 years of experience at Alica’s Pepperpot. Her blog focuses on Guyanese and Caribbean-American cuisine and has cultivated a dedicated readership over the years. Before transitioning to food media, Alica worked in sales and marketing in New York, where she was born and raised. Her work has been featured in prominent outlets such as  National Geographic Traveller UK (winter 2022), Food & Wine magazine’s March 2021 print issue, Condé Nast Traveller, Eater, and Simply Recipes.  In June 2023, Alica earned first place and the audience choice award in a culinary arts competition at the Walt Disney World Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts at Valencia College.  Follow Alica on IG More about Dr. Shainna ⁠Dr. Shainna⁠ is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, author, and advocate dedicated to destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide cultivate mental wellness. She is the creator of multiple resources that make mental health support more accessible, including the best-selling⁠ The Self-Love Workbook⁠ and her highly anticipated new release,⁠ Generational Healing⁠. She is the host of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast and has been featured in Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR, The Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Dr. Shainna is the owner of The Mental Wellness Practice LLC, a strengths-based clinical mental health and consulting practice in Central Florida. She serves on the board of⁠ To Write Love on Her Arms⁠, is a former Board Director of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida, and is past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Her honors include 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. Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram and Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ www.drshainna.com⁠ 💌 Loved this episode? Share it, follow the podcast, and leave a review. Resources  Discount Code DRSHAINNA 🪷 La Agra  💍 ⁠Anxiring ⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠ ⁠Generational Healing⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠ ⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠ ⁠Designing Healthy Boundaries This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional.

In this episode, Dr. Shainna sits down with celebrated artist, author, and researcher Morgan Harper Nichols for a grounding conversation on narrative therapy, creative expression, and healing through art. Moving beyond rigid expectations of what makes an experience deep, Morgan shares how simple practices can unlock centered clarity. Together, they explore how permission to play serves as an overlooked form of generational wealth, how we hold different pieces of who we are, and how embracing creative failure can lead to transformative storytelling. Meaning making Play as Generational Wealth Parts work exploration The inner council How failure can be a catalyst How micromoments make all the difference The power within storytelling  More About Morgan Harper Nichols Morgan Harper Nichols is an artist, author, researcher, and PhD student in Communication Studies at the University of Georgia. Her work enagages interactive storytelling, creative worldbuilding, and meaning-making. After being diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder in her early thirties, Morgan embraced a collage-based approach to art, music, and poetry that reflects patterns of assemblage, adaptation, and shared connection. Across digital media, her books, including the bestseller All Along You Were Blooming, she creates gentle visual and written spaces for healing and quiet reflection. She also serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for TWLOHA. Follow along: Instagram Substack More about Dr. Shainna ⁠Dr. Shainna⁠ is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, author, and advocate dedicated to destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide cultivate mental wellness. She is the creator of multiple resources that make mental health support more accessible, including the best-selling⁠ The Self-Love Workbook⁠ and her highly anticipated new release,⁠ Generational Healing⁠. She is the host of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast and has been featured in Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR, The Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Dr. Shainna is the owner of The Mental Wellness Practice LLC, a strengths-based clinical mental health and consulting practice in Central Florida. She serves on the board of⁠ To Write Love on Her Arms⁠, is a former Board Director of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida, and is past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Her honors include 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. Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram and Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ www.drshainna.com⁠ 💌 Loved this episode? Share it, follow the podcast, and leave a review. Resources  Discount Code DRSHAINNA 🪷 La Agra  💍 ⁠Anxiring ⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠ ⁠Generational Healing⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠ ⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠ ⁠Designing Healthy Boundaries This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional.

