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Spencer A. McWilliams

Spencer A. McWilliams

Professor of Psychology


Office: UH 328
Hours: Tues, 12-1; Weds., 11:30-12:30 (During Fall & Spring Semesters)

Spencer A. McWilliams

Please use the tabs above for information regarding:

  • my educational background
  • research and scholarly interests
  • courses that I teach
  • my curriculum vitae.

Education

  • Ph.D., 1971, University of Rochester
  • B.A., 1966, California State University, Long Beach
  • A.A., 1964, Otero Junior College

Research

Since the mid-1970s my research and scholarship has focused on theoretical issues within the field of constructivist psychology, and particularly within Personal Construct Psychology, an approach to psychology and psychotherapy developed by the American psychologist George A. Kelly and initially published in 1955.  I began reading Kelly’s theory in the mid 1970s, and I incorporated the theory in my teaching at that time.  I extended my formal training in the field through a sabbatical leave, while I was on the faculty at the University of Arizona.  I spent the 1979-80 academic year as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine in London working with Dr. Fay Fransella, now retired but still the reigning senior expert on Personal Construct Psychology.  I took courses, helped with teaching, consulted with a variety of colleagues, and attended several conferences and workshops throughout the UK.  My subsequent active scholarly contributions to the field followed and built upon those sabbatical activities.  

Consistent with postmodernism, constructivism proposes that, rather than viewing knowledge as reflecting or representing a mind-independent reality, human beings create or construct knowledge, both individually and collectively, as tools to assist their functioning and meaning-making.  Constructivism emphasizes the active role of human agency in expanding and extending the frontiers of knowledge and in creating new and effective ways of projecting into an unknown future.  We can trace the history of constructivist themes in ancient Chinese and Indian philosophies, as well as throughout Western philosophy in individuals such as Heraclitus, in early Greece, who saw the universe as always changing, the Greek Sophists, who emphasized the human role in creating “truth,” and German rationalist philosopher Kant, who described the active role of humans in transforming and organizing their experience.  The American Pragmatism movement (Psychologists William James and John Dewey, Sociologist George Herbert Mead) also influenced constructivism with its emphasis on exploring the practical implications of ideas and beliefs rather than attempting to seek an independent truth criterion.  Constructivist psychology emphasizes how individuals construct ideas and beliefs that give a sense of meaning to their experience and help them anticipate future events, and constructivist psychotherapy assists people in constructing more effective and useful identities, meaning, and understandings. 

My work in this field elaborates a variety of theoretical issues relevant to the constructivist perspective, and to demonstrating its synergistic connections with other convivial perspectives, as a way to further its elaboration.  Prior to the review period, my work, as reflected in conference presentations and publications, has emphasized taking responsibility for our personal role in constructing beliefs and understanding by exploring: metaphors such as anarchy and idolatry, the role of emotional expression and comprehensive thinking, language techniques that acknowledge our constructed attributions, and meditation approaches that help us attend to our active participation in creating meaning. 

In parallel with my work on constructivist psychology, I have been a student and practitioner of Zen meditation since the early 1980s, and in addition to my scholarly explorations in Buddhist philosophy and psychology I maintain a regular practice of meditation and study under the tutelage of the American teacher Charlotte Joko Beck, founder of the Ordinary Mind School of Zen.  Beginning in 1983 I have worked to elaborate the relationship between constructivist and Buddhist psychology, and much of my recent scholarly work more fully explores the synergetic interface between Zen meditation and Buddhist psychology and various constructivist issues and themes.   Several current projects focus on the potential for the integration of Buddhist-inspired psychotherapy methods with constructivist and cognitive behavioral therapy. 

My interest in theoretical integration of constructivist approaches has expanded recently as a result of the addition of the course PSYC 490 History of Psychology to my regular teaching assignment.  While preparing and teaching this course I came to understand more clearly how the basic ideas in constructivist and postmodern thinking have recurred regularly in western philosophy and psychology, and are reflected in a variety of contemporary approaches. More recent additions to my constructivist research agenda, stemming from this teaching experience, include the relationship between human agency and co-evolutionary processes, and the historical developments of convivial philosophical perspectives.  Recent projects in this vein address the Sophist Gorgias’ views on truth as rhetoric and the influence and currency of William James’ pragmatism and their relevance to post-modern psychology.  

