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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I went to school to become a therapist because I love people. I am a very curious person and I love to hear people’s stories. People often tell me that I have a calming presence. I am very non-judgmental and I love helping people solve their life difficulties and transitions. I use evidence-based practices including CBT, ACT, narrative therapy, and art therapy. I have been Licensed since 2013 and prior to that I worked in many different locations that included helping people with different types of mental health challenges. I use mindfulness with my clients as well as myself. In today’s trying times, we all need to find a way to stay grounded and find peace. I’m an excellent listener and find that people often just need to have someone listen to their experiences. I also enjoy helping people with life’s transitions. I am a problem solver and I use many different techniques to help other people solve their problems. If you are ready to start your therapy journey, I am here to help guide you and to help you find the person that you want to be.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I went to school to become a therapist because I love peo... Read More

As a registered LPC-Intern, I will be working with children ages 6–12, teens, and adults who are navigating tough times, whether those struggles stem from challenges at home, difficulties in school, or the heavy emotions that can come with life 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 LPC-Intern, I will be working with children ages 6–12, teens, and adults who are ... 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

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

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