Meet Brian Bovino!

Brian began his work with families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2004 and has been working with the Family Guidance and Therapy team for three years. Prior to starting at the FGTC, Brian specialized in educating parents on how to build consistency in parenting practices. He also worked with parents to improve their confidence and helped them explore new learning opportunities available in everyday activities. He is currently the Director of Behavioral Services at FGTC, recently became a certified RDI consultant and works closely with his therapy Perci (who is also a part of our team!)

At the Family Guidance and Therapy Center of Southern California, each team member works from a set of personal values that drive client care. In the interview below, learn why Brian decided to become a clinician, the values that he brings to the FGTC team, and what challenges him on a personal level.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in Temecula, CA with my wife, 3-year old daughter and 5 month old son who are the greatest joys of my life. We have two golden retrieves, Perci who is a service dog and works with me, and Nala is a therapy dog and works with my wife. I grew up in New England, studied at the University of Massachusetts, lived in Florida for 8 years and have been living in the San Diego area for 6 years now. I enjoy watching sports (Go Yankees!), singing barbershop with The Westminster Chorus, and building forts with my kids

What inspired you to work as a therapist?

I have always been passionate about connecting and helping others. I started coaching Special Olympics at an early age and found great joy and personal reward at those events. I believe that started my journey towards working in the social services field. I have had many different jobs over my career, from being a fire fighter paramedic, to working at group homes and in juvenile probation.

Explain your personal value words and why they are important to you.

My personal value words include perseverance, fun and development. These words have helped guide me through my academic, employment and now family life. If you can bring some kind of joy, laughter, positive attitude or just plain fun to any activity, that will enable you to persevere and grow through most challenges and continue to develop and grow yourself and your life and sustain a rich and full life.

Brian Bovino & Fmaiy
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What is unique about your work with clients?

I attempt to bring fun, energy and connection to my sessions. I strive to always understand and validate my clients perspective. Really hearing and listening to my clients builds connection and trust which allows growth to happen. I attempt to avoid going into temporary problem solving methods that are more short term and often unsustainable.

What’s the most challenging and rewarding part of your work?

The most challenging part of my work is scheduling. People are on the move and have lots of things to fill their day. Putting this all together with so many moving parts is always challenging for both parents and our staff.

The most rewarding part of my work is guiding parents to find and restore their hope and long term growth for their child. Helping parents find additional moments of joy in their interactions with their child and making parents feel empowered to go out in public again and releasing the "how do I make it through the day" mindset is always such a great reward for me.

After a long work week, how do you de-stress or unwind?

I enjoy exercising and really enjoy yoga when I make the time. Driving a lot during the week, I like to stay home on the weekends, hang out with friends and family, watch movies, and play with my kids and puppies.

Tell us a funny story about yourself!

I once appeared in a Japanese hair regeneration commercial. True story, it was a blast.

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