The following lists publications and presentations in the past few years:

Book Chapters:

  1. McWilliams, S. A. (2009).  Interdependence, essence, and conventional reality: Middle way Buddhist and constructivist perspectives.  In L. M. Leitner & J. C. Thomas (Eds.).  Personal constructivism: Theory and applications (pp. 365-383).  New York: Pace University Press.

  2.  McWilliams, S. A.  (2004). Constructive alternativism and self.  In J.D. Raskin & S.K. Bridges (Eds). Studies in meaning 2: Bridging the personal and social in constructivist psychology (pp. 291-309). New York: Pace University Press.

Refereed Journal Articles:

  1. McWilliams, S. A. (2010).  Inherent self, invented self, empty self: Constructivism, Buddhism, and psychotherapy.  Counseling and Values, 55, 79-100.

  2. McWilliams, S. A. (2009).  William James’ pragmatism and personal construct psychology.  Personal Construct Theory & Practice, 6, 109-118. 

  3. McWilliams, S. A. (2009).  Taking pictures versus making art: A personal construal of creative photography. Personal Construct Theory & Practice. 6, 21-33.

  4. McWilliams, S. A. (2008). Ontological acceleration and human agency.  Personal Construct Theory & Practice, 5, 60-67.

  5. McWilliams, S. A.  (2004). On further reflection.  Personal Construct Theory & Practice, 1, 1-7.

  6. McWilliams, S. A. (2010).  The varieties of meaning-making experience.  [Review of the book Studies in Meaning 4:  Constructivist perspectives on theory, practice, and social justice.]    Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 23 (3), 261-266.

Refereed Conference Presentations:

  1. McWilliams, S. A. (2009, July).  Emptying the constructed self: Integrating mindfulness, awareness, and acceptance with constructivist psychotherapies.  Paper presented at the 18th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Venice, Italy.

  2. McWilliams, S. A. (2009, July).  The trail of the human serpent: James’ pragmatism and personal construct psychology.  In T. Butt (Chair).  Personal Construct Theory’s Roots in pragmatism.  Symposium presented at the 18thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Venice, Italy.

  3. McWilliams, S. A. (2008, June).  Truth as trophy: Gorgias’ Sophism, constructivism, and social constructionism.  Paper presented at the 13th Biennial Conference of the Constructivist Psychology Network, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. 

  4. McWilliams, S. A. (2007, July).  Constructivist Psychology and Zen Buddhism.  Workshop presented at the 17thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

  5. McWilliams, S. A. (2007, July).  Ontological Acceleration and Human Agency.  Paper presented at the 17thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

  6. McWilliams, S. A.  (2006, July).  Constructive-isms: A conversation on some constructivist contexts.  Paper presented at the 12th Biennial Conference of the Constructivist Psychology Network, San Marcos, California. 

  7. McWilliams, S. A. (2005, July).  Fabricating emptiness: Zen Buddhism and constructivist psychology. Workshop presented at the 16th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Columbus, Ohio.

  8. McWilliams, S. A. (2005, July).  The middle way and conventional reality.  Paper presented at the 16thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Columbus, Ohio. 

  9. McWilliams, S. A. (2004, June).  Impermanence, emptiness, and dependent origination:
    Buddhist concepts and constructivist theory.  Workshop presented at The 11th Biennial Conference of the Constructivist Psychology Network, Memphis, Tennessee.

Courses

Fall Semester, 2010:

  • PSYC 334 Psychology of Personality
  • PSYC 490 History of Psychology

Spring Semester, 2011

  • PSYC 490 History of Psychology
  • PSYC 550 Proseminar in Social/Personality Psychology

Vitae

Spencer A. McWilliams, Department of Psychology

California State University, San Marcos
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92096

Ph. (760) 750-3065
Email: smcwilli@csusm.edu 

 Education:

  • Ph.D., 1971     University of Rochester; Psychology
  • B.A., 1966      California State University, Long Beach; Psychology
  • A.A., 1964      Otero Junior College;Liberal Arts

Employment History:

