Michele R Smith
She/Her/Hers
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC National Certified Counselor, NCC Specialties • Insurance & Fees • LocationsShe/Her/Hers
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC National Certified Counselor, NCC Specialties • Insurance & Fees • LocationsMichele Smith is a Board Certified Mental Health Counselor, and owner of The Runaway Fork, who offers telehealth services in NY and NJ. Michele is passionate about helping young adults and adults improve their relationship with food, body, and soul. Many of Michele’s clients feel deeply exhausted around dieting, out of control around food, and shame toward their bodies. They no longer know how to eat, feeling stuck, hopeless, and afraid.
Michele’s holistic approach is rooted in the Psychology of Eating and directed toward helping her clients uncover the underlying reasons why they turn to food. She gently encourages them to explore all aspects of their unique food story: their thoughts, beliefs, deep desires, lifestyle, to reflect on their past experiences and family of origin issues. Clients begin to understand who they are as eaters and what they’re actually craving, whether that’s deeper connections with others, healing their inner child, or changing jobs. Clients benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Intuitive Eating principles with Michele, who also practices Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) approaches and Energy Psychology techniques. Michele is particularly interested in working with highly sensitive people (HSP) to assist them in managing their energy around food.
Therapy sessions with Michele are collaborative and interactive, believing her clients to be equal partners in this process of self-discovery. Michele creates a safe, non-judgemental space welcoming people of all sizes and shapes. Her online sessions offer practical, real-life change using evidence-based tools and strategies drawn from multiple fields.
Psychology of Eating - Discovering the real reasons behind unwanted eating behaviors and negative body image; understanding how all life domains, not just food alone, affects how people eat and care for themselves; exploring one’s personal story with food and body to determine what they really crave
Energy Psychology - Energy Psychology (also known as cognitive somatic practices) consists of evidence-based mind-body methods that rapidly reduce stress and trauma while increasing calm. Energy Psychology methods combine cognitive interventions with somatic techniques to elevate physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Sensitivity - Developing an understanding of one’s sensitivity, including exploring what triggers emotional reactions and the origins of the sensitivity; practicing self-compassion by acknowledging that everyone has emotions and it’s natural to react to what’s around you
Life purpose & meaning - Exploring one’s beliefs and values around life purpose, meaning, and spirituality; addressing the barriers to living a life that feels fulfilling, including instigating change or developing new habits
Eating disorders & disordered eating - Reducing unhealthy eating patterns, beliefs, and behaviors, such as restricting, purging, and binging; healing the emotional pain surrounding disordered eating
Body image - Development of skills for handling negative thoughts about physical appearance; building habits of more positive self-talk and self-perception.
Michele Smith is not in-network with any insurances.
Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.
This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:
Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.
Years of Experience: 21 years
The Runaway Fork, Psychotherapist, Owner, 2018 - Present
Private Practice, Psychotherapist, 2008 - 2018
Family Connections, Maplewood High School, Psychotherapist, 2006 - 2008
Survivors of Abuse, Psychotherapist, 2004 - 2006
Bellevue Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Rehabilitation Counselor, 2001 - 2004
Sports Illustrated, Fortune Magazines, Production Manager, 1990 - 2000
Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology, Emotional Freedom Techniques Professional Skills 1, 2023
Reiki, 2nd Degree, 2022
The Original Intuitive Eating Pros, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, 2019
Reiki, 1st Degree, 2019
The Institute for the Psychology of Eating, Certified Mind Body Eating Coach, 2017
Person-Centered Resource Center, Person-Centered Therapy Training Certificate, 2009
Albert Ellis Institute, Primary Certificate in REBT and CBT, 2006
National Board for Certified Counselors, National Certified Counselor, 2006
Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A., M.Ed. , 2002
Carnegie Mellon University, B.S. , 1989
New York: 000782-01
New Jersey: 37PC00346200
English