Thank you for choosing A Balanced Life Tahoe Truckee Therapy!! Please note that our Truckee office location is in the Pioneer Center. The address is 11025 Pioneer Trail, Suite 101B. We are located in the last building in the Pioneer Center, in the opposite corner from Great Gold Restaurant. Our NEW office in South Lake Tahoe is located at A Balanced Life, 2100 Eloise Avenue, near the Y.

Hola! I am Salvador “Sal” Rea. I am a first generation college graduate that took it upon myself to become a therapist that not only provides a compassionate, understanding, and mindful way to bring therapy to the stigma surrounding mental health. Along with the client by finding their strengths we can overcome their adversities as a team. You are not alone. I understand that life comes at us in such a manner that we more often than not need resources other than mental health. Eight years in social services has shown me that we are all different in many ways thus we have different needs. I provide therapy for those that like me might feel that we do not belong. As a first generation American of Mexican descent that identifies as queer I can relate to the struggles that many of us have had in life. Reducing the stigma about mental health is a mission to deliver to the Hispanic, Immigrant, LGBTQ+ communities is which I have taken upon myself to offer my services in both English and Spanish. I draw from mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help teens gain the skills and resources they need. I offer one-on-one support and Group Therapy. Wiith generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, identity exploration, and communication challenges.

As an Associate Clinical Social Worker, my areas of focus include: Teen Therapy | Anxiety issues for teens and adults | childhood trauma If you’re ready to get started, I always offer a 15-min consult to see if we are a good fit. I’d love to help you or a member of your family get the help they need to live better.

Hola! I am Salvador “Sal” Rea. I am a first generation college graduate that took it upon myself ... Read More

As a registered APCC, I will be working with children ages 6–12 and teens 12 and up who are navigating tough times, whether those struggles stem from challenges at home, difficulties in school, or the heavy emotions that can come with growing up in a world that doesn’t always feel safe or fair. From an early age, I found myself captivated by the complexity of the human mind. Psychology wasn’t just a subject; it was a lifeline. I was diagnosed with RAD, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and an auditory processing disorder as a child. Alongside these diagnoses came a whirlwind of challenges: depression, intense anger, and deep-rooted trust issues. But those same obstacles sparked something powerful in me; the beginning of my own healing journey. I believe that in order to help others, you must first be willing to do the inner work yourself. Through years of self-discovery and resilience, I’ve learned how to stabilize my mental health, and in doing so, I’ve unearthed my purpose: to offer others the hope and tools they need to do the same. My strengths lie in my ability to meet people where they are with empathy, active listening, and a calm presence that can help defuse tension and make space for understanding. I don’t just hear my clients, I see them. And that makes all the difference. I’m especially passionate about creative therapeutic modalities like Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and using Legos as tools for expression and connection. There’s something almost magical about watching a child light up in the middle of “Legoland,” or seeing a teen silently pour their emotions into a drawing when words won’t come. These creative outlets open doors where traditional talk therapy sometimes can’t. For many kids and teens, building with Legos or putting pen to paper creates a safe space to process what’s too overwhelming to speak aloud. Art has a way of reaching the quiet corners of the soul and gently bringing them into the light. This creative, hands-on approach has become more than a passion; it’s a calling. One that fuels my desire to help others rediscover their power, reclaim their story, and begin the journey toward healing. Through hard work and commitment to the path that these clients take, I feel confident that my clients will achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves.

As a registered APCC, I will be working with children ages 6–12 and teens 12 and up who are navig... Read More

Lesley works with children ages 10 and older, adolescents, families and adults. Some of the areas of expertise Lesley has is working with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, child behavior concerns, teen issues, family dynamics, estrangement, school related issues, ADHD, addiction, co-occuring disorders, insomnia and more.

Lesley is an experienced former teacher who has helped thousands of families navigate educationally related problems, including learning and emotional disabilities, and ADHD challenges. She has a true appreciation and admiration for her clients and offers a non-judgemental, warm, and empathic approach.

Lesley creates a positive, collaborative relationship with clients, establishing a trusting relationship that allows clients to identify their goals for therapy, what is and isn’t working in their lives, and use evidence-based models to help clients move positively towards growth. Lesley believes in using a forward looking and strengths based approach so clients can envision a fulfilling and meaningful future for themselves.

“A goal of therapy is to enhance emotional well being, healing, and functioning. As clients grow, and recognize their strengths, courage and abilities, they feel empowered. That’s my goal for my clients”.

Lesley works with children ages 10 and older, adolescents, families and adults. Some of the are... Read More

Change—whether anticipated or sudden—can feel destabilizing. It can bring grief, uncertainty, or a loss of connection to oneself. Many people find themselves stuck, unsure of how to move forward after a pivotal event. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, processing trauma, or struggling with identity shifts, I strive to help clients bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be.

I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families who are integrating significant life events—experiences that have disrupted their sense of self or stability. My approach combines evidence-based techniques, including mindfulness and somatic experiencing, with depth-oriented tools like dream work and Sand Tray therapy. Therapy is a space to explore the emotions beneath the surface and to reconnect with your inner wisdom and resilience.

I reference Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) principles to help clients regulate emotions, strengthen relationships, and regain clarity during times of change. As a queer therapist, I am committed to providing an affirming space for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those navigating identity-related transitions or seeking healing in relationships.

Change—whether anticipated or sudden—can feel destabilizing. It can bring grief, uncertainty, or ... Read More

Shelby Riley is an Associate Social Worker (ASW) with clinical experience supporting individuals, couples, and families navigating complex trauma, attachment wounds, and relational challenges.

Her professional background spans nearly a decade in child welfare, including direct practice with children and caregivers impacted by systemic trauma, family separation, and navigating breaking intergenerational cycles of harm with clients. Shelby’s work is rooted in trauma-informed, attachment-based, and strengths-focused frameworks, with a commitment to helping clients build safety, deepen connection, and foster long-term healing.

Shelby Riley is an Associate Social Worker (ASW) with clinical experience supporting individuals,... Read More

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