Ben Savelli
Hey, my name is Ben. I'm a later-in-life-diagnosed autistic guy. While I am open to working with adult clients of all brain types, my practice focuses on neurodivergence-affirming therapy for autistic individuals. I recognize and validate the challenges and strengths of being wired differently in a society where differences are not always treated with kindness and understanding. My therapeutic approach is primarily person-centered, meaning that I aim to create a warm, nonjudgmental relationship built on empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard, trusting my clients to draw on their own capacity for growth and self-direction rather than directing or interpreting for them. I also lean on many other modalities, including but not limited to EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.
First session
I don't usually structure my sessions unless I'm doing EMDR - the first session being an exception due to the documentation requirements associated with health insurance. In the first session, my typical process looks like explaining my role as a mandated reporter, reviewing confidentiality and its limitations, and working together on the initial assessment documentation. Part of that process also helps me better understand your presenting concerns and history. We also collaboratively establish at least 1 goal for therapy. Any remaining time, I generally reserve as space for you to process anything you might be bringing with you into the therapeutic space.
Strengths
While being a neurodivergent therapist offers its own set of unique challenges, I do believe that my autistic traits can sometimes give me an advantage in my work with clients. I am good at recognizing patterns and themes in the therapeutic space and pointing them out to clients when appropriate. I am an active listener, preferring to spend more time listening than talking. I am a lifelong learner, and I'll be the first to admit that I don't know all the answers. Not knowing is an opportunity to learn. My desire is for therapy to be a safe space that adds value to my clients' lives.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is likely neurodivergent, but is not required to be. They may be self-diagnosed, formally diagnosed, or wondering if they have autistic traits. I enjoy working with clients who are able/willing to be introspective and dive deeply into the therapeutic space. I think my ideal client is motivated, willing to commit to attending regularly scheduled sessions, and has an open/growth mindset.
Treatment methods
EMDR
EMDR is utilized to help clients heal from traumatic experiences and replace unhelpful self-concepts that developed as a result of these experiences with more helpful ones. I utilize this modality when clients have adverse experiences that may have led to impaired functioning. While EMDR has a ton of evidence backing its effectiveness for treating PTSD/trauma, it can also be an effective treatment for many other challenges such as grief, depression, anxiety, etc. EMDR is a highly structured therapy that follows an 8-phase protocol.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment based on the theory that our thoughts influence how we feel and how we feel influences how we behave. By increasing awareness of unhelpful thoughts that lead to undesirable behaviors, we can challenge these unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more helpful thinking, which can lead to more desirable behavior. Our internal self-talk can play a huge role in how we feel and behave. CBT is also a structured therapy modality.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a therapy modality that acknowledges that it is okay to be unsure about change. MI is about helping clients resolve ambivalence and move towards an internal desire for change. I utilize motivational interviewing throughout my therapy journey with clients, especially when clients feel stuck, are ambivalent about making changes in their lives, or doubt their ability to make changes.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy is about exploring your past and how this affects you in the present. I utilize psychodynamic therapy with clients who are willing to go deep and be introspective within the therapeutic space to gain a better understanding of themselves and their lives.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I am primarily a person-centered therapist. In this modality, the client is not directed by the therapist but is encouraged to choose the path we travel during each session. The therapist aims to meet the client where the client is during each session rather than having an agenda or strict plan for the client. A person-centered therapist is guided by principles including empathy, authenticity, and acceptance without judgment. Person-centered therapists tend to do more listening than talking.
Location
Virtual sessions
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 140922