Meet Megan: Seleni’s Newest Clinician Supporting Reproductive and Maternal Mental Health

We’re thrilled to welcome Megan Wessler-Mathur, MHC-LP to the Seleni clinical team!

With a deep passion for supporting individuals and couples through life transitions, relationships, and perinatal mental health, Megan brings a unique perspective shaped by both her professional and personal journey. From a career in the corporate world to earning her degrees in counseling psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, her path to becoming a therapist is one of dedication, curiosity, and a commitment to growth.

In this Q&A, Megan shares what drew her to reproductive and maternal mental health, the therapeutic approaches she finds most effective, and the advice she often gives clients. Plus, we get a glimpse into her favorite ways to explore New York City and the book that continues to inspire her work.

Read on to learn more about Megan and her journey to Seleni!

What inspired you to pursue a career in mental health, particularly in the areas of reproductive and maternal health?

One of the things I love most about being a therapist is the endless opportunity for discovery and growth. As therapists, we are constantly learning about new modalities and advances in treatment, but the most significant learnings often come from our clients. This was my experience during my graduate internship when I discovered my deep interest in reproductive and maternal health through working with clients navigating these experiences.

I’m fascinated by the complex and often challenging transitional periods in our lives, and I really enjoy supporting clients during these transformative phases. Currently, I work with individuals and couples with a focus on life transitions, relationships, family building, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).

Can you share a bit about your academic and professional background before joining Seleni?  

Before becoming a therapist, I spent a decade in the corporate world, a deeply impactful experience that continues to inform my therapy practice. My formative career experiences contributed to my deep interest in counseling and ultimately motivated my career transition.

Although becoming a therapist had always been a dream, the path to licensure felt intimidating, especially as a career changer. I took things one step at a time, starting with a few graduate-level psychology classes, and went on to earn an Ed.M. in Mental Health Counseling and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. My advice to individuals considering career changes is always go for it! The journey certainly had its challenges, but I’m so grateful I made the leap.

What drew you to Seleni and its mission?

I first heard about Seleni during a wonderful perinatal mental health class in graduate school, and I was immediately inspired by its mission. Given the significant disparities that persist today, Seleni's commitment to addressing gaps in reproductive and maternal mental healthcare through compassionate clinical care, education and advocacy felt—and continues to feel—critical.

I feel grateful to be part of the Seleni community, it's a privilege to work alongside and learn from my talented colleagues.

Are there specific therapeutic modalities or tools you find most effective in supporting clients? If so, what motivates you to focus on these areas?

I believe in meeting each client where they are and collaborating on an approach that will work best for them. Depending on a client’s goals for therapy, a few of my go-to approaches are Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. These evidence-based approaches are helpful because they are accessible and adaptable to each client. While these approaches are incredibly valuable, I’ve learned that the most effective tool in therapy is often empathetic, active listening. I love that such a simple concept can be so powerful and impactful!

What do you find most rewarding about the work you do?

I truly love the work I do, and I find myself reflecting on this question often. For me, it’s the incredible privilege of being trusted to hear a client’s story and be a part of their journey. What could be more rewarding?

What’s one piece of advice you often share with your clients?

Get curious! We tend to spend an enormous amount of energy ignoring, repressing, or judging our difficult emotions. Instead, I encourage my clients to get curious about their emotions. Although this will look different for everyone, getting curious is as simple as taking a minute to ask ourselves what we are feeling and naming the emotions that come up. Research indicates that naming our emotions allows us to both better process and regulate our emotions – and I have found that this is very much the case.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?

I’ve lived in New York City for most of my adult life, but I continue to be amazed at how much the city has to offer. Two of my favorite things to do outside work are visiting museums and long walks around the city. I love getting lost in my favorite museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I always learn something new and leave feeling inspired. Walking around NYC has the same magic, every neighborhood and park offers something new.

If you could share one book, movie, or podcast that inspires your work, what would it be?

There are so many incredible resources that have shaped and continue to challenge the way I work—the list feels endless! But if I had to narrow it down, I’d say that Dr. Brené Brown’s work stands out as a constant source of knowledge and guidance. She has an amazing ability to break down complex concepts like shame, vulnerability, and worthiness into relatable stories and frameworks that make them easier to understand and apply. As I’ve navigated these themes in my own life and practice, her books have been invaluable guides.