AI Therapy: A Psychologist’s Perspective

In recent months I’ve had a few clients share with me that they have used AI for

psychological support between our sessions, writes Dr Prarthana Shetty. My initial reaction was curiosity, but I also noticed some defensiveness and skepticism. In the interest of keeping an open mind and trying to understand my clients’ experiences, I decided to try it myself.

I used a popular AI chatbot and began with relatively basic prompts about everyday

stressors. It produced a steady stream of validation and supportive advice. As I went

deeper, however, it felt like something was missing. The responses were thoughtfully

crafted, the tone was gentle and warm, but the speed with which the chatbot

responded was a bit unsettling. I realized that it was missing the rhythm of therapy;

holding space for the discomfort, allowing time to remain with a thought, having your

emotional subtext noticed and named. As a counselling psychologist, to me the

healing is in the therapeutic relationship. It is about attunement; making my clients

feel seen and heard. This is where I felt the AI chatbot fell short. There was no space

for sitting with the messy feelings. There was reflection, but it lacked depth and real

connection.

While I wouldn’t call AI a therapist, I recognise that it can be of value to someone who may be feeling vulnerable between therapy sessions or indeed can’t afford regular sessions. There are ethical issues to be considered too, including its ability to recognise a mental health crisis that requires immediate intervention. AI is an excellent and accessible starting point, and there is comfort to be found in non-

judgmental validation and coping strategies.

However, for deep emotional wounds such as attachment issues and complex trauma, I’m not convinced that it can replace the responsiveness and relational depth a trained practitioner can provide. AI plays a valuable role in making psychological support accessible, but it is the human response that leads to deep, lasting transformation.