For most of our lives, we were taught to track our cycle for one reason: pregnancy. But what if it was quietly holding clues about your energy, your mood, your creativity, your boundaries — and your mental wellness — all along? In this episode of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast, Dr. Shainna gets honest about why women deserve so much more than what we have been taught about our menstrual cycles. Drawing on her experience as a licensed mental health counselor and educator, she walks us through the four phases of the menstrual cycle and offers practical, grounded guidance for how to sync with each rather than push against it. In this episode, you'll hear about: What cycle syncing actually is  How to track your cycle The phases of a standard menstrual cycle, including what to anticipate and how to harness the energy of each phase for well-being How cycle-synching can support self-care More about Dr. Shainna ⁠Dr. Shainna⁠ is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, author, and advocate dedicated to destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide cultivate mental wellness. She is the creator of multiple resources that make mental health support more accessible, including the best-selling⁠ The Self-Love Workbook⁠ and her highly anticipated new release,⁠ Generational Healing⁠. She is the host of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast and has been featured in Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR, The Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Dr. Shainna is the owner of The Mental Wellness Practice LLC, a strengths-based clinical mental health and consulting practice in Central Florida. She serves on the board of⁠ To Write Love on Her Arms⁠, is a former Board Director of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida, and is past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Her honors include 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. Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram and Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ www.drshainna.com⁠ 💌 Loved this episode? Share it, follow the podcast, and leave a review. Resources  Discount Code DRSHAINNA 🪷 La Agra  💍 ⁠Anxiring ⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠ ⁠Generational Healing⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠ ⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠ ⁠Designing Healthy Boundaries This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional.

We have all heard the phase, it takes a village, and maybe you’ve even lived through that reality. What about when the village doesn’t show up? Is it that the village doesn’t exist or are we so focused on the concept of the village that we forgot how to be villagers? In this episode, Dr. Shainna sits down with Jamie Buechele, founder of Networking Pizza, a thriving all-women's professional community in Central Florida for the honest conversation so many are hungry for. What does it actually mean to be a villager? How do we build a village when we don't have one? Why do so many of us struggle to show up, even when the safe spaces have already been created for us? Whether you already have a village, are aching for one, or are ready to become the kind of person others feel safe leaning on — this conversation offers a compassionate, practical, and refreshingly non-performative guide on how to better show up. More about Jamie Jamie Buechele is the founder of Networking Pizza, an all-women's professional networking community in Orlando, Florida. With more than 15 years in healthcare sales and a lifelong belief that women thrive through connection rather than competition, she launched Networking Pizza to create a space that feels real, warm, and welcoming. Through monthly pop-up meetups at local venues, she brings together women of all ages, backgrounds, and professions to support small businesses, learn from expert speakers, and build genuine community. Raised by a single mother who taught her to always pay it forward, Jamie carries that spirit of service into everything she does. Attend a Networking Pizza event More about Dr. Shainna ⁠Dr. Shainna⁠ is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, author, and advocate dedicated to destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide cultivate mental wellness. She is the creator of multiple resources that make mental health support more accessible, including the best-selling⁠ The Self-Love Workbook⁠ and her highly anticipated new release,⁠ Generational Healing⁠. She is the host of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast and has been featured in Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR, The Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Dr. Shainna is the owner of The Mental Wellness Practice LLC, a strengths-based clinical mental health and consulting practice in Central Florida. She serves on the board of⁠ To Write Love on Her Arms⁠, is a former Board Director of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida, and is past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Her honors include 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. Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram and Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ www.drshainna.com⁠ 💌 Loved this episode? Share it, follow the podcast, and leave a review. Resources  Discount Code DRSHAINNA 🪷 La Agra  💍 ⁠Anxiring ⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠ ⁠Generational Healing⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠ ⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠ ⁠Designing Healthy Boundaries This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional.

