Is she spinning in circles because she's excited to be going somewhere with you or is that the time you notice it but she does it other times also?
Circling is a symptom of liver shunt.
Portosystemic Shunts FAQ
As far as cowering many are frightened by loud noises or yelling and it sounds like she has a submissive personality. Exposing her to lots of different enviroments and people will help her get over her fears