What is self-love? Dismantling misconceptions and defining your practice [54]
Sun 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.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
More
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