Devorah Bodenheim, LCSW: A Journey of Resilience, Faith, and Purpose

Devorah Bodenheim, a licensed clinical social worker with over 24 years of experience in private practice, has built her career on a foundation of personal resilience, spiritual faith, and a deep commitment to helping others. Raised in an Orthodox religious family, Devorah’s life experiences shaped her calling to work in mental health.

Her journey began with her own recovery from an eating disorder, including bulimia and anorexia, a struggle that profoundly influenced her perspective on healing and transformation. Guided by her strong connection to God, she believed that her challenges were not without purpose. “God didn’t give me this for no reason,” she often reflects. Determined to turn her pain into a source of hope for others, she resolved to return to school and dedicate herself to supporting those facing similar struggles.

In addition to her recovery journey, Devorah’s experiences in relationships inspired her pursuit of social work. Twice married, she recognized the lack of education around essential relationship skills, such as communication and emotional connection. This realization further fueled her determination to empower others with the tools needed for healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

Devorah’s path to becoming a social worker was anything but conventional. Without a college degree at the time and faced with little financial support from her family or husband, she worked tirelessly to save money and fund her education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Queens College, followed by a second bachelor’s in social work at Molloy College, where she thrived under the guidance of dedicated educators. She later completed her Master of Social Work degree at Adelphi University through an accelerated program.

Throughout her career, Devorah has embraced a client-centered approach, tailoring her methods to the unique needs of each individual. She integrates various therapeutic models, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and behavioral approaches, demonstrating her belief in the art of therapy as an evolving, dynamic practice. Her expertise spans addiction, eating disorders, and relationship challenges, areas where her empathy and lived experience resonate deeply with her clients.

Balancing her professional and personal life has been one of Devorah’s greatest challenges. As a mother of three daughters and a caretaker for her mother, she prioritizes family while navigating the demands of her private practice. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to her work, often reflecting on the importance of saying “no” to maintain balance—a lesson she continues to practice with grace and determination.

Devorah also honors the legacy of her late father, a beloved figure in the community known for his unwavering dedication to helping others. Following in his footsteps, she now oversees the charitable organization he founded, which supports widows and single mothers in need. Carrying forward his mission is both a tribute to his memory and a reflection of her own values of compassion and service.

An active member of the SWEET Institute community, Devorah credits the organization with enhancing her skills and providing ongoing inspiration. She values continuous learning and self-awareness, recognizing that personal growth is essential for being an effective therapist. As she often says, “The more I’m aware of my triggers, the better I can respond rather than react.”

Devorah’s advice to fellow professionals is simple yet profound: resist the urge to “fix” clients. Instead, create a space where they can explore their own paths and uncover solutions that align with their unique needs and values. Her approach underscores her belief that true healing comes from within, guided by the therapist’s support rather than directive intervention.

Devorah Bodenheim’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and purpose. Through her work, she has touched countless lives, embodying the principle that our greatest challenges can become our greatest gifts.

Devorah Bodenheim, LCSW-R, was born in Brooklyn, NY, and moved to Long Island at age 12 with her family. Raised in an Orthodox Jewish household, she attended private Jewish schools and was taught traditional values, with men as primary providers and women focusing on home and family. Motivated by a desire for financial independence and having a personal career, she pursued higher education. Devorah earned a BA in Psychology from Queens College she then completed the accelerated Master’s in Social Work program and was able to obtain a BA from Molloy College and her Masters in Social Work from Adelphi University. Devorah completed her education over a six year period, balancing her education with marriage and motherhood. Upon graduation, she worked at Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services in Brooklyn, NY, where she gained invaluable grounding and experience. A pivotal moment in her career came when she was asked to take over the private practice of a retiring colleague. With the offer of supervision, this became one of the many beautiful gifts in Devorah’s life, enabling her to continue to grow personally and professionally. She has maintained this practice for more than 22 years. 

During the pandemic, she discovered the SWEET Institute while seeking opportunities for continued learning. After attending a few classes, she became a member and has since been inspired by the wisdom, knowledge, and warmth that Karen and Mardoche bring to their teachings. She is incredibly grateful to the SWEET Institute and the SWEET community for their ongoing support in this journey. It is a privilege to be there for others, holding the hands of our brothers and sisters as they navigate their struggles and the journey of life.