Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin

Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin is a licensed clinician with 30 years of experience who helps people facing anger, relationship trouble, depression, addiction, grief, and major life changes. He brings a calm, practical presence and focuses on building confidence and clearer coping skills. Clients can expect straightforward conversation and a pace set by their needs.

Before launching his private practice, he held executive roles at major hospitals and health systems, where he supported individuals and families and developed staff. He grew up in Chicago and says his father’s resilience shaped his commitment to empathetic care. He holds a Master of Social Work from Loyola University and an MBA from North Park University and is a LICSW and LCSW licensed in West Virginia and New Mexico.

In the first session he explains how therapy works and asks about what brought someone in. He listens for strengths and patterns, then co-creates clear, realistic goals like managing anger, reducing anxiety, or improving relationships. He uses evidence-based methods and adapts tools to the person’s life rather than applying a one-size-fits-all plan.

His sessions blend practical strategies and reflective work. That can mean practicing new ways to respond in the moment, looking at how past events shape current reactions, or setting small achievable steps for change. He emphasizes persistence and building skills that fit daily life.

Outside of practice he enjoys hiking, travel, art, and reading. He lives in New Mexico with his wife and their Yorkie, Kugel, and brings a steady, supportive approach to the work of change.

How his approaches fit online therapy

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people look at how emotions shape relationships and reactions. It guides clients to recognize core feelings and practice new ways of connecting or responding, which can ease patterns like quick anger or withdrawal.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing new behaviors. It often uses small, practical exercises between sessions to change responses to stress, cravings, or upsetting situations.

Motivational Interviewing is a short-term conversational method used to build motivation for change. It helps people weigh their goals and find personal reasons to move toward healthier choices.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, past experiences, and preferences, and together they will try methods that fit the person's situation. Adjustments are made over time based on what is working.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the specific session options before booking since formats are not listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce commuting time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or make it simpler to meet without arranging childcare. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and homework for remote sessions so progress continues between meetings.