Are you able to tell the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation? Is it a fine line, or is the distinction clear? Now be honest: is it a line you have walked? If you have ever found yourself interested by a song, a practice, style, or a way of being that isn't entirely of your own heritage, you may relate to the concept of cultural appreciation. But when does this interest become something unhelpful, hurtful, or even harmful? The answer is rarely simple. In this episode, Dr. Shainna sits down with Australian Kirtan artist Premanjali for the layered, honest conversation that explores how at a glance cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation can overlap, and with deeper reflection they become distinct. Together, Dr. Shainna and Premanjali explore what makes music one of the most healing forces we have, why the voice is such a vulnerable and powerful instrument, and nuances of cultural complexity. This is a conversation for anyone who values music and is learning how to cultivate respect a culture that isn't entirely their own with reverence, humility, and integrity. More about Premanjali Premanjali is an Australian Kirtan artist raised in the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) tradition at the New Govardhan community in Australia. She has been singing since she could speak and was educated in Sanskrit, the Bhagavad Gita, and daily Kirtan through her school years, receiving her spiritual name from her teacher Indradyumna Swami in 2017. Her global journey has taken her through Vrindavan, London, New York, and Mumbai, where she now lives and creates. Her body of work weaves ancient devotional practice with Bollywood influence and original songwriting in English and Hindi, aiming to help listeners feel deeply and reflect on life a little more. Youtube Follow on IG More about Dr. Shainna ⁠Dr. Shainna⁠ is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, author, and advocate dedicated to destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide cultivate mental wellness. She is the creator of multiple resources that make mental health support more accessible, including the best-selling⁠ The Self-Love Workbook⁠ and her highly anticipated new release,⁠ Generational Healing⁠. She is the host of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast and has been featured in Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR, The Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Dr. Shainna is the owner of The Mental Wellness Practice LLC, a strengths-based clinical mental health and consulting practice in Central Florida. She serves on the board of⁠ To Write Love on Her Arms⁠, is a former Board Director of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida, and is past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Her honors include 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. Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram and Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ www.drshainna.com⁠ 💌 Loved this episode? Share it, follow the podcast, and leave a review. Resources  Discount Code DRSHAINNA 🪷 La Agra  💍 ⁠Anxiring ⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠ ⁠Generational Healing⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠ ⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠ ⁠Designing Healthy Boundaries This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional.

Has the story we've been sold about "good motherhood" been dishonest? In this episode of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast, Dr. Shainna chats with Libby Ward, creator, speaker, author of Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself  for a raw, reflective, and regenerative conversation about the practice of telling yourself the truth and what becomes possible when you do. Libby traces her path from lifelong people-pleaser to burnt-out mother to viral honest voice for millions. She shares the specific moments that shook her and reminds us that there are many more small changes that matter in the process of discovery, parenting, and healing. Together, she and Dr. Shainna unpack how the "selfless mother" myth is culturally, religiously, and generationally reinforced, how a parentified childhood teaches mothers to ignore their needs, and why lasting change is not one big shift but a million tiny honest moments. Tune in to hear all about: Libby's journey from people-pleaser to an honest advocate for mothers The link between honesty and people-pleasing The "selfless mother" myth The generational patterns that inhibit maternal wellness The pipeline from parentified child to overextended mother How to cope through maternal rage, mom guilt, and parental shame. Blocks that stand in the way of maternal well-being How to shift generational patterns to support healthy mothers and families The shift from self-blame, judgment, and shame to self-compassion Why maternal mental health needs to be a collective conversation Where to find Libby, her book Honest Motherhood, and The Honest Mom Journal About Libby Ward Libby Ward is a creator, speaker, and fierce advocate for women and mothers. Her work has been featured on the BBC and Globe and Mail, Good Morning America, and she is a member of Reese Witherspoon’s inaugural Hello Sunshine Collective. Known for her honesty and humour, Libby connects with millions of women through her social media platforms and creates spaces where moms feel seen and empowered to reclaim their time and well-being. Her book Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself explores the realities of modern motherhood and her healing journey to becoming a more present parent and whole person. IG: @libbyward TT: @libbywardofficial www.libbyward.com About Dr. Shainna ⁠Dr. Shainna⁠ is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, author, and advocate dedicated to destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide cultivate mental wellness. She is the creator of multiple resources that make mental health support more accessible, including the best-selling⁠ The Self-Love Workbook⁠ and her highly anticipated new release,⁠ Generational Healing⁠. She is the host of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast and has been featured in Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR, The Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Dr. Shainna is the owner of The Mental Wellness Practice LLC, a strengths-based clinical mental health and consulting practice in Central Florida. She serves on the board of⁠ To Write Love on Her Arms⁠, is a former Board Director of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida, and is past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Her honors include 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. Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram and Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ www.drshainna.com⁠ 💌 Loved this episode? Share it, follow the podcast, and leave a review. This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional. Resources  Discount Code DRSHAINNA 🪷 La Agra  💍 ⁠Anxiring ⁠  ⁠📖The Self-Love Workbook⁠ 📒Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind, And Finding Myself 📔The Honest Mom Journal ⁠Generational Healing⁠  ⁠

