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 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 and trauma-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—not to rush or criticize.
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.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people find new ways to behave by changing their thought patterns. I incorporate strategies such as role-playing, identifying and challenging distorted thoughts and beliefs, establishing positive structure, routines, rules, and expectations.
Psychodynamic
I utilize Psychodynamic Therapy which is rooted in the understanding that recognizing behaviors for what they are can help clients build healthy coping mechanisms. By utilizing psychodynamic therapy, I help my clients answer why they do what we do, tying past events and subconscious constructs into present behaviors and behavior patterns.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I utilize Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) by incorporating positive psychology principles and practices. I have been successful in helping clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems. This treatment method is a hope friendly, positive emotion eliciting, future-oriented vehicle for formulating, motivating, achieving, and sustaining desired behavioral change.
Trauma Informed Care
I consider the experiences of each client, and how trauma may have impacted their lives, what symptoms they’re experiencing and then I work with individuals to prevent re-traumatization.
Reality Therapy
I utilize Reality Therapy as a client-centered form of cognitive-behavioral therapy focusing on improving present relationships and circumstances. This approach is based on the idea that our most important need is to be loved, to feel that we belong and that all other basic needs can be satisfied only by building strong connections with others. Reality Therapy sees behavior as choices, and it teaches us that while we cannot control how we feel, we can control how we think and behave.
6 ratings with written reviews
October 4, 2025
vey good communication and very powerful orientation towards alleviate my depression and anxiety
May 14, 2025
Professional, personable, and a great listener and empathizer. I really enjoy my sessions with him and find myself looking forward to them.
April 4, 2025
I am happy I chose Grow Therapy, and I am happy I chose Sheldon Lewin. He has been a great help for me so far in my personal growth and I look forward to our future meetings.