GREENVILLE, IL – Will Sunderland’s journey in mental health counseling has profoundly shaped his perspective on serving others, particularly those who have experienced or committed violence.
As a facilitator for Abusive intervention programs, Will regularly works with male violent offenders, helping them understand the power dynamics behind their actions and guiding them toward healthier, non-violent ways of living.
A Greenville University alumnus, Will has dedicated his life to serving the community as a mental health counselor. He graduated in 2021 with a triple major in psychology, Spanish, and organizational leadership.
Reflecting on his experiences, Will points out that many of the men in his groups have first experienced violence themselves, often growing up in abusive households.
"Anyone who has used violence has first experienced it," he explains, emphasizing the cycle of violence he encounters in his work. He also notes how societal pressures, particularly on men, can contribute to these patterns, especially when individuals feel powerless in other areas of their lives.
The most rewarding aspect of his work, Will shares, is seeing men bring safety back into their homes. He recounts stories of men who have completed the program and reported feeling a deeper sense of trust from their families.
“There’s a lot of healing in that,” Will reflects. “I get to play a small part in not only their lives but in the lives of their families as well.”
However, the challenges are significant. Will acknowledges the difficulty of attempting to "destabilize and dismantle" beliefs about violence and control that participants have spent a lifetime developing.
Changing these deeply ingrained beliefs in just six months is a daunting task, but Will approaches it with empathy and faith in the possibility of transformation.
What stands out most in Will’s journey is his ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds—a skill he honed during his time at Greenville University, where he was deeply influenced by the international community.
Greenville University’s statement that God meets us where we are but doesn’t leave us there, is reflected in Will’s work.
Today, Will leads groups in both English and Spanish and works with a translator for his Burmese group, allowing him to connect deeply with diverse communities. He draws on his cultural awareness and empathy to meet people where they are.
He speaks about the importance of meeting people where they are culturally and helping them address their trauma in ways that make sense to them.
Empathy is central to Will’s work. He emphasizes that men cannot develop empathy for their victims until they confront their own suffering. By helping them understand their own pain, Will fosters a deeper sense of empathy, enabling them to recognize the harm they’ve caused others.
Through his work, Will has learned much about himself and the complexities of caring for others. He understands the necessity of self-care in such an emotionally demanding field and practices mindfulness while setting boundaries to maintain his own well-being.
"Nobody escapes this life without experiencing some form of violence or suffering," he observes, adding that, although he grew up in a loving family, his work has opened his eyes to the many ways people experience and perpetuate harm.
Looking to the future, Will remains hopeful about his evolving role in the mental health field. He aims to continue making a difference, particularly in helping men unlearn harmful behaviors and replace them with empathy, non-violence, and partnership.
For those who want to work in similarly challenging circumstances, his advice is simple: “You have to want to help people. You have to be ready to meet them in their pain and be willing to walk with them through it.”