For the past 20 years, To Write Love on Her Arms has been dedicated to mental health awareness, support, and access. What began as a two-page post on MySpace about one young woman's first five days seeking recovery has grown into a global movement that has invested nearly $5 million into treatment and connects with 111 million people every year with a message of hope and help. In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Dr. Shainna sits down with Chad Moses, Director of Outreach and Experience at TWLOHA to unpack the power of story as an act of healing, why community is a mental health need rather than a nice-to-have, how music becomes a bridge to conversations most people don't know how to start, and where every dollar of TWLOHA's fundraising actually goes. Whether you are living with your own mental health challenge, walking alongside someone who is, or empowering yourself to be a better advocate this episode is for you. Content note: This episode contains references to self-injury and suicide, along with some profanity. Please listen with care. If you are struggling, call or text 988 or visit twloha.com/find-help. In this episode, you'll hear about: The origin story of TWLOHA Why the individualistic model of mental health fails Reclaiming story as a communal act Why your story does not need to be polished before it can heal someone else How music and live events became one of TWLOHA's most effective bridges to mental health conversations How TWLOHA structures its funding to directly cover treatment and care  The Suicide Prevention Month 2026 campaign goal: raising $250,000 to fund 20,000 hours of treatment How you can become an advocate   More about Chad Moses, Director of Outreach and Experience TWLOHA Chad has served TTWLOHA since 2008, primarily collaborating with musicians, festivals, and entertainment companies to cultivate conversations about mental health. As Director of Outreach, Chad has helped TWLOHA become the most visible mental health presence at live music events in North America, and has personally staffed outreach efforts at 400+ Lifestyle/Live Music Events, and orchestrated hundreds of speaking engagements across 48 states and 3 continents.  About TWLOHA To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. Since 2006, TWLOHA has invested $4.7 million into Treatment & Recovery. Our Treatment & Recovery Program offers hope & healing to individuals who might not otherwise have access to care. Digitally, we connect with 111M people every year with a message of hope and help through our social media community and storytelling.  TWLOHA's Suicide Prevention Campaign More about Dr. Shainna ⁠Dr. Shainna⁠ is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, author, and advocate dedicated to destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide cultivate mental wellness. She is the creator of multiple resources that make mental health support more accessible, including the best-selling⁠ The Self-Love Workbook⁠ and her highly anticipated new release,⁠ Generational Healing⁠. She is the host of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast and has been featured in Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR, The Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram and Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ www.drshainna.com⁠ 💌 Loved this episode? Share it, follow the podcast, and leave a review. This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional. Resources  Discount Code DRSHAINNA 🪷 La Agra  💍 ⁠Anxiring ⁠  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook ⁠Generational Healing⁠

