Positive SpaceAlexandra (Ali) Riedel, Clinical Support Specialist
As a Clinical Support Specialist at Clearview, I work closely with lead clinicians to help clients build practical skills, practice ERP, and follow through on treatment between sessions.
My graduate internship at Clearview provided immersive, hands-on training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Continuing with the team in this new role feels especially meaningful, as I get to support clients in applying these evidence-based strategies in their daily lives.
Both professional training and lived experience inform my work. After living with undiagnosed OCD for over two decades, it was ERP that helped me reclaim my life. That experience continues to shape how I support others in facing fears, building confidence, and moving toward the lives they want to live.
In this role, my focus is on helping clients implement exposure work, stay accountable to their goals, and navigate challenges that arise between sessions. Collaboration with each client’s lead clinician ensures care remains consistent, supportive, and effective.
Working with children and teens is something I especially enjoy, while also supporting adult clients. I have a particular interest in helping individuals navigate intrusive thoughts related to identity, morality, and self-expression, while building skills that generalize across OCD themes.
With a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and a double major in Psychology and the Science in Society Program, I have continued my studies at the Simmons Graduate School of Social Work. I have worked in three psychology research labs—including Yale’s Program for Recovery and Community Health—and co-authored a publication on the history of clinical psychological insight in the Journal of Consciousness Studies (click the link below!). I also served as a lab manager on a behavioral activation project for substance use at UNC Chapel Hill and supported research at the VA Hospital in Boston on ALS, Gulf War Illness, and PTSD.
I look forward to working with you and supporting you step-by-step as you practice ERP and other skills so you can get back on track with life quickly!
Interests and Hobbies:
I am an athlete at heart—soccer, crew, track, tennis, and now hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing, kayaking, gym sessions, and even the occasional surfing attempt. I recharge through time in nature with my fiancé and our energetic pitsky, and I find peace in my garden and indoor jungle of houseplants (where ACT helps me embrace every imperfect leaf and overgrowth).
As the partner of a service member—currently in the Navy, formerly a Marine (though once a Marine, always a Marine!)—I deeply understand the stressors and resilience within military life. I’m passionate about supporting veterans and their partners, and I bring cultural sensitivity, humor (yes, even the crayon jokes), and respect to this work.
As a therapist, I approach our work like a coach: we’re a team. I’m here to challenge and support you as you build confidence, flexibility, and resilience. Those strengths are already within you—my role is to help you uncover and trust them. You’ve got this – and I’ve got your back.
