Andrew J. DeBenedictis, BA — Master’s Level Clinical Intern

“Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.” – Eckhart Tolle

Helping folks find strength, courage, and agency in the face of their anxious and obsessive thoughts has long been a passion of mine. I take a warm, empathetic, and validating approach using a combination of ACT, ERP, and CBT to build skills and strategies that clients can take with them through treatment and beyond. I specialize in treating OCD and hold particular interest in treating obsessions surrounding contamination, relationships, and that insidious “just right” feeling, as well as substance and process addictions. At Clearview, I am the go-to person for any cases involving ADHD and executive functioning issues; I understand and honor the unique struggles of people living with co-occurring ADHD and OCD.

As a Master’s-level student in the Mental Health Counseling program at Boston College, I have devoted my studies to learning all I can about the treatment of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. I have served as a research and program assistant in various settings including at Yale University and the University of Connecticut. I am particularly drawn to “third wave” cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches including meditation, mindfulness, mind/body-centered therapies, and other modalities informed by Eastern philosophy.

I have had my own OCD journey and sat on the other side of the couch. Being in treatment for OCD has taught me a lot about how I hope my own clients will feel when I am the one providing the hope and help. While it sometimes can be hard to believe, recovery is always possible. I look forward to working with you at Clearview!

Interests & Hobbies

I love anything and everything outdoors – surfing, hiking, camping, and everything in between, particularly when it involves stopping at a diner on the drive home. I also enjoy cooking (and have been told my pasta Bolognese is restaurant quality), reading, writing, gardening, and taking care of my numerous houseplants, as well as playing and writing music. Creativity and mindfulness are values I do my best to live by every day, and I look forward to helping you live yours too!