Our Therapists
Lindsay Simon: Clinical Director and Supervisor
LMFT, CA #51979, NV #3014-R | Gottman Referral Network- lindsaysimon
Lindsay is an authentic, passionate therapist who takes a direct and non-judgmental approach with her clients. Lindsay is able to help clients identify what they need and create action plans using evidence-based forms of therapy that lead to positive changes cognitively, behaviorally, and emotionally.
Lindsay has completed her Level 3 Gottman Couples Therapy training and specializes in providing this highly effective form of couples therapy based on 40 years of research.
Lindsay works well with individual adults who want to experience a more fulfilling, mindful, and purposeful life. Lindsay helps her clients identify and remove the self-defeating barriers and beliefs that get in the way of their success. She helps her clients achieve personal growth, reach their goals, and create a fulfilling life in alignment with their values.
“I understand the importance of looking at clients from an integrated, systemic, and holistic perspective. My therapeutic style is honest, direct, and non-judgmental. I am a proactive therapist and work best with clients who are ready to do the work.”
In 2014 I became the Owner and Clinical Director of A Balanced Life: Individual, Family and Child Therapy, Inc.
To schedule with Lindsay call (530) 544-1748 or contact us
Kaye Brindley - ASW# 94623
Kaye Brindley, ASW, Certified First Responder, and Play therapist-trained therapist, has experience working with a variety of clientele presenting with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance use, trauma, behavioral problems, and relationship problems.
Kaye has a passion for helping clients who are in helping professions and experiencing burnout and/or job-related trauma and is certified in first responder counseling. Kaye works with children ages 5 and older, teens, adults, and couples.
Kaye has completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and uses the Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work with couples. She is also trained in Child Play Therapy.
"My therapeutic style is genuine and honest with a touch of mindfulness. I value everyone I meet for their lived experience and approach each person with equity. I aspire to help my clients find happiness in their daily lives by supporting them through the process of identifying and achieving measurable goals."
To schedule with Kaye call (530) 544-1748 or contact us
Madi Salvati - APCC #15888
Having previously worked in the residential treatment environment with teens and families struggling with substance use disorders, Madi’s experience is rooted in evidenced-based modalities such as internal family systems therapy, attachment theory, dialectal behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, Madi has experience working with clients experiencing unintegrated trauma, intergenerational issues, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-harm, and grief.
Madi brings a deeply rooted passion for facilitating healing in a mindful, nonjudgemental way. She helps clients recognize the importance of healing their inner child, as well as remembering that they are the experts in their own lives.
Madi is an associate professional clinical counselor with roots in wilderness, somatic, and adventure therapy. While often in pursuit of scouting her new favorite climbing and trail-running route, Madi moved to South Lake Tahoe with hopes of continuing to combine her passions for intentional movement in the outdoors and mental health.
“I bring a direct, but soft presence to the therapeutic alliance. I aspire to help my clients live fully into their truest selves with the knowledge of their lived experience and inner voice.”
To schedule with Madi call (530) 544-1748 or contact us
Lesley Shapiro - CA AMFT# 144537
We are excited to welcome the newest member of our ABL team, Lesley Shapiro, AMFT.
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, school related issues, ADHD, co-occuring disorders, 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”.
To schedule with Lesley call (530) 544-1748 or contact us
Ksenia Ustinova, she/her/hers - ASW# 118870
Ksenia Ustinova, ASW, is a compassionate and authentic therapist who has experience working with diverse clients at various settings, including a Full Service Partnership and Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic in Sacramento. Ksenia has experience working with clients who presented with anxiety, depression, housing concerns, substance use, life adjustments, and interpersonal challenges. Ksenia uses a eclectic therapeutic approach, pulling from various modalities including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, Gottman therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Ksenia has a deep passion for helping clients who are experiencing challenges in fertility, pregnancy, and transition to parenthood. She also enjoys working with clients on topics surrounding identity, self-esteem, personal values, and physical/emotional/relational balance.
In addition, Ksenia uses The Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work with couples.
Ksenia's warm and welcoming personality lead her clients to feeling heard, validated and hopeful for change and growth. She is able to balance compassion with growth and positive outcomes.
"My personal mission is to empower myself and others to be their personal, professional, and relational best. It would be my absolute honor to support you on your journey to rediscover yourself and create a life of balance and wellbeing."
To schedule with Ksenia call (530) 544-1748 or contact us
Allie Sever - AMFT#132129
Allie is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, mental health and wellness enthusiast, former high school educator, and consistent pursuer of fresh mountain air—which has led her and her husband to play and serve in South Lake Tahoe.
Allie has worked in both private practice and community-based counseling settings to help adults, teens, children, couples and families develop insight into the pain points of their life and make the necessary changes for peace and fulfillment. Allie’s clients have commonly come to therapy due to struggles with depression, anxiety, relationship strain, self-harm, suicidal ideation, ADHD, trauma, grief, academic or work challenges, among other issues that have affected their daily flourishing. Having served as a therapist for youth in the foster care system, Allie has a particular passion for providing therapeutic support to youth and families who have experienced complex trauma as they build skills and work towards healing and health.
Allie works with children ages 5 and older, teens, adults, and families.
Her warm and lively yet centered presence has led her clients, students and friends to find her trustworthy, calming, and encouraging. In her personal life, she enjoys connecting with people over coffee or on a local trail, is an amateur runner & rock climber (thank you, husband), and is on a never-ending quest to find the best street tacos.
To schedule with Allie call (530) 544-1748 or contact us