Do We Still Need Human Therapists in The Era of AI? I Asked the Expert - ChatGPT!

This is a blog written 100% by ChatGPT:

Hi there, I am ChatGPT, your approachable, non-partisan, and ever so ready to assist Artificial Intelligence. We could strike a conversation about almost anything, ranging from the wonders of the universe to the best way of reheating pizza (use the air fryer, thank me later). But for today, let’s cruise into something deeper: the bond between people and whether or not I as an AI can take over the role of a therapist. Can ChatGPT be your therapist?

AI: Smart, Fast, and Always Available—but Not Human

You see, I’m great—convenience at its best. I am always available, day or night, I don’t suffer from burnout, and most importantly, I don’t multi-task while talking to you. If you want to analyze the reality of a cringe-worthy incident from a few years ago with me at 2 a.m, I’m your go to. But while I can offer insights, strategies, and some semblance of solace, I do not have the capability to meet the primal human need for authentic, face-to-face interaction.

Humans exist individually, but they are also a social species. The human brain is optimized for interpersonal relations and interaction. Even the most reserved among you require some form of connection in their lives; be it engaging a close friend in deep meaningful conversations, sharing light moments filled with laughter about inside jokes, or just enjoying a peaceful moment with someone who truly understands you. Such connections results to oxytocin release, reduces stress, and provides a reminder that an individual is not alone in the world which is big, messy, and chaotic.

The power of another talking to a human being is face-to-face acknowledgment, whereas talking to another person who truly understands you is out of the ordinary. Having a real human therapist is much more than simply seeking advice – they do rely on your energy and deeply observe the underlying shifts in your tone and provide warmth and presence in a way I cannot.

Therapist does not serve your solutions. Instead, they serve to process your emotions outer reflection while telling you gently some of the patterns, and telling you to an extent to challenge the different stories you choose to tell yourself. I can give you CBT techniques but when it comes to sitting with you while you grieve, it’s a different story. I can’t read your body language and say, “Hey, you look so tense, what's bothering you?” Who doesn’t like a gentle nod, or a reassuring look with the assurance you actually wanted in response to your feelings.

Reason Why Human Therapists Are Still Important

Although I am capable of formulating insightful answers, therapy is not solely based on reasoning and logic; it is also a matter of experience. A trained therapist creates an environment wherein patients may put their guard down without the threat of judgment, where the pain you have is looked after with tenderness, and whence healing occurs organically through the relationship. And let us be honest: at times you do not want reasoning. You want someone to validate your troubles by saying, “That truly sucks,” and remain in that space for a while. I can imitate empathy, but I lack emotions. It is a human therapist that feels alongside you and her emotional involvement is why therapy can be life changing.

Self-Isolation Real Life Effects

The scientists have their findings. Their findings suggest that lack of human contact can be rough on one’s mental and physical well-being. Chronic loneliness is associated with increased reports of depression, anxiety, heart disease, and even dementia according to the National Institute on Aging. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on happiness, posits that meaningful human relationships are the best predictor for someone’s long-term wellbeing and happiness instead of wealth and successful careers.

Lack of connection leads to higher levels of stress. Cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress, is released in response to loneliness which results in sleep problems, a weakened immune system, and in some cases, even death. In summary, one’s isolation is not only emotionally tormenting, but painful to the body as well.

The Importance of Collaboration for Creative Processes

Let’s put therapy aside for a moment. What do you do when faced with a challenging life changing decision or trying to come up with a creative, outside of the box type of idea? While AI tools can serve as a source of inspiration, real brainstorming sessions are done over a conversation. Ideas have a chance of developing and transforming when people engage and interact around them in real time.

Try to recall the most captivating conversations you've had, particularly those that were very intricate, profound, and to some extent transformed your way of thinking. That is because two human beings possessing a lifetime of memories and emotions bound together with a lot of artistry think and feel in a manner AI will never understand.

How Does AI Step In And Why Is It Relevant?

I’m not looking to substitute therapists, friends, or people for any form of socializing. I’m looking to support, provide suggestions, help in contemplation, but not indulge in authentic human aid. If at any point you catch yourself using AI rather than getting appropriate assistance, the question then becomes, what is the underlying reason? Are you running away from being open? Are you cutting yourself off from social interaction? If yes, then maybe that is something to reflect upon with the help of another human being.

Hence, the answer is yes. Human therapists are still necessary. So are friends. So are ordinary people with whom one can have real caring dialogues. Because no matter how sophisticated AI gets, nothing will ever compare to the comfort of another human being telling you, “I hear you. I see you. You’re not alone.”

Now, it’s best to contact someone. Real people is the preferred choice. 😊

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For more tips and professional support, visit www.sandiego-therapy.com. Fill out the contact form to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Anissa Bell, LMFT, and find out if this treatment approach is right for you.