  • 2001-present:  CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN MARCOS, San Marcos, California
    • 2004-present    Professor of Psychology
    • 2003-2004       Assistant to the Provost
    • 2001-2003       Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
  •   1998-2001: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON – CLEAR LAKE, Houston, Texas
    • Dean, School of Human Sciences and Humanities
    • Professor of Clinical Psychology
  •   1994-1998: NAROPA UNIVERSITY, Boulder, Colorado
    • Vice President for Academic Affairs
  • 1989-1994:  WARREN WILSON COLLEGE, Asheville, North Carolina
    • Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College
  •  1985-1989:  WINTHROP UNIVERSITY, Rock Hill, South Carolina
    • 1988-1989       Acting Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
    • 1985-1988       Chair, Department of Psychology
    • 1985-1989       Professor of Psychology
  • 1971-1985:  UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, Tucson, Arizona
    • 1984-1985       Coordinator, Undergraduate Studies in Psychology
    • 1979-1980       Visiting Research Fellow, University of London (sabbatical leave)
    • 1977-1985       Associate Professor of Psychology
    • 1975-1978       Director, Doctoral Training in Clinical Psychology
    • 1972-1975       Director, Research & Evaluation, Tucson East Community Mental Health Center
    • 1971-1977       Assistant Professor of Psychology

Teaching Experience:

California State University San Marcos (2004-present):

Undergraduate: Psychology for Living, Psychology of Personality, History of Psychology, Survey of Clinical Psychology; Graduate: Pro-seminar in Counseling/Clinical Psychology

University of Houston—Clear Lake (1998 - 2001):

 Undergraduate: Theories of Personality; Graduate: Clinic Practicum

Naropa University (1994 - 1998):

Undergraduate: Personality Theories

Warren Wilson College (1989-1994):

Undergraduate: Senior Seminar, Theories and Techniques in Counseling and Psychotherapy, Theories of Personality, Integrative Studies Thesis.

Winthrop University (1985-1989):

Undergraduate:  General Psychology, Theories of Personality, Critical Issues Symposium, Seminar: The "Reality" of Science.

Graduate:  Introduction to Counseling, Therapeutic Psychology.

University of Arizona (1971-1985):

Undergraduate:  Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology, Theories of Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Advanced Psychopathology, Psychology of Consciousness.

Graduate:  Clinical Psychology, Community Psychology, Theories of Psychotherapy, Personality Theory and Research, Humanistic Psychology, Seminars: Psychopathology, Psychotherapy, Personal Construct Psychology, Practica: Psychotherapy, Community Psychology.

Graduate Research Supervision

  • California State University San Marcos, 2005-present: M.A. Thesis Director 3; Reader 5
  • University of Wollongong (Australia), 1999, Ph.D. Dissertation Examiner
  • University of Arizona, 1971-1985:
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: Director 11; Reader 26
  • M.A.  Thesis:  Director 12; Reader 25

Clinical Psychology Training and Experience:

  • 1986-1988
    Clinical Consultant, Student Counseling Service, Winthrop University.  Individual counseling and psychotherapy.
  • 1971-1985
    Clinic Supervisor, Psychology Clinic, University of Arizona.  Supervision of trainees in individual psychotherapy, community consultation.
  • 1979-1980
    Diploma, Therapy & Counseling, Centre for Personal Construct Psychology, London. Psychotherapy, repertory grid assessment.
  • 1970-1971
    Clinical Psychology Trainee, School of Medicine, University of Rochester.  Child play therapy, parent counseling.
  • 1970-1971
    Research Assistant, Center for Community Study, University of Rochester.  Training of paraprofessionals, school consultation.
  • 1968-1970
    Psychology Trainee, Veterans Administration Hospitals, Syracuse and Canandaigua, NY.  Diagnostic testing, individual and group psychotherapy, ward administration.

Editorial Reviewer for:

Psychological Bulletin, American Journal of Community Psychology, Law and Human Behavior, International Journal of Personal Construct Psychology, Columbia University Press, Personal Construct Theory and Practice, The Humanistic Psychologist, Journal of Constructivist Psychology.

Publications:

Book Chapters:

  1. McWilliams, S. A. (2009).  Interdependence, essence, and conventional reality: Middle way Buddhist and constructivist perspectives.  In L. M. Leitner & J. C. Thomas (Eds.).  Personal constructivism: Theory and applications (pp. 365-383).  New York: Pace University Press.

  2. McKinley, V. & McWilliams, S. A. (2007).  Assessment through the senior letter.  In T. W. Banta (Ed.). Assessing student learning in the disciplines (pp. 63-67).  New York: Jossey-Bass. 

