Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin, LICSW, LCSW

Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin is a licensed social worker with 30 years of experience helping people through relationship struggles, trauma, addiction, grief, and major life changes. He aims to create a calm, respectful space where clients can talk through what matters most. His style is practical and direct, focused on clear goals and steady progress.

Before starting independent practice, Shelly spent decades in executive roles at major hospitals and health systems. That background shaped his focus on supporting individuals during hard transitions and on helping people rebuild confidence. He earned a Master of Social Work from Loyola University and also holds an MBA and an executive management certificate.

Sessions emphasize collaboration and concrete tools. Shelly listens for patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behavior, then works with clients to test new ways of responding. He blends short-term strategies with deeper exploration of life history when that helps the work.

Common concerns he addresses include depression, coping with change, anger, self-esteem, addictions, and relationship pain including jealousy. He also supports people facing caregiver stress, chronic illness, bereavement, and issues around control or abandonment. Therapy aims to increase clarity, reduce distress, and strengthen practical coping skills.

Shelly practices in New Mexico and conducts sessions in English. People who prefer a structured, goal-oriented approach that also looks at life patterns may find his mix of evidence-based methods and life experience helpful. He brings warmth, persistence, and a focus on helping people keep moving forward.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Shelly uses several evidence-informed approaches to help clients make changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and problem-solving around daily life challenges.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy, or EFT, centers on how emotions shape relationships and reactions. It helps people understand their emotional responses and work toward healthier ways of connecting and expressing needs.

Motivational Interviewing is a conversational style that helps people find their own reasons to change. It can be especially helpful when someone feels stuck about addiction, health behaviors, or making a life transition.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Shelly collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. He often combines short-term, action-oriented techniques with deeper work when patterns from the past are relevant.

If you are considering online sessions, please confirm the available formats before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also help maintain continuity of care when life or work requires flexibility.