Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin, LCSW, LICSW

About me

After 30+ years in executive roles at leading hospitals and health systems—including Kaiser Permanente, Mount Sinai, and Northwestern Memorial—I’m thrilled to launch my private therapy practice. My career has always focused on helping people thrive, whether by supporting families and or individuals during tough times or developing talent. I grew up in Chicago’s Rogers Park, shaped by its culture and my father’s resilience as a Holocaust survivor. His stories taught me empathy and strength—values I bring to every client interaction. I hold an MSW from Loyola University, am licensed in AZ, FL, IL, KY, NM, and WV, and earned an MBA from North Park University plus an executive management certification from USC. Life has taken me across the U.S. and abroad, enriching my perspective. Outside work, I love traveling, hiking, reading, and exploring art. Married for 40+ years, I live in New Mexico with my British wife and our Yorkie, Kugel. My philosophy: positivity, confidence, and persistence—never give up on yourself.

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Your first session is about creating a safe, supportive space and starting a strong therapeutic relationship.
I’ll explain how therapy works, review confidentiality, and answer your questions so you feel comfortable.
You’ll share what brought you to therapy—your challenges and goals—at your own pace. Together, we’ll set clear, realistic goals like reducing anxiety, managing stress, or improving relationships. I’ll ask about your history and strengths to create a personalized plan. Therapy is a partnership: I use evidence-based methods like CBT, psychodynamic and solution-focused approaches and welcome your input. Expect a judgment-free space where you can express yourself openly. My role is to listen, support, and guide you. Together, we will focus on building confidence and clarity at your own pace.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

As a therapist, I bring a compassionate, client-centered approach to every session. My greatest strengths include, empathy & understanding. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and supported. I pay attention to both words and emotions to uncover deeper insights. I tailor strategies combining evidence-based techniques with personalized care
to meet your unique needs. My goal is to empower you to navigate life’s challenges with strength and self-compassion.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work best with individuals facing life transitions, anxiety, depression, burnout, financial stress, addiction recovery, relationship challenges, OCD, sexuality/ identity issues, and PTSD. My approach is holistic and tailored, using evidence-based methods like CBT, psychodynamic therapy, solution-focused strategies, and trauma-informed care. Together, we’ll explore thought patterns, past influences, and build healthy coping skills. I focus on creating solutions, fostering hope, and preventing re-traumatization—helping you choose how to think and behave while building meaningful connections.

Professional experience

Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Grief, Eating disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues

Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

License information

IL LCSW 149007897

AZ LCSW LCSW-23280

KY LCSW 259306

FL LCSW SW23279

WV LICSW DP00946931

NM LCSW SWB-2024-1008