  3. McWilliams, S. A.  (2004). Constructive alternativism and self.  In J.D. Raskin & S.K. Bridges (Eds). Studies in meaning 2: Bridging the personal and social in constructivist psychology (pp. 291-309). New York: Pace University Press.

  4. McWilliams, S. A. (2003).  Belief, attachment, and awareness.  In F. Fransella (Ed.) International handbook of personal construct psychology (pp. 75-82).  London: Wiley. 

  5. McWilliams, S. A. (2000).  Core constructs and ordinary mind Zen.  In J. W. Scheer (Ed.) The person in society: Challenges to a constructivist theory (pp. 261-271). Giessen (Germany): Psychosozial-Verlag.

  6. McWilliams, S. A.  (1996). Accepting the invitational.  In B. E. Walker, J. Costigan, L. L. Viney, & W. Warren (Eds.). Personal construct theory: A psychology for the future (pp. 57-78).  Melbourne: Australian Psychological Society (APS Imprint Books). 

  7. McWilliams, S. A. (1988).  On becoming a personal anarchist.  In F. Fransella & L. Thomas (Eds.) Experimenting with personal construct psychology (pp. 17-25).  London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.

Refereed Journal Articles:

 

  1. McWilliams, S. A. (2010).  Inherent self, invented self, empty self: Constructivism, Buddhism, and psychotherapy.  Counseling and Values, 55, 79-100. 

  2. McWilliams, S. A. (2009).  William James’ pragmatism and personal construct psychology. Personal Construct Theory & Practice, 6, 109-118. 

  3. McWilliams, S. A. (2009).  Taking pictures versus making art: A personal construal of creative photography.  Personal Construct Theory & Practice. 6, 21-33.

  4. McWilliams, S. A. (2008).  Ontological acceleration and human agency.  Personal Construct Theory & Practice, 5, 60-67.

  5. McWilliams, S. A.  (2004). On further reflection.  Personal Construct Theory & Practice, 1, 1-7. 

  6. McWilliams, S. A.  (1993). The sacred way of liberal arts.  Journal of General Education, 42 (4), 255-269.

  7. McWilliams, S. A.  (1993). Construct no idols.  International Journal of Personal Construct Psychology, 6 (3) 269-280.

  8. McWilliams, S. A.  (1993). Indeterminacy and the construction of personal knowledge.  Tradition and Discovery: The Polanyi Society Periodical, 19 (2), 5-11.

  9. McKinley, V. & McWilliams, S. A.  (1992). Assessment through the senior letter.  Assessment Update: Progress, Trends, and Practices in Higher Education, 4 (6), 9-11.

  10. McWilliams, S. A. (1989).  Liberal education and the anarchist insight.  Perspectives: Journal of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, 19 (3), 45-50.

  11. McWilliams, S. A. (1988).  Construing comprehensively.  International Journal of Personal Construct Psychology, 1, 219-228.

  12. McWilliams, S. A. (1987).  A comprehensivist approach to general education. Perspectives: Journal of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, 17, (1) 39-46.

  13. McWilliams, S. A. (1979).  Effects of reciprocal peer counseling on college student personality development.  Journal of the American College Health Association, 27, 210-213.

  14. Beaver, W., Buck, F. M., & McWilliams, S. A. (1979).  Issues in replicating the trauma-stren conversion.  American Journal of Community Psychology, 7, 129-136.

  15. McWilliams, S. A., Lewis, S. B., Balch, P., & Ireland, J. (1979).  Sample bias in questionnaire completion at a community mental health center.  American Journal of Community Psychology, 7, 107-110.

  16. McWilliams, S. A. & Gerber, K. E. (1978).  A comprehensive mental health epidemiology survey of a university population.  Journal of College Student Personnel, 19, 128-131.

  17. Balch, P., McWilliams, S. A., Lewis, S., & Ireland, J. (1978). Clients' treatment expectations at a community mental health center.  American Journal of Community Psychology, 6, 105-114.

  18. Balch, P., Ireland, J., McWilliams, S. A., & Lewis, S. B. (1977).  Client evaluation of mental health services:  Relation to demographic and treatment variables.  American Journal of Community Psychology, 5, 243-248.

  19. McWilliams, S. A. & Lewis, S. B. (1976).  Community mental health ideology and activity interest.  American Journal of Community Psychology, 4, 351-355.

