About Beth Salmo
Hello, and welcome to my practice! If you’re looking at this page and considering entrusting me with helping you achieve your therapeutic goals, then you probably want to know who the heck I am. Below is a brief rundown that may help you.
First, the boring stuff: I attended Washington University in St. Louis for my B.S. in Psychology. From there, I earned an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Arkansas (Woo Pig Sooie!) and currently have more than 10 years of clinical experience. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I’m also a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), and Star Behavioral Health Provider (military competency). This all means lots of schooling and continuing education, and that I actually practice what I’ve learned! To further practice what I preach, I see a therapist to maintain my own mental wellness. Much like you, I am human and sometimes need to let it all hang out.
I own Thin Line Counseling Services, where it’s currently just me running the show from therapy and other services to credentialing and advertising. So, for every interaction, you’re speaking to me directly and not an admin person. Trust is essential; therefore, I prefer to handle your case with white-glove service. That stated, I specialize not only in helping first responders, veterans, and others with high occupational stress but can also help their loved ones. We all know this is a culture that directly impacts family, and there’s a good chance you’re here because someone you love has been asking you to talk to a pro. I get that, having been a law enforcement significant other myself in the past.
I’m trained in and practice trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy); EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing); Prolonged Exposure Therapy (for trauma); Cognitive Processing Therapy (for trauma); and CBT-I (for insomnia); and work often with individuals presenting with anger, trauma, depression, anxiety/panic, grief, and moral injury. You should know that I operate from a Reality-Choice framework. This basically means that I believe life deals us all sorts of cards, and it’s up to us to decide how to choose what to do with them. It also means I’m raw and real, and will call you out on your stuff in a caring, yet assertive way. You’re not used to sugar-coating in your career, and I don’t naturally speak like I’m running a candy factory over here. If you’ve ever had counseling before, I think you’ll probably find my authentic approach and sense of humor refreshing. And yes, cussing is always allowed. Please don’t censor your words or emotions on my behalf.
Potential clients of any background need to understand I support military, veteran, and first responder communities. Keeping in line with that, I’m a Star Behavioral Health Provider through the Uniformed Services University and Purdue. In my community, I’m involved with helping first responders in different ways. Utilizing cutting-edge skills gleaned from consistent participation in continuing education, I choose to augment my skills so that I may help all warriors. I’m also married to a retired USMC MSgt, so there’s that.
In terms of ages of my clients, I now see people 18+ and rarely deviate from that. I’ve found over several years of experience that while working with youth can be rewarding, my skills and talents are better utilized with helping adults like you. As a result, I started my dream practice in late 2021 following learning about the death of a former partner, who worked for many years in federal law enforcement. Having several friends and loved ones in public service roles I personally understand the issues, dynamics, and tragedies that can present in these relationships.
Right now I see first responder clients out of my home office in the St. Louis metro area; offer walk & talk sessions in St. Charles County; and can see anyone anywhere virtually in both Missouri and Illinois. Once the Counseling Compact application opens in 2025, I’ll be among the first in line to serve clients across the nation.
If you like podcasts, I guest-speak on those as well. I’m an animal person, especially a fan of cats and dogs. Their company can be more healing at times than that of any human. You should know that I have three longhair cats – Clover, Poppy, and Walter – and they’ll sometimes make appearances (looking at you, Wally). It’s usually adorable and therapeutic, though please let me know if you have allergies or prefer they not hear your story with us. It’s amazing what cat treats and the promise of a warm, cozy bed can do to get them to leave my office!
You are invited to learn more about my work and personality by following me on my professional Facebook and Instagram. I can be reached at beth@tlc-help.com or at (314) 297-0331. I look forward to meeting you!