Can researching your family tree actually heal generational trauma? In this episode of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast, Dr. Shainna chats with professional genealogist Mica L. Anders, founder of Anders Genealogical Services, to explore the powerful intersection of genealogy, ancestral research, and generational healing. Together, Dr. Shainna and Mica unpack how tracing your ancestry can surface the inherited patterns, beliefs, and blocks that shape your present-day mental wellness, and how the act of uncovering family stories becomes a form of generational reclamation. The conversation draws on epigenetics, lived clinical experience, and Mica's expertise to show why understanding your lineage is not just historical, it’s healing. Whether you are a clinician integrating generational healing into your practice, someone navigating inherited trauma, or simply curious about your family's story, this episode offers a practical and compassionate roadmap. Tune in to explore: What is generational healing? How does generational trauma get passed down? How do you start exploring your ancestry for healing What is generational wealth? How to curate your own legacy Where to find professional support for ancestral research and generational healing About Mica Mica L. Anders is a professional genealogist specializing in African American genealogy with over 25 years of experience and the founder of Anders Genealogical Services. As the first-ever history fellow at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum, she conducted pioneering research on early African American communities, earning the Minnesota Genealogical Society's Pioneer Award. With expertise in navigating pre-1870 research challenges, Mica combines rigorous historical research with storytelling to bring ancestors' stories to life. She also collaborates with museums to highlight underrepresented narratives and is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. Follow Mica on Instagram → About Dr. Shainna Dr. Shainna is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, author, and advocate dedicated to destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide cultivate mental wellness. She is the creator of multiple resources that make mental health support more accessible, including the best-selling The Self-Love Workbook and her highly anticipated new release, Generational Healing. She is the host of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast and has been featured in Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR, The Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Dr. Shainna is the owner of The Mental Wellness Practice LLC, a strengths-based clinical mental health and consulting practice in Central Florida. She serves on the board of To Write Love on Her Arms, is a former Board Director of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida, and is past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Her honors include 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. Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram and Facebook → @drshainna Find more resources, workshops, and support → www.drshainna.com 💌 Loved this episode on generational healing and genealogy? Share it, follow the podcast, and leave a review. This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional. 💤 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. Use code DRSHAINNA. Generational Healing  The Self-Love Workbook The Self-Love Workbook for Teens The Self-Love Planner Luna Finds Love Everywhere Designing Healthy Boundaries

In this episode, Dr. Shainna sits down with Kate Hernandez, founder of PostParty, to explore what the postpartum phase is, how long it lasts, how it affects maternal mental health, and how we can better support mothers and their communities. Kate shares what she learned from her own postpartum experience, the science of what's still healing months and years after birth, and why the gap between cultural expectation and physiological reality is where so many women suffer in silence. What you’ll hear: Why maternal health has to include maternal mental health  The reality of how childbirth affects mental well-being The roots of the common six-to-eight-week timeline What's still happening months and years out following birth Present limitations of women’s health research & the health gap How to better support moms before and after baby arrives How PostParty helps to offer virtual, personalized postpartum care across lactation, mental health, nutrition, and return-to-movement More about Kate Kate Hernandez is the co-founder of PostParty, a postpartum concierge platform redefining care for women during the fourth trimester. A second-time founder, she builds companies rooted in lived experience and designed to close systemic gaps in access and support. Kate holds undergraduate, law, and business degrees from Harvard University and has worked in venture capital, banking, and consulting. A longtime advocate for closing the diversity gap in startup and small business funding, she has spoken on the topic at a White House roundtable. Today, she is channeling her personal and professional experience into building a future where postpartum recovery and maternal wellness are prioritized. www.yourpostparty.com instagram.com/yourpostparty  More about 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.  Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram or Facebook →⁠ @drshainna⁠  Find more resources, workshops, and support →⁠ ⁠⁠www.drshainna.com⁠ Click here to work with Dr.Shainna 💌 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 Resources 💤 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  ⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠ ⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠ Designing Healthy Boundaries