  20. Kahn, M. W., McWilliams, S. A., Balch, P., Chang, A. F., & Ireland, J. (1976).  Developing a rural mental health service from a base in an academic clinical psychology program.  American Journal ofCommunity Psychology, 4, 113-127.

  21. McWilliams, S. A. (1975).  Use of census data to assess community mental health services. Hospital and Community Psychiatry, 26, 720-725.

  22. Balch, P. & McWilliams, S. A. (1975).  Community-based program evaluation through a graduate practicum in community psychology.  Professional Psychology, 6, 331-336.

  23. McWilliams, S. A. & Morris, L. A. (1974).  Community attitudes about mental health services. Community Mental Health Journal, 10, 236-242.

  24. McWilliams, S. A. & Tuttle, R. J. (1973). Long term psychological effects of LSD.  Psychological Bulletin, 79, 341-351.

  25. McWilliams, S. A. & Underwood, M. (1973).  The Health Opinion Survey as a self-report epidemiological instrument. Journal of Community Psychology, 1, 335-338.

  26. Cowen, E. L., Dorr, D., Clarfield, S., Kreling, B., McWilliams, S. A., Pokracki, F., Pratt, D. M., Terrell, D., & Wilson, A. (1973). The AML: A quick-screening device for early identification of school maladaptation. American Journal of Community Psychology, 1, 12-35.

  27. McWilliams, S. A. & Finkel, N. J. (1973).  High school students as mental health aides in the elementary school setting.  Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 40, 39-42.

  28. McWilliams, S. A. (1972).  A process analysis of nonprofessional intervention with children. Journal of School Psychology, 10, 267-377.

  29. Terrell, D. L., McWilliams, S. A., & Cowen, E. L. (1972).  Description and evaluation of group-work training for nonprofessional child-aides in a school mental health program.  Psychology in theSchools, 9, 70-75.

  30. Cowen, E. L., Dorr, D., Sandler, I., & McWilliams, S. A. (1971). Utilization of a nonprofessional child-aide school mental health program.  Journal of School Psychology, 9, 131-136.

Book Reviews:

  1. McWilliams, S. A. (2010). The varieties of meaning-making experience.  [Review of the book Studies in Meaning 4:  Constructivist perspectives on theory, practice, and social justice.]     Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 23 (3), 261-266.

  2. McWilliams, S. A.  (1994). Constructing a story of life's mission.  [Review of The sense of vocation: A study of career and life development.]  Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 7 (1), 67-71.

  3. McWilliams, S. A. (1992).  Turning ground into figure.  [Review of Gestalt reconsidered: A new approach to contact and resistance.]  Contemporary Psychology, 37 (7), 640-641.

  4. McWilliams, S. A.  (1992). Fostering sociality: Techniques for improving marital role relationships.  [Review of Enhancing marital intimacy through facilitating cognitive self-disclosure.] International Journal of Personal Construct Psychology, 5 (1), 113-116.

  5. McWilliams, S. A. (1981).  Eclecticism: Comprehension or jumble?  [Review of Principles of eclectic psychotherapy.]  Contemporary Psychology, 26, 301.

Reprinted Articles:

  1. McWilliams, S. A. & Tuttle, R. J. (1974). Long term psychological effects of LSD.  Psychiatry Digest, 35, 32.
  2. McWilliams, S. A. & Finkel, N. J. (1973).  High School students as mental health aides in the elementary school setting. Mental Health Digest, 5, 41-43.

Other Articles:

  1.  McWilliams, S. A.  (1997). Contemplative engagement at home and abroad.  Proceedings of the 14th Annual International Conference of the International Partnership for Service Learning, 29-32.

  2. McWilliams, S. A.  (1991). Interdisciplinary study at Warren Wilson College.  Association for Integrative Studies Newsletter, 13 (2), 12.

  3. McWilliams, S. A. (1990).  What is the value of education?  Owl and Spade (Warren Wilson College Alumni Magazine), 66 (4), 4.

  4. McWilliams, S. A.  (1989). The nature of a liberal arts education.  Winthrop Magazine, 1 (4), 6, 29.

  5. McWilliams, S. A. (1984).  Construing and Buddhist psychology.  Constructs (Journal of the Centre for Personal Construct Psychology, London), 3 (1), 1-2.

