Coinneach trained as a psychotherapist at Dublin Business School with group supervision at the Group Analytical Practice in Middle Abbey Street. He has specialist training with the Jung Centre of Ireland, NUI Maynooth and the Methodist College, North Carolina.

Born in Dumbarton, Scotland, Coinneach Shanks graduated in Social Science with professional training at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Social Services. He later assumed planning responsibility for the Social Services Programme Area at the London Borough of Bexley.

Following a decade as head of research at Community Industry, a UK-wide employment scheme for disadvantaged young people, he developed research and media support services for local community groups and NGOs such as the Playbus Association, Community Development Foundation and National Children's Homes.

In Ireland he has worked with organisations such as Focus Ireland,  Community Addiction Response Unit, the Community After Schools Project and the Combat Poverty Agency. He played a major role in the EU's work on volunteering in European neighbourhoods and has worked in a development capacity with health organisations in Central America.

He is an accredited member of the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. He holds a BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy, Certificate in Counselling Skills (NUI) and a Certificate in Jungian Studies.  Additional qualifications include BA (Hons) Social Science, MA in Deviancy and Social Policy and the Diploma in Film Studies.