Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin, LICSW, LCSW

Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin is a licensed clinical social worker with three decades of experience supporting people through hard life moments. He focuses on issues such as relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, grief, and career stress. He brings a calm, practical presence and aims to help people find clearer thinking and better daily habits.

He spent much of his career in executive roles at major hospitals and health systems. That background shaped his interest in how organizations and individuals cope with stress. He also earned a Master of Social Work from Loyola University and an MBA from North Park University, and holds LICSW and LCSW credentials.

Shelly uses several therapy methods to fit each person's needs. He often draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address unhelpful thoughts and habits. He also uses psychodynamic ideas to look at past patterns and emotionally-focused or solution-focused tactics to improve relationships and set practical goals.

In a first session he will listen to your concerns, ask about history and strengths, and co-create clear, realistic goals. He explains the process and answers questions so people feel comfortable moving forward at their own pace.

His work style is collaborative and nonjudgmental. He pays attention to both feelings and behaviors and focuses on building confidence and practical coping skills. Outside of work he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and art, and lives in New Mexico with his wife and small dog.

With a long career supporting health systems and individuals, he emphasizes persistence, empathy, and steady progress when helping people navigate change and recovery.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

He often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce anxiety, depression, and difficulties in daily routines. Emotionally-Focused Therapy is used to clarify feelings and improve emotional communication in relationships. Motivational Interviewing can help people strengthen their own reasons to change behaviors like substance use or unhealthy habits.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and how they respond to different methods. Together they will try strategies and adjust the plan if something is not working or needs to shift.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care flexible. Video is useful when face-to-face interaction matters, phone can work when bandwidth is limited, and messaging suits shorter check-ins or people who prefer written exchanges. These options help people fit therapy into busy lives, handle scheduling challenges, and maintain continuity of care when travel or relocation occurs.