- 30 years experience
- Focus on relationships
- Practical strategies
About Shelly
Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin is a licensed clinical social worker with three decades of experience in health systems and leadership. He helps people facing relationship strain, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, grief, career stress, and coping with major life changes. People come to him for practical help with anger, self-esteem, eating concerns, bipolar challenges, compassion fatigue, and coaching around life transitions and financial stress.
He spent more than 30 years in executive roles at major hospitals and health systems, bringing managerial experience to clinical work. That background informs a direct, organized approach in sessions. He listens for patterns, life events, and strengths, then uses those observations to shape a plan.
Shelly combines several therapeutic methods to match each person’s needs. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify and change unhelpful thinking. He uses Emotionally-Focused Therapy to clarify feelings in relationships. Solution-Focused techniques help set clear, short-term goals.
He holds a Master of Social Work from Loyola University and an MBA from North Park University, and he has an executive management credential from USC. His licenses include LICSW in West Virginia and LCSW in New Mexico. He lives in New Mexico and brings a life shaped by family history, travel, and community to his clinical perspective.
In sessions he aims for a collaborative style. Expect straightforward conversation, tailored strategies, and step-by-step goals you can try between meetings. He centers empathy and persistence while helping people build confidence and practical ways to move forward.
How specific approaches guide online work
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and try small behavior changes to improve mood and daily functioning. It is useful for depression, anxiety, and coping with major life shifts.Emotionally-Focused Therapy focuses on clarifying feelings and improving how people connect in close relationships. It can help when communication breaks down or when emotional patterns cause repeated conflict.
Motivational Interviewing supports change by exploring a person's own reasons for wanting something different and building motivation step by step. It is often useful for addiction recovery and habit change.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with clients about their goals, try helpful methods, and adjust as needed. This is a collaborative process where preferences and practical needs shape the plan.
Confirm session formats before booking since options are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example, sessions can reduce travel time, allow for a shorter check-in during a work break, or avoid needing extra childcare. Talk with the therapist about scheduling, session length, and how to shape therapy to match daily routines and goals.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist address?
Shelly helps people with relationship problems, trauma and abuse, career issues, depression, addictions, grief, eating and anger concerns, and coping with life changes. He also works on self-esteem, bipolar management, compassion fatigue, and related areas like caregiver stress and communication problems.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a collaborative, client-centered approach that mixes listening with practical steps. Sessions focus on identifying patterns, setting clear goals, and trying strategies between meetings.
What is his professional background?
He spent over 30 years in executive roles at major hospitals and health systems, which shaped his organized, outcome-minded style in therapy.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
He holds the credentials LICSW and LCSW and is located in New Mexico. His licensure includes WV LICSW and NM LCSW.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does cost and billing work?
Fees vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in getting started?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.