Is There an "AI Therapist"?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a buzzword across various industries, including mental health. Startups like Elomia, TheraPro, Woebot, and Earkick are pioneering the role of AI in providing mental health support. While these innovations promise increased accessibility and instant support, it's essential to explore their benefits alongside acknowledging the irreplaceable value of human connection in therapy. Can they be trusted to walk you through what you are experiencing?
Bridging the Gap with AI Tools
Us psychologists and therapists have set times we work, we aren't accessible 24/7. Whereas AI mental health tools provide immediate, 24/7 support. Tools like Woebot, an AI-powered chatbot therapist, use cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to guide users through distressing episodes. Similarly, Elomia, designed for individuals suffering from anxiety and depression, interacts through conversations to deliver psychological support.
This sounds great, and certainly more bang for your buck but I would question whether 24/7 support is actually what the average person is looking for, and needs. Afterall, therapy isn't (and I don't believe should be) easy. Creating meaningful long lasting change in your life is going to mean you come up against hurdles and resistance, and this is often uncomfortable. Who wants to be doing this 24/7!….
The Limitations of AI in Therapy
While AI innovations have their advantages, it's crucial to understand their limitations. AI applications lack the profound human element that is central to the therapeutic relationship. They operate on algorithms and predefined responses, which cannot fully comprehend the complexities and nuances of human emotions. Personalised care, empathy, and emotional connection, which are fundamental to effective therapy, cannot be authentically replicated by AI.
Clinical psychologists bring years of training and emotional intuition to their sessions. This component of human insight allows for a deeper understanding of a person's emotional landscape that AI simply cannot match.
The inevitable future?
I am intrigued by the number of growing AI therapy start-ups out there and think we should view it as a complement to traditional therapy practices. AI can serve as a first step or an interim solution for individuals seeking help. However, for long-term, sustainable mental health management and recovery, human therapists play an indispensable role. Remember that all Clinical Psychologists are bound by a strict code of ethics by the HCPC that protects clients. Businesses and bots are not.
AI can handle data and patterns, and there are no two ways about it-it's impressive! But we need to consider that words and conversation is a small part of therapy. These bots and start-ups are reliant on words, and whilst talking is an integral part of therapy, what about the rest?
Does AI know how to pause, how to be silent, how to sit with grief and trauma? Can these bots feel the impact of anxiety in their 'bodies' or feel the impact of love and joy? or does it just describe these- is it just regurgitating words it has heard others' speak.
As we advance, the integration of AI in mental health is inevitable and full of potential. However, while engaging with AI tools, please remain aware of their scope and limitations. AI can support, but not replace, the intricate work carried out in the therapy room.
