- Emotionally-Focused Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
About Shelly
Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 30 years of experience. He practices in New Mexico and works with people facing relationship strain, trauma and abuse, career challenges, depression, and major life changes. He also supports those coping with addictions, grief, eating concerns, anger, low self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue.
He spent decades in executive roles at major health systems before moving into private practice. That background shaped his interest in practical problem solving and organizational clarity. He uses clear, goal-oriented methods so sessions stay focused on what a person wants to change.
Shelly blends Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychodynamic ideas. He also uses Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy when those fit a person's goals. Sessions typically include talking through current concerns, identifying patterns, and trying small experiments to shift behavior and feelings.
He holds a Master of Social Work from Loyola University and an MBA from North Park University. His career has included roles at large health systems across the U.S., and he brings those systems-level insights into individual work. He lives in New Mexico with his wife and a small dog.
In early sessions he will ask about history, strengths, and goals. From there he and the client set practical, measurable steps to address symptoms such as anxiety, mood shifts, or relationship difficulties. The focus is on clarity, consistent progress, and building manageable skills over time.
How his approaches translate to online work
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on naming and shifting difficult emotions and attachment patterns in relationships and personal life. It helps people recognize emotional responses and try new ways of connecting and responding. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns and reduce symptoms like anxiety or low mood. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, conversational method that supports people who are unsure about change, especially around substance use or other behavioral goals.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Shelly will discuss options and help decide which methods fit a person's needs, goals, and preferences. That decision is collaborative and can shift as progress is made.
Please confirm the available session formats before booking, since the biography does not list specific formats. Online work can make scheduling easier, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when a full session isn't needed. It also lets people keep therapy in line with work, caregiving, or medical appointments without rearranging their whole day.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Illinois, Kentucky, Florida, New Mexico, West Virginia, Arizona
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, career stress, depression, addiction, grief, eating concerns, anger, low self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a practical, goal-focused style that combines talk therapy with behavioral steps. Sessions aim to identify patterns, set clear goals, and try small changes between meetings.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 30 years of experience in social work and leadership roles within large health systems before moving into private practice.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds LICSW and LCSW credentials and practices in New Mexico. The license details include WV LICSW and NM LCSW as provided.
Which languages does he offer sessions in?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as session formats are not specified in the biography.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.