Shannon O’Neill

Psychotherapist Shannon O'NeillShannon O'Neill, MA is a proud mother and private practice psychotherapist and clinical supervisor living in Asheville, NC. She has a Master’s in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and is trained in the Archetypal Psychology tradition of Carl Jung and neurophysiology of Somatic Psychotherapy. She is also a professor in the Masters Social Work/Mental Health Counseling program at Western Carolina University, teaching The Science of Addiction and the role early relational dynamics has on epigenetics and neurology. For more than a decade she has treated the spectrum of trauma-based disorders with a unique integration of body-centered modalities with Jungian psychology.

Education

  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga: Chattanooga, Tennessee
    • B.S., Psychology, 1995
  • Pacifica Graduate Institute: Carpinteria, California
    • M.A., Counseling Psychology, 2003

Academic Experience

  • Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
    • Adjunct Professor for the Masters level Social Work/Mental Health Counseling Programs teaching “Science of Addiction“. Curriculum development and instruction of latest research on addiction as a brain disease whose etiology is rooted in epigenetic and neurological changes caused in the early emotional environment. January 2013-Present

Clinical Experience

  • Private Practice Psychotherapist, Asheville, NC:
    • Psychotherapist providing psychological therapy, addictions counseling, trauma therapy and assessment services to individuals, couples and professionals. Diagnosis and assessment. Treatment of mental disorder. Therapeutic intervention. Case management. Prognosis. Adjunctive services and referral. August 2003-Present
  • WCCJ Men’s Program, Asheville, NC:
    • Development and implementation of clinical and substance abuse portions of program. Contract Psychotherapist in non-profit outpatient alternative sentencing program serving men at risk of incarceration. Co- facilitator of psycho didactic therapy group. Co-facilitator of Substance Abuse Education and Treatment Group. Intake. Diagnosis and assessment. Treatment of mental disorders. Therapeutic intervention. Case management. Prognosis. Adjunctive services and referral. December 2006-May 2009
  • WCCJ Women At Risk Program, Asheville, NC:
    • Contract Psychotherapist in non-profit outpatient alternative sentencing program serving women at risk of incarceration. Facilitator of psycho didactic therapy group. Facilitator of Substance Abuse Education Group. Facilitator of Substance Abuse Treatment Group. Intake. Diagnosis and assessment. Treatment of mental disorders. Therapeutic intervention. Case management. Prognosis. Adjunctive services and referral. August 2005-October 2007
  • Interim Clinical Director, FIRST, Inc., Ridgecrest, NC:
    • Psychotherapist in therapeutic community for adult male chronic substance abusers. Development and implementation of clinical portion of program. Core feelings group developer and facilitator. Psycho-education. Individual psychotherapy: Diagnosis and assessment. Treatment of mental disorders. Therapeutic interventions. Case management. Prognosis. Adjunctive services and referral. August 2003-September 2004
  • Master’s Internship, OUR VOICE, Inc.: Rape Crisis/Counseling Center, Asheville, NC:
    • Psychotherapist trainee, in no-cost counseling center for adult survivors of sexual assault/abuse. Diagnosis and assessment. Treatment of mental disorders. Therapeutic interventions. Prognosis. Adjunctive services and referral. August 2002-August 2003
  • Master’s Internship, YWCA Monterey County, Monterey, CA:
    • Psychotherapist trainee, in low-cost counseling center for traditionally underserved populations, including survivors of domestic violence. Diagnosis and assessment. Treatment of mental disorders. Therapeutic interventions. Case management. Prognosis. Adjunctive services and referral. August 1999- December 1999

Graduate School Experience

  • Pacifica Graduate Institute:
    • Completed a 74.5 Hour (Advanced Standing) M.A. program in Counseling Psychology, August 1999-August 2003
    • Thesis: Raspberry Swirl: Hysteria as Temenos Reuniting The Virgin and Whore Aspects of the Divine Feminine

