Positive SpaceAlexandra (Ali) Riedel, B.A., Master’s Level Clinical Intern
“Fear cuts deeper than swords.”
– Arya Stark, Game of Thrones
…Or does it?
Fear and anxiety only cut as deep as we allow. For me, fear is no longer in control—and it doesn’t have to be for you, either. In therapy, I’ll help you sharpen your blade and steady your hand, so you feel empowered, grounded, and ready for whatever comes next.
I lived with undiagnosed OCD for over two decades, a story that is unfortunately all too common. It wasn’t until I began Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy that my life began to change. ERP, paired with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), didn’t just help me manage OCD—it gave me back my freedom and taught me how to navigate life with more confidence and clarity. That transformative experience is what led me to dedicate my life to helping others recover from this highly treatable disorder.
For my fellow Game of Thrones fans: think of ERP as your two-handed broadsword (or rapier, dagger—whatever suits you) for tackling OCD. I’m here to help you learn how to wield it. Once you understand how OCD works, you can begin to turn its force against itself—like in martial arts or swordplay—and move through life with greater ease and confidence.
As I currently pursue my Master’s in Clinical Social Work at Simmons University, I sought out an internship at Clearview specifically because of its collaborative, supportive, and training-focused environment. I thrive in teams that prioritize high-quality supervision and professional peer support, and I believe this wraparound model is exactly what helps clients reach their full potential.
My passion lies in working with individuals facing identity- and personality-related intrusive thoughts, as well as existential themes. My own OCD first showed up as religious and moral scrupulosity in childhood, later evolving into fears around self-expression (like wearing makeup). Because OCD tends to ‘leapfrog’ between themes, I focus my clinical interventions on teaching broad strategies that can be applied across subtypes—not just temporary fixes for specific intrusions. I enjoy working with children, teens, and adults alike.
I hold a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University with a double major in Psychology and the Science in Society Program. 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.
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.
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 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. Let’s go!
