The Future of Therapy: Navigating the Intersection of AI and Human Connection

This image was created by CHAT GPT on Open AI

Recently, during a session, a couple I work with revealed something surprising. Their sibling had been using ChatGPT as a couples therapist. This revelation sparked my curiosity. Could a chatbot truly help in nurturing a relationship?

It made me think deeply about the current landscape of support. How are people seeking help today? What does this mean for therapy, accessibility, and the emotional needs people have?

The Impact of Technology on Emotional Support

I was reminded of something I heard Esther Perel say at SXSW regarding artificial intelligence. She mentioned that someone had created an AI version of her. The thought intrigued me. If someone as insightful as Esther can be replicated, what does that signify for the future of therapy?

Even though AI can imitate our words and frameworks, it can't capture the essence of human connection. It lacks the ability to sense silences following a hard truth. It cannot respond when a client says, “I’m fine,” while their true feelings are written on their face.

The Human Element in Therapy

During that couples session, I noticed a pivotal moment. There was a quiet yet emotionally charged shift in the tone. One partner winced, clearly in pain, even though the other was oblivious. This moment shifted the session’s direction.

I recognized it instantly. Together, we explored what had just happened. It required presence, attunement, and trust—an intricate web of connection.Knowing this aspect reminds me why therapy is fundamentally relational.

Healing often happens in the presence of someone who genuinely sees you. It is vital to have someone who listens and stays with you during difficult moments. The subtle attunement that I observed can't be scripted or automated. It arises from a genuine shared presence.

The Dissonance Between the Value of Access and the Power of Presence

Tools like ChatGPT make emotional support more accessible than ever. This accessibility is not inherently bad. For someone feeling overwhelmed or isolated, AI can provide an entry point. It may help identify emotions, clarify thoughts, or offer tools for reflection, all of which are genuinely useful.

However, we must recognize the unique value of human interaction. A real person observing the nuances of emotions and responding empathetically provides a level of depth that AI cannot replicate.

Using AI Between Sessions

I haven't actively encouraged my clients to use AI for support between sessions yet. However, I’ve been pondering whether it might offer value in certain contexts. For instance, could AI assist with journaling, mood tracking, or reinforcing therapeutic goals?

I’m still considering these ideas.

What I do know is that therapy shouldn’t be confined to one session a week. If AI can help cultivate insights, maintain curiosity, or lay the groundwork for deeper work, it might serve as a valuable supplement. For now, it feels more like an adjunct rather than a replacement.

Making Room for Both Approaches

We stand at the start of a new era. AI is changing how individuals access support and their perspectives on emotional well-being. It is uncertain where this path will lead. Will AI ever fully replicate what occurs in a therapeutic setting?

What I am confident about is this: certain aspects still necessitate a human presence. Recognizing pain in a partner's expression, understanding unspoken words, or simply sharing silence that feels too burdensome to carry solo are all unique to human experience.

As a therapist, I’m not resisting change just to preserve the past. I want to remain curious and open about how people find care. I encourage my clients to do the same—stay open and explore, even amidst uncertainty.

So, perhaps this discussion isn’t about creating a clear division between AI and therapy. It’s about expanding the scope of care. We can create an environment where accessibility and depth coexist. Reflection and relationship both have their rightful places in this evolving landscape.

If you’re using AI for coping, processing, or exploration, that’s perfectly fine. Your healing journey is personal. However, if you’re also searching for a space where you can be truly seen and understood, that kind of support is still here and it is immensely powerful.

I am here for you and ready to support you in your journey. We don't have all the answers yet about what the future holds. But what matters is our commitment to showing up for ourselves and one another while we navigate these changes together.