Publications & Presentations

  • O’Neill, S. (1997). Folk Myths Surrounding Rape. Presented at the University of Tennessee for Voices of Women Against Rape.
  • O’Neill, S. (2000). Astrology: The Interface of Science and Spirituality. Multimedia presentation of lecture for the Institute of Noetic Sciences.
  • O’Neill, S. (2001). Raspberry Swirl: Reuniting the Virgin and Whore Aspect of the Divine Feminine. Video presented at Pack Place Art Gallery for OUR VOICE, Inc.
  • O’Neill, S. (2002). Veterans = Victims: The Collective Trauma of War and Its Role in Sexual Abuse on the Home front. Multimedia presentations and exhibit at Sky People Gallery for OUR VOICE, Inc.
  • O’Neill, S. (2003). Keep the Flame of Passion and Compassion Alive Without Burning Out: Compassion Fatigue. Eight week intensive group for advocates presented at OUR VOICE, Inc.
  • O’Neill, S. (2004). Raspberry Swirl: Reuniting the Virgin and Whore Aspect of the Divine Feminine. Video presented at MAHEC for the Asheville Area Women Therapists Association.
  • O’Neill, S. (2005). Secondary PTSD/Vicarious Trauma: Identification and Intervention for Agencies. Presented at Women At Risk for staff development.
  • O’Neill, S. (2006). The Wounded Healer Archetype: Compassion Fatigue and Secondary PTSD. Presented at 20th Annual ADDICTION: Focus On Women Conference.
  • O’Neill, S. (2006). Heiros Gamos: A New Paradigm of Relationship. Art exhibit and presentation at the Altars of Alternative Religions at Sky People Gallery.
  • O’Neill, S. (2007). The Wounded Healer Archetype: Compassion Fatigue and Secondary PTSD. Presented at 21st Annual ADDICTION: Focus On Women Conference.
  • O’Neill, S. (2008). Learning by Heart: Neuroradiology and the Rediscovery of the Seat of Wisdom. Multimedia presentation of lecture for the Institute of Noetic Sciences.
  • O’Neill, S. (2010). The Snow Globe: Attachment Trauma, Instinct Injury, and the Animus Archetype. Workshop for female trauma survivors.
  • O’Neill, S. (2014). The Neurobiology of Addiction. Presented at Care Partners
  • O’Neill, S. (2014). Archetypal Somatic Psychotherapy: Secure Attachment as Means Toward the Embodiment of the Soul. Presentation and Workshop at Synchronicity: Matter and Psyche Symposium.
  • O’Neill, S. (2015). The Neurobiology of Addiction/Attachment Trauma. Presented at A-Hope Rehabilitation Center.
  • O’Neill, S. (2015). The Neurobiology of Secondary PTSD. Presented at Homeward Bound of WNC.
  • O’Neill, S. (2015). The Neurobiology of Addiction/Attachment Trauma. Presented at Swain Recovery Center.
  • O’Neill, S. (2016). The Neurobiology of Secondary PTSD. Presented at VA of WNC.
  • O’Neill, S. (2016). The Neurobiology of Addiction/Attachment Trauma. Presented at MAHEC for Kaoverii Weber: Subtle Yoga For Behavioral Health.
  • O’Neill, S. (2016). Feedback and Healthy Communication. Presented at Homeward Bound of WNC.
  • O’Neill, S. (2016). Narcissistic Abuse: The Neuroscience of Disorganized Attachment. 5 week intensive Group facilitated at Somatic Psychology-Asheville, NC.
  • O’Neill, S. (2017). Narcissistic Abuse: The Neuroscience of Disorganized Attachment. 5 week intensive Group facilitated at Somatic Psychology-Asheville, NC.
  • O’Neill, S. (2017). Narcissistic Abuse: The Neuroscience of Disorganized Attachment. 2 week intensive Training/Workshop Presented and Facilitated at Somatic Psychology-Asheville, NC.
  • O’Neill, S. (2018). Narcissistic Abuse: The Neuroscience of Disorganized Attachment. 5 week intensive Group facilitated at Somatic Psychology-Asheville, NC.
  • O’Neill, S. (2018). Narcissistic Abuse: The Neuroscience of Disorganized Attachment. 2 week intensive Training/Workshop Presented and Facilitated at Somatic Psychology-Asheville, NC.
  • O’Neill, S. (2019). Narcissistic Abuse: The Neuroscience of Disorganized Attachment. 2 week intensive Training/Workshop Presented and Facilitated at Somatic Psychology-Asheville, NC.
  • O’Neill, S. (2019). Empath Empowerment: A Non-Neurotypical Attachment Adaptation to Narcissistic Abuse In Family Systems and Society. 4 Part intensive Training/Workshop Presented and Facilitated at Somatic Psychology-Asheville, NC.

