Dr. Renee Exelbert is a licensed New York State psychologist and certified elite personal trainer, uniquely bridging the world of psychology and physical resilience. She earned her B.S. from Cornell University and her M.A. and Ph.D from New York University. Renee’s career began as Staff Psychologist at the Cancer Center for Kids, NYU Winthrop Hospital, where she worked with children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. Then, she became a cancer patient herself.
That experience changed everything. It deepened her understanding of the mind-body connection in a way no textbook could. It led her to found the Metamorphosis Center for Psychological and Physical Change, where she integrates psychotherapy and exercise to help people harness mental and physical resilience to overcome adversity. Renee also developed Visual Emotional Kinetics©, a method that combines positive thoughts, visualization and movement to help people break through obstacles and enhance performance. She personally embraced this philosophy when she became a bodybuilding competitor, reclaiming control of her body after cancer.
Renee’s work has been featured in Thrive Global, Good Housekeeping, The New York Post, Parade Magazine, CNBC, Today, Popsugar, Runners’ World, Shape Magazine, and on television outlets including Fox5 News, Newsmax, NewsNation, News12 and Merit Street Media. She has also been a 2x TEDX speaker: “The Gift of Cancer,” and “Harnessing the Mind-Body Connection to Unlock Your Inner Strength.” Renee is the author of “Chemo Muscles: Lessons Learned from Being a Psycho-Oncologist and Cancer Patient” (Mascot Books, 2020), and regularly contributes expert insights to media on resilience, mental health and the mind-body connection.
In addition to her work with organizations, Renee maintains a private practice in Nyack, New York, treating children, adolescents, adults and families. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Applied Psychology at New York University, Steinhardt, School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, where she teaches Masters-level psychology courses.