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, has experience working with a variety of clientele presenting with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance use, trauma, and housing insecurities.
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 teens, adults, couples and children as young as 7.
Kaye has also completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work with couples.
"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

Marcella Araiza
LMFT #111395 | Bilingual in Spanish
Marcella is a dedicated, compassionate, and trauma-informed therapist who is able to create positive relationships and outcomes with clients who might have been hesitant to receive therapy in the first place. Marcella is a gem of a human and therapist that is able to connect with her clients and understand their pain and needs in a way that creates healing and improved coping with life’s difficulties.
Marcella specializes in working with youth with addictions, depression, anger, behavior problems, suicidal ideation, bullying, coming out issues, and trauma. Marcella also works well with families trying to repair relationships within the family. In addition, Marcella is a bilingual therapist allowing her to be able to work with Spanish speaking clients and families.
Marcella’s clients report feeling support, inclusiveness, safety and acceptance, improved mood, more calm, less pain, and better family relationships.
"I help my clients by giving them a sense of support, inclusiveness, safety and acceptance to overcome struggles with depression and other mental health issues so they may live healthier and happier lives."
To schedule with Marcella call (530) 544-1748 or contact us

Taylor Wasko
AMFT#129364
Taylor is a compassionate, warm and dedicated therapist who has experience working with couples, children ages 5 and older, adolescents, young adults, parents, and families at various settings including Rady’s Children’s Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic in San Diego.
Taylor has experience working with a variety of clientele, including those presenting with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ODD, difficulty adjusting to life circumstances, relationship problems, and substance use.
Taylor has also completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work with couples.
Taylor's clients report feeling welcomed, validated and grateful to be matched with such a compassionate and skilled therapist who is able to help them identify and progress towards their goals.
To schedule with Taylor call (530) 544-1748 or contact us

Ellen Fisher
ASW #106915
A Balanced Life is excited to have Ellen Fisher, ASW #106915, join the clinical team here at A Balanced Life.
Ellen is an empathetic and thoughtful therapist who uses a uses a collaborative and strengths-based approach with clients. She has prior experience working with Veterans, teens and adults through both community-based settings and school-based programs.
Ellen has worked with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use, grief, relational issues, trauma, and is EMDR trained.
“My therapeutic style is warm and approachable. I aim to create a non-judgmental space where clients can explore their identity, values, culture and relationships while working towards their goals. I utilize a blend of CBT, EMDR, mindfulness and motivational interviewing through a relational lens”.
To schedule with Ellen 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, 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.
"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

Meet Nando our resident therapy and facility dog. He enjoys greeting clients, lifting spirits and supporting a safe space for you to heal.
If you would like to work with Ellen and Nando please call our office at 530-544-1748. Nando would love to work with you.