Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin, LICSW, LCSW

Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin helps people facing addiction, relationship struggles, grief, depression, and major life changes. He draws on three decades of experience in health systems and leadership to guide practical steps forward. Sessions are aimed at building clarity, confidence, and steady progress.

He spent 30 years in executive roles at major hospitals and health systems, including Kaiser Permanente, Mount Sinai, and Northwestern Memorial. That background shaped a results-oriented style that still centers empathy. He holds a Master of Social Work from Loyola University and has both LICSW and LCSW credentials.

In the room he listens first, then helps people set clear, realistic goals. Early sessions focus on what brought someone in, strengths they already have, and a simple plan for change. He uses practical techniques from cognitive behavioral work, solution-focused strategies, and psychodynamic ideas to address patterns that keep people stuck.

Shelly also uses motivational interviewing to support people working on substance use and other behavior change. He aims to make therapy feel collaborative rather than prescriptive. Expect straightforward guidance, steady encouragement, and attention to emotions behind the problems.

He lives in New Mexico and brings a life shaped by family stories, travel, and long experience in health care. Outside work he enjoys hiking, reading, and art. His stated philosophy is positivity, confidence, and persistence, and he encourages clients to keep trying even when change feels slow.

How certain approaches translate to online work

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, helps people notice unhelpful thought patterns and practice different behaviors. It often includes simple exercises and short homework tasks to change how someone thinks and acts, and it can help with depression, anxiety, and addiction-related urges.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy focuses on identifying and naming emotions so people can respond to them more clearly. It helps people improve how they connect with others and manage strong feelings that affect relationships.

Motivational interviewing is a conversational style that supports people ready to change. It uses questions and reflection to strengthen motivation and resolve ambivalence about behaviors like substance use.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, then try approaches that fit. That collaborative process helps shape session structure and homework so it matches each person's life.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking since the biography does not list specific options. Online work can make it easier to fit short check-ins into a busy day, avoid travel time, and choose sessions that match your energy level - for example, a shorter phone or video session when you need a quick focused check-in. Licensed professionals can adapt CBT, EFT, and motivational interviewing for online sessions in ways that support steady progress.