Doctoral Dissertation:

 McWilliams, S. A.  (1972). A process analysis of a school based mental health program.  Dissertation Abstracts International, 33, 918B. (University Microfilms No. ADG72-18825)

 

Refereed Conference Presentations:

 

  1. McWilliams, S. A. (2009, July).  Emptying the constructed self: Integrating mindfulness, awareness, and acceptance with constructivist psychotherapies.  Paper presented at the 18thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Venice, Italy.

  2. McWilliams, S. A. (2009, July).  The trail of the human serpent: James’ pragmatism and personal construct psychology.  In T. Butt (Chair).  Personal Construct Theory’s Roots in pragmatism.  Symposium presented at the 18th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Venice, Italy.
  3. McWilliams, S. A. (2008, June).  Truth as trophy: Gorgias’ Sophism, constructivism, and social constructionism.  Paper presented at the 13th Biennial Conference of the Constructivist Psychology Network, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. 
  4. McWilliams, S. A. (2007, July).  Constructivist Psychology and Zen Buddhism.  Workshop presented at the 17th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
  5. McWilliams, S. A. (2007, July).  Ontological Acceleration and Human Agency.  Paper presented at the 17th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
  6. McWilliams, S. A.  (2006, July).  Constructive-isms: A conversation on some constructivist contexts.  Paper presented at the 12th Biennial Conference of the Constructivist Psychology Network, San Marcos, California. 
  7. McWilliams, S. A. (2005, July).  Fabricating emptiness: Zen Buddhism and constructivist psychology.  Workshop presented at the 16th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Columbus, Ohio.
  8. McWilliams, S. A. (2005, July).  The middle way and conventional reality.  Paper presented at the 16th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Columbus, Ohio. 
  9. McWilliams, S. A. (2004, June).  Impermanence, emptiness, and dependent origination: Buddhist concepts and constructivist theory.  Workshop presented at The 11th Biennial Conference of the North American Personal Construct Network, Memphis, Tennessee.

