Wendy. Periodically. Clients and AI.

Yesterday, my colleagues and I discussed the growing trend of clients coming to sessions sharing what AI had to say about the treatment of their condition and how to achieve their goals. As therapists, we need to get on board with the fact that AI is here. And that it can be a useful tool, used well.

As with any new technology, I feel it is both important to understand it, embrace it, and help our community of people understand how to use it to their benefit. Last year, I went to a week-long conference on AI in Chautauqua, NY and learned about the benefits and pitfalls of relying on AI. People are beginning to have ACTUAL relationships with the apps that learn your likes and dislikes and show empathy. Oh so alluring.

I am not scared that AI will replace us. I do think we need to think about how we will discuss the differences between AI help and our help. How can AI effectively be used as a tool for mental health? What is unique about the therapeutic relationship? How do we come to understand, together, how our clients’ thoughts/parts show-up each day to take care of them? I encourage you to begin thinking about how you are going to approach this, non-judgmentally, with understanding and knowledge, so you can address this with your clients.