Shannon McMillan earned both her BA in Psychology and BS in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina - Charlotte in 2000 and her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Baruch College in May 2014. During her graduate program, Shannon completed her practicum at Psychodiagnostic Services in New Rochelle, NY by working with offenders on parole, probation, and pre-trial to address their substance abuse issues, occupational concerns, re-entry transition, and other stressors. Her internship requirements were completed with Counseling in Schools at Bronx Leadership Academy 2 High School by providing individual and family counseling to students identified with previous truancy issues.
Therapeutic Approach
Shannon believes that all humans are designed with a blueprint of psychological and physical systems for remaining as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, biological factors and/or environmental experiences can negatively impact our abilities to develop positive wellness skills or to remain aware and connected to these innate systems.
Through various forms of therapeutic approaches, individuals can address the challenges of life transitions, behavioral issues, self-concept development, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Shannon has worked primarily with adolescents, teens and their families covering ages 10 to 65+ years of age using approaches based in behavior therapy (children), cognitive-behavior therapies (older teens and adults), psychodynamic, existential, and various forms of trauma therapy, . She utilizes an array of evidence-based interventions including, but not limited to, play, art, and expressive techniques, bibliotherapy, and other in-person and at-home exercises for developing coping techniques.
Reiki: Energy Healing
Additionally, Shannon utilizes energy healing through Reiki sessions to facilitate proper functioning of the body's energy systems and improve both physical and emotional dis-ease. As a certified Reiki 1, Shannon provides separate sessions to those interested in emotional and physical improvements through chakra attunements.
Shannon was trained and attuned in Usui Shiki Ryoho, the hands-on Japanese art of Reiki energy healing and spiritual development, under Reiki Master Brian Brunius of NYC Reiki Center in February 2016.