Using AI for Therapy

Somewhere along the line of life, I was once told that approaching experiences, concepts, and ideas

from a place of curiosity - rather than judgment - yields more positive change. With that in mind, the

intention of this blog is not to judge or criticize the use of AI for therapy; however, instead emphasize

some of the notable pros and cons that we have seen since the development of this product and its

use in therapeutic settings.

The reality is, therapeutic services can - at times - be impacted by a variety of barriers / boundaries.

This can prevent the amount of individuals who may benefit from therapy, from actually receiving it.

For example, a notable boundary to accessibility is cost.

In recent years, AI has been introduced as an adaptation of therapy. Therapy powered by chatbots.

Understandably, AI can be perceived as a product that lessens the barrier that one may experience

when it comes to assistance with navigating their life’s experiences. Think about it, the majority of

individuals in current day society own a smart phone (In fact, about 9 in 10 American adults). Smart

phones provide an individual with readily access to a plethora of information, websites, apps, etc.,

one of which is AI.

This leaves us to ask a question of, “WHAT can contribute to the uprising in AI therapy?” Not, “WHY

would people use AI for therapy?”

AI can be perceived as a useful database for many, and again, understandably so. For instance, the

database can serve as a resource for individuals who are looking to explore their emotions and any

underlying symptoms that occur as a result.

At the same time, however, the database also relies on the individual sharing the information, to be

as accurate and self-aware as possible. When a gap is present, this calls on AI to interpret the

information on its own, potentially making harmful statements and connections for the user.

What it is missing is not only the humanistic aspect - which is arguably the most important part of

therapy, to develop connection with others - but also, the ability to hold space for one to process,

explore, and understand their emotional experience.

As humans, we naturally experience a wide array of emotions on a day to day basis, emotions in

which an AI database cannot effectively process solely due to the fact it does not have any lived

experiences.

Additionally, research has proven that AI has increased stigma towards particular mental health

conditions, experiences, and diagnoses. While the stigma revolving around mental health is arguably

always present to an extent, licensed and practicing therapists undergo years of practice, classes,

clinical experience, etc., actively seeking to alleviate this stigma, not exacerbate it.

Therapy is not only about solving problems - in fact, these solutions are often temporary - rather, it is

also about exploring life’s experiences and the many feelings / thoughts / sensations that

accompany them, alongside another human being.

Living in Allison Park or the Pittsburgh area? Connect with a therapist at Mindful Therapy

Solutions and discover how it can assist you in not only exploring your emotional experience in

life, but also in understanding and growing from it!