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Welcome! My name is Beth Salmo, and I am a fully licensed counselor in Missouri (LPC) and Illinois (LCPC). I'm also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP). I'm excited for you for choosing to reach out for help, which can often be a difficult decision to make. When life feels overwhelming and scary, you do have safe and healthy options for relief.
My approach
Like most therapists, I'm trained in CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), which I've found to be effective with most clients. I operate from a reality therapy-choice theory lens philosophically to explain human behavior. I also am trained in and treat insomnia using CBT-i, and trauma utilizing Prolonged Exposure therapy as well as Cognitive Processing Therapy. I also am well-versed in the body-mind connection and will refer to physicians if I suspect a medical condition may be at play in your behavioral health presentation. I hope you find therapy to be a positive experience. If you feel that my approach is not a good fit for you, I will be happy to help you find someone whose approach is more tailored to you as an individual.
My focus
My passion and niche are in helping first responders; veterans; anyone military-connected; and their families. While this population is my specialty, I have 9+ years of licensed experience working with people of all ages, walks of life, income brackets, and cultures in different settings. Environments I’ve worked in include medium-maximum security state prison (adult males); probation/parole and drug court; inpatient psychiatric hospitalization; an intensive outpatient program (IOP); residential and school-based facilities; therapeutic day treatment for youth; outpatient clinics; and offer as many years providing telehealth in private practice.
My communication style
I do my best to be approachable and relatable to clients, therefore I sometimes use and encourage humor to complement other healing practices. I find that when I am my authentic self with clients, they get more out of sessions. I'll read the room and do my best to make you comfortable. As an elder Millennial (technically, Xennial)... Do you feel like cussing? Cool, I'll join you. Want to talk about practice of religion or lack thereof? LGBTQIA+? Neurodivergent? I got you there, too. There's not much you can tell me that will surprise me, so I want you to be fully yourself in session.
My journey to mental healthcare
My entire life, my father had a serious illness. He was my hero, my rock, and best friend. After he died, I sought help from the hospice clinician and found it to be healing. I wanted to be that person for someone else. I have many close personal connections to the military, law enforcement, and fire/EMS, therefore I chose to specialize in helping those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
My goals for you
It's a dynamic, collaborative process. We start day 1 with a treatment plan that we build together. Periodically, we will review it to see how close you feel you've gotten to achieving your goals.
My first session with you
Lots of questions! I may seem clinical or short in the first session because I have to gather lots of information in an hour or less. I use what we discuss upon first meeting to form a diagnostic impression (if you are using insurance) and identify goals for a treatment plan. I will answer any questions or concerns you have at any time throughout our work together.