  10. McWilliams, S. A. (2003, July).  Reflecting on Constructive Alternativism.  Paper presented at the 15th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom. 
  11. McWilliams, S. A. (2002, July).  Constructive Alternativism: Searching for the Core.  Paper presented at the 10th Biennial Conference of the North American Personal Construct Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 
  12. McWilliams, S. A. & McWilliams, M. J.  (2000, March).  Student attitudes toward their role as students.  Paper presented at the 11th Annual Teaching Academic Survival Skills conference, West Palm Beach, Florida. 
  13. McWilliams, S. A.  (1999, July).  Construing contemplation.  In J. R. Forster & S. A. McWilliams (Chairs).  Constructive construing of meditation.  Symposium presented at the 13th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Berlin, Germany.
  14. McWilliams, S. A.  (1997, February).  Contemplative engagement at home and abroad.  Poster session presented at the 14th annual international conference of the Partnership for Service Learning, Kingston, Jamaica. 
  15. McWilliams, S. A.  (1996, July).  A contemplative approach to higher education.  Paper presented at the conference “Teaching From Within,” Blue Sky Associates, Northfield, Minnesota.
  16. McWilliams, S. A.  (1994, September).  An ethos for transcending Babel.  Paper presented to the 16th Annual Conference of the Association for Integrative Studies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 
  17. McWilliams, S. A.  (1993, November).  Service learning within a liberal arts triad.  In M. L. Grant (Chair) Community service learning initiatives.  Symposium presented at the 21st Annual Deans Institute of the Council of Independent Colleges, San Diego, California.
  18. McWilliams, S. A.  (1993, October).  Diverse voices and an ethos for public conversation.  Paper presented at the 33rd Annual Conference of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, Memphis, Tennessee.
  19. McWilliams, S. A.  (1993, July).  I accept, with pleasure, the invitation(al).  Plenary session paper presented at the 10th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
  20. McWilliams, S. A.  (1992, November).  Seeking unity within diversity.  Paper presented at the 14th Annual Conference of the Association for Integrative Studies, Pomona, California.
  21. McWilliams, S. A.  (1991, October).  Reflections on the church of the liberal arts.  Paper presented at the 31st Annual Convention of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, Seattle, Washington.
  22. McWilliams, S. A. (1991, August).  Make for yourself no idol.  Paper presented at the 9thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Albany, New York.
  23. McWilliams, S. A. (1991, April).  Indeterminacy, possibility, and commitment in personal knowing.  Paper presented at the conference, "From Polanyi to the 21st Century: A Centennial Celebration," Kent, Ohio.
  24. McWilliams, S. A. (1990, November).  Belief, value, and the fundamental impulse.  Paper presented at the 12th Annual Conference of the Association for Integrative Studies, Manchester, New Hampshire.
  25. McWilliams, S. A.  (1990, September).  Senior letter as an assessment tool.  Paper presented at the University of Kentucky Faculty Scholars Program Conference "General Education in Liberal Arts Colleges: Assessing Student Outcomes," Lexington, Kentucky.
  26. McWilliams, S. A. (1990, September).  Mission statement, process indicators, and institutional planning.  Paper presented at the University of Kentucky Faculty Scholars Program Conference "General Education in Liberal Arts Colleges: Assessing Student Outcomes," Lexington, Kentucky.
  27. McWilliams, S. A.  (1989, October).  Liberal education and the anarchist insight.  Paper presented at the 29th Annual Convention of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, Indianapolis, Indiana.
  28. McWilliams, S. A. (1987, August).  Construing comprehensively.  Paper presented at the 7thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Memphis, Tennessee.
  29. McWilliams, S. A. (1986, October).  A comprehensivist approach to general education.  Paper presented at the 26th Annual Convention of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, Snowbird, Utah.
  30. McWilliams, S. A. (1985, August).  On becoming a personal anarchist.  Paper presented at the 6th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Cambridge, England.
  31. McWilliams, S. A. (1983, July).  Construing and nirvana.  Paper presented at the 5th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
  32. McWilliams, S. A. (1981, July).  Explorations in the psychology of science.  Paper presented at the 4th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada.
  33. McWilliams, S. A. (1979, July).  Emotional expression and construct transition.  Paper Presented at the 3rd International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Breukelen, The Netherlands.
  34. Balch, P., Lewis, S., McWilliams, S. A., & Ireland, J. (1976, September).  Clients' treatment expectations at a community mental health center.  Paper presented at the meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D. C.
  35. Balch, P. & McWilliams, S. A. (1975, April).  Training program evaluators through a graduate practicum in community psychology.  Paper presented at the meeting of the Western Psychological Association, Sacramento, California.
  36. McWilliams, S. A.  (1974, August).  Planning a community mental health clinic through a graduate practicum in community psychology.  In C. D. Spielberger (Chair), Developing a rural community mental health service from a base in an academic clinical psychology program. Symposium presented at the meeting of the American Psychological Association, New Orleans, Louisiana.
  37. McWilliams, S. A.  (1974, April).  Evaluating a community mental health center:  Problems, pitfalls, and solutions.  In L. A. Morris (Chair), Evaluation in the informal environment: Problems, pitfalls, and solutions.  Symposium presented at the meeting of the Western Psychological Association, San Francisco, California.
  38. McWilliams, S. A.  (1973, April).  A brief, self-report epidemiological instrument.  Paper presented at the meeting of the Western Psychological Association, Anaheim, California.
  39. McWilliams, S. A.  (1972, April).  Interaction processes between nonprofessional child-aides and elementary school children.  Paper presented at the meeting of the Western Psychological Association, Portland, Oregon.

Selected Invited Presentations:

  1. McWilliams, S. A.  (2001, May).  What is your education worth?   Commencement address (Alvin Community College & University of Houston—Clear Lake), Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Darlington Unit, Rosharon, Texas.

  2. McWilliams, S. A.  (2000, February).  Self image in ordinary mind Zen.  Presentation to the Transpersonal Psychology Association, University of Houston--Clear Lake, Houston, Texas. 
  3.  McWilliams, S. A.  (1999, February).  Liberal arts education: What does it mean? What is it worth?  Lyceum Presentation, San Jacinto College—South, Pearland, Texas.

  4. McWilliams, S. A. (1989, August).  The value of an education:  Is there any number greater than 100?  Convocation address, Warren Wilson College, Asheville, North Carolina.
  5.  McWilliams, S. A. (1979). Psychological helpers:  Paraprofessionals and peers.  Colloquium presented at:
    The Max-Planck Institute, Munich, West Germany, (July)
    Crichton Royal Hospital, Dumfries, Scotland, (November).

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