Psychology major Brandon McWilliams returns to serve Concordia Nebraska

Brandon McWilliams, a 2013 graduate of Concordia University, Nebraska, recently returned to his alma mater to serve as an intern with the counseling department. 

McWilliams is studying at Doane University in Lincoln and is working towards earning his master’s in counseling. He was presented with the opportunity to work with people in rural areas as part of his studies and immediately thought of Concordia. The internship will last until July when he will have completed his internship hours as well as his degree. He will be working with students until the end of semester and then work on some Clifton StrengthsFinder activities until the internship’s completion. 

He chose Concordia because he wants to reconnect with the people here and truly fall in love with the university. McWilliams says, “When I was here in the past, I don’t think I ever took the time to appreciate how beautiful it is and how friendly people are. I would really like to soak up that experience this time.”

While working at Concordia, McWilliams will personally work with students to help them find ways to navigate academics and their personal lives. McWilliams is a Clifton StrengthsFinder coach. With this training, he can pick out people’s strengths quickly when he meets them. One of his goals while working with Concordia students is to help students “discover their God-given talents and gain confidence in who they are and how to share their gifts with the world.” His daily responsibilities include meeting with the students on his schedule throughout the day and completing his notes. He also works on planning a StrengthsFinder training that is in the works and will be available to all students. 

Brandon McWilliams is originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, and has recently officially moved back. He is excited to work towards making a difference in the community that raised him. After his graduation in July, he has many career opportunities that he is looking to pursue. He will be offering therapy through a private practice called Centered Counseling Services, as well as working on building a counseling program at the afterschool Lighthouse program. He also runs a dads’ group through Malone Maternal Wellness and plans to offer counseling sessions for new parents at this institution. He is planning to build a new program called the CEO program, which is intended to help young adults develop their executive function skills.

In addition to his work, his wife, Angela McWilliams, recently started a new business called Mindful Momma Practices that teaches expecting mothers how to use hypnosis as a form of pain management during child labor. McWilliams will be using some of his time to support her and her new business as well as to work on his own projects.

Outside of work and school, McWilliams enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, Maesha and Mylene, ages 3 and 1 respectively. “A lot of the free time I get outside of school and work I try to spend with them and rediscover life through the eyes of my kids.” Outside of that, he enjoys taking his dog for walks, working out, going on dates with his wife and taking the chance to just sit down for a moment when his schedule allows it.

Are you interested in Concordia's mental health resources? Learn more here.