Continuing Education, Conferences, and Workshops

  • The Emotional & Behavioral Impact on Children Living in Dysfunctional Families – Robert Ackerman, Ph.D. – 1993
  • The Braddock Body Process: Ways of Healing – Carolyn J. Braddock, M.A. – 1994
  • Adolescent Development: The Impact of Chemical Dependency – Elizabeth K. Ladd, Ed.D. – 1998
  • Astrology Workshop – Rick Tarnis, Ph.D. – 2000
  • Spousal/Partner Abuse Assessment, Detection, and Intervention – Michael Madden, MFT – 2003
  • Neuroscience of Spiritual Experience – Laurie Hamilton, Ph.D. – 2003
  • The Hazards of Helping: Compassion Fatigue and Professional Burnout – Diane Voytek, Ph.D. – 2004
  • Zen and Addiction Recovery – Tom Rioux – 2005
  • Substance Abuse Licensure Forum Videoconference – Jim Scarborough, M.Div. – 2005
  • 20th Annual ADDICTION: Focus on Women Conference – MAHEC – 2006
  • Ethics and Substance Abuse Counseling – Paul Nagy, M.A. – 2006
  • Motivational Interviewing One – MAHEC – 2006
  • Motivational Interviewing Two – MAHEC – 2006
  • HIV/AIDS – Emmaleigh Argantata – 2006
  • Ethics and Substance Abuse Counseling – MAHEC – 2006
  • 21st Annual ADDICTION: Focus on Women Conference – MAHEC – 2007
  • Motivational Interviewing – Leslie McCrory, M.A. – 2007
  • Best Practices in Substance Abuse Treatment – Paul Nagy, LPC, LCAS, CCS – 2007
  • NCI Interventions–Prevention and Alternatives – Marie T Nemerov – 2008
  • 22nd Annual ADDICTION: Focus on Women Conference – MAHEC – 2008
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Introduction – Michael Norgaard, LPC, NCC – 2008
  • Mental Health Professional Ethics–ACA Version – Michael Norgaard, LPC, NCC – 2008
  • Heroin: Abuse and Addiction – Michael Norgaard, LPC, NCC – 2008
  • Motivational Interviewing – Leslie McCrory, LPC, LCAS, CCS – 2008
  • Seeking Safety: An Evidence-Based Model for Trauma and/or Substance Abuse – MAHEC – 2009
  • Training Workshop in Somatic Experiencing – Patti Elledge, M.Ed, SEP – 2009
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Other Infectious Diseases – MAHEC – 2009
  • Nature’s Lesson in Healing Trauma: Intro to Somatic Experiencing – Peter Levine – 2010
  • Beginning I Training Workshop in Somatic Experiencing – Peter Levine – 2010
  • Ethics: HIPAA and Substance Abuse – Richard Nongard, LMFT/CCH – 2010
  • Yoga & Mental Health: Integrating Ancient Wisdom into Modern MH Practice – MAHEC – 2010
  • DARe Module 1: Healing Attachment Trauma – Diane Poole Heller – 2010
  • DARe Module 2: Healing Attachment Trauma – Diane Poole Heller – 2011
  • DARe Module 3: Healing Attachment Trauma – Diane Poole Heller – 2011
  • DARe Module 4: Healing Attachment Trauma – Diane Poole Heller – 2012
  • DARe Module 5: Healing Attachment Trauma – Diane Poole Heller – 2012
  • Working with Affective Symptoms with Greater Efficiency – Raja Selvam – 2012
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases (CDC Fact Sheets) – Margie Savage – 2013
  • Managing Depressive Symptoms in Substance Abusing Clients – Margie Savage – 2013
  • DARe 1: Healing Attachment Wounds and Embracing the Authentic Self-Workshop Assistant, Ohio – Patti Elledge – 2013
  • DARe 1: Healing Attachment Wounds and Embracing the Authentic Self-Workshop Assistant, New Mexico – Patti Elledge – 2014
  • DARe 1: Healing Attachment Wounds and Embracing the Authentic Self-Workshop Assistant, North Carolina – Patti Elledge – 2014
  • North Carolina Jurisprudence Exam–LPC – Shawn O’Brien – 2014
  • DARe 2: Creating Healthy Adult Relationships-Workshop Assistant and Coordinator, North Carolina – Patti Elledge – 2015
  • Clinical Supervision: A Competency Based Approach – Keith Gibson, Ph.D – 2015
  • Clinical Supervision in Substance Abuse Counseling – Howard Fogel, Ph.D., CASAC – 2015
