Megan Willette joined the Harvard Sports Medicine team in January 2021. Willette is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician and Mental Performance Consultant. Prior to her work at Harvard, she had a private practice for six years, and her clinical experience has spanned every level of care; from hospital, detox, and emergency services, to in-home, outpatient, and group therapy.
As a former NAIA D1 National Champion, semi-pro soccer player and Academic All-American, Willette understands the demands of pursuing athletic and academic achievement at a high level.
Willette’s counseling philosophy is based in knowing that every athlete has their own story — successes, struggles, dreams. No matter the topic or issue, it is her job to receive it all without judgement and set a course forward. Every relationship begins by helping athletes identify their needs. Utilizing multiple techniques (CBT, narrative, neuroscience, mindfulness), she helps others build awareness of themselves and rediscover their sense of self and control. Armed with that self-belief, they begin to see they already possess the power to make change. Among other customized strategies, she teaches athletes how to hold themselves accountable; develop self-compassion; and express themselves with intention. No matter the person — she believes these skills are fundamental for achieving success. Willette recognizes that we often bully ourselves more than we know, and that there is constant pressure in life and plenty of opportunities to ‘learn the hard way.’ Therefore, to protect ourselves we build walls that prevent us from reaching out, when what we really need is a bridge. Ways to help ourselves when we’re under pressure or feeling stressed. That’s what Willette strives to deliver — coping skills and tools to help you show up every day at your best. For yourself, and your team. This is what motivates Willette every day. There’s no greater mission than helping people bring their best to the world, it’s how we’ll all make it a little bit better.
In her free time, Willette coaches at a local high school, travels, is active trying new things, and spends time with her loved ones.