We don't talk about death. Most of us were raised that way — tucked away from it, shielded from it, taught through silence that it's something too dark or too frightening to face directly. But what if that avoidance is quietly costing us? What if leaning into the conversation is one of the most loving, empowering things we can do? In this episode, Dr. Shainna sits down with Mikey Marin, a death doula, advanced Reiki practitioner, and master's-level grief coach, to explore what it actually means to support someone, and an entire family system, through the end of life with intention, dignity, and care. Mikey walks us through the full scope of death doula work: from end-of-life planning for healthy adults, to bedside vigil care during active dying, to legacy projects that preserve a loved one's voice, handwriting, and stories for generations to come. The conversation unpacks why our cultural and societal norms keep death in the shadows — and the very real psychological toll that silence takes on individuals, families, and caregivers. In this episode, you'll hear about: What a death doula actually does, and how it parallels the work of a birthing doula Why end-of-life planning is an act of love for the people you leave behind — not a manifestation of death itself The emotional and physical demands placed on family caregivers, and where support often falls short Legacy work: letters, memory books, and the tender, creative ways people choose to be remembered The "surge" or "rally" phenomenon at the end of life — and why understanding it matters Why death, approached with intention and community, can be beautiful Grief, loss, and death anxiety are among the most universal (and most under-discussed) dimensions of mental health. This episode invites you to examine your own relationship with mortality, the cultural messages you've absorbed about it, and how avoidance may be quietly shaping your wellbeing. From caregiver burnout to unprocessed anticipatory grief, the psychological threads woven through this conversation are deep and real. Whether you've recently lost someone, are caring for a loved one, or simply want to live more fully by making peace with life's only certainty — this episode is for you. More about Mikey Mikey the Death Doula is an End-of-Life Care Specialist, advanced grief coach, and founder of Healing Hearts House LLC. Mikey supports individuals and their families through the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of dying so that dignity, comfort, and peace can be maintained in this deep life transition. More about 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 has been featured through outlets such as Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. 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. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 💤 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  Additional Mental Wellness Resources: ⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠ ⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠ Designing Healthy Boundaries

In this heartfelt interview, Jenny Robinson Clark shares her journey through grief, the inspiration behind her children's book 'Are You Here?', and practical ways to help children and adults navigate loss with love and understanding. Discover how embracing emotions, spiritual connections, and storytelling can foster healing and resilience. Key Topics: Grief and childhood healingThe inspiration behind 'Are You Here?'Using storytelling to navigate lossThe role of spirituality and signs in healingParenting and emotional expression during grief More about Jenny Jenny Robinson Clark is an author, former dancer and actress, and homeschooling mother of four. Inspired by motherhood, healing, and mindfulness, she wrote Are You Here?, a heartfelt children’s book exploring connection, grief, and the magical signs that remind us we are never alone. Jenny is passionate about meditation, creative living, and building meaningful moments with her family. When she’s not writing or baking sourdough, she can often be found in a hip-hop dance class with her husband, Travis Clark, her biggest supporter. Www.jennyrobinsonclark.com Purchase Are You Here Connect on social @jennyrobinsonclark  More about 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.  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. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 💤 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  Additional Mental Wellness Resources: ⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠ ⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠ Designing Healthy Boundaries

In this episode, Dr. Shainna, licensed mental health counselor, educator, and author of the best-seller The Self-Love Workbook, outlines the Seven Segments of Self-Love. This practical framework offers us an opportunity to deconstruct the often abstract concept of self-love. D.r Shainna walks us through each segment, illuminating what each area entails, how it appears when thriving, and signs that domain is lacking. Strategies to better assess self-love and set self-loving intentions are explored to empower you in your journey.  About 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.  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: Designing Healthy Boundaries The Self-Love Workbook for Teens The Self-Love Planner Luna Finds Love Everywhere 💍 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.com 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

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.com⁠ 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. Takeaways Self-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. Keywords self-love, personal growth, mental health, self-acceptance, emotional well-being, self-care, resilience, self-worth, personal development, mental wellness About 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 Boundaries 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