  • North Carolina Jurisprudence Exam–LPCS – Shawn O’Brien – 2015
  • Recovery from Smoking: Quitting with the 12 Step Process – Keith Gibson, Ph.D – 2015
  • ACA Code of Ethics: American Counseling Association – Keith Gibson, Ph.D. – 2015
  • Introduction to HIV/AIDS (TIP 37, Ch. 1): Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons With HIV/AIDS -Keith Gibson, Ph.D. – 2015
  • Nicotine Addiction: Collection III (NIDA Notes); Article 1: Sensory Aspects May Drive Addiction in Obese Smokers; Article 2: Bupropion Helps People With Schizophrenia Quit Smoking; Article 3: Genetic Predisposition and Depression Both Influence Teen Smoking – Keith Gibson, Ph.D. – 2015
  • Nicotine Addiction: Collection V (NIDA Notes); Article 1: Damage to Brain Area May Immediately Halt Cigarette Addiction; Article 2: Prenatal Nicotine Exposure May Damage Receptors That Influence Auditory Processing; and Article 3: Imaging Studies Elucidate Neurobiology of Cigarette Craving – Keith Gibson, Ph.D. – 2015
  • Clinical Supervision and Professional Development of the Substance Abuse Counselor – William Cook, Ph.D. – 2017
  • Substance Abuse Among Older Adults: Part 1 -William Cook, Ph.D. – 2017
  • Making Peace With Panic: A Mindful Approach to Understanding and Treating Panic – Keith Hannan, Ph.D. – 2017
  • Sports Psychology and Psychiatry: Strategies for Life Balance and Peak Performance – Keith Hannan, Ph.D. – 2017
  • Bullying in School: Definition, Prevalence, Effects, Prevention, and Intervention – Keith Hannan, Ph.D. – 2017
  • New Developments in Ethics and the Law – Keith Hannan, Ph.D. – 2017
  • Supervision: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals – Revised – William Cook, Ph.D. – 2017
  • Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention: Evidence & Implications – Keith Gibson, Ph.D. – 2017
  • Nicotine Addiction: Collection IV (NIDA Notes); Article 1: Site on Brain Cells Appears Crucial to Nicotine Addiction; Article 2: NIDA Research Illuminates Associations Between Psychiatric Disorders and Smoking; Article 3: Nicotine Withdrawal Linked to Disrupted – Keith Gibson, Ph.D. – 2017
  • Introduction to HIV/AIDS (TIP 37, Ch. 1): Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons With HIV/AIDS – Keith Gibson, Ph.D. – 2017
  • North Carolina LPCS Jurisprudence Exam – 2017
  • The University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program: Services Across The Lifespan – Michele Valalobos, Ph.D. Britt Patterson, MA, MS – 2019
  • Ethical and Legal Issues in Clinical Supervision: Essentials for Effective Supervisors – Jeffery Barnett, PsyD. – 2019
  • Clinical Supervision II: CCS – Linda Harrison, MA, LPCS, CCS – 2019
  • Managing Depressive Symptoms in Substance Abuse Clients: Part 1 – Ronald Browne, Ph.D. – 2019
  • Reactive Attachment Disorder: Overview and Interventions – Ronald Browne, Ph.D. – 2019
  • Drugs Brain and Behavior – Ronald Browne, Ph.D. – 2019
  • Mindfulness Techniques to Treat Addiction – Ronald Browne, Ph.D. – 2019
  • STD’s Update: Prevention, Special Populations, HIV and Syphilis – Ronald Browne, Ph.D. – 2019
  • North Carolina LPCS Jurisprudence Exam – 2019
  • How To Work With Shame: NICABM – Ruth Buczynski, Ph.D. – 2019
  • Treating Trauma Masters Series: NICABM – Ruth Buczynski, Ph.D. – 2019
  • Polyvagal Theory Can Revolutionize How You Work With Trauma Survivors – Stephen Porges – 2019

Licensure

  • Licensed Professional Counselor – 2007
  • Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, Intern – 2007
  • Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist – 2011
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor – 2017
    Certified Clinical Supervisor – 2018

Memberships