I think there are challenges with AI and emotional processing, as well as likely some gifts. Taking the time to pause and reflect is good. And, I have read/heard things about AI as therapists that give me pause. A good therapist will work on a solid therapeutic relationships, and also challenge you as need be. Not sure AI really does either of those. In our increasingly disconnected world, connecting with other people is important. https://www.npr.org/2026/01/01/1249800794/body-electric-artificial-intimacy-feed-drop
Thanks so much for sharing this, I completely agree. I definitely don’t see AI replacing the deep, challenging, human connection that a good therapist can build. There’s something irreplaceable about being seen and supported by another person who can hold you accountable and stretch you when you need it.
I think of using AI more like a reflective tool, helpful for processing emotions in the moment or unpacking things privately but not a replacement for real relationships. And honestly, I share your concerns about the risk of people becoming even more isolated by relying too much on AI instead of reaching out to others. Appreciate you raising that nuance and sharing the NPR piece, excited to dive into it!
As with a lot of other things, AI can be used as a great tool to process your emotions. I see this as a kind of upgrade from journaling and working through your trauma by yourself. Definitely a positive way to use AI!
Love how you put it, I also think of it as an "upgrade" to solo journaling in a way. Sometimes just having something that gently asks you questions back or helps organize your thoughts can make a big difference when you're trying to work through tough emotions. Definitely agree that when used intentionally, it’s a really positive (and empowering) way to tap into AI. Thanks for sharing this!
Exactly, I really like the way you framed that. It’s not about replacing therapy, but about having a supportive tool you can turn to in those in-between moments when you need a little help processing or reflecting. Sometimes even just having something to "talk to" when no one’s available can make a big difference. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Oddly, because I use AI to spel chek and grammar removal errors 😁, and because of the nature of my writing (deeply introspective), I have gotten insights from AI that I’ve taken to my therapist. And her comment “Damned AI is doing my job for me.” With a wink, though. Because we know AI isn’t. The real insights come later, as we explore what AI might have uncovered. My favorite prompt? “Please analyze this poem.” Nothing more. Just seeing what AI comes up with.
And my favorite one, not related to counseling, but “Please format this so Substack gets the %%##^^ line breaks right!!”
It’s amazing how sometimes AI can surface angles or questions we might not have noticed ourselves, especially with introspective writing like poetry. And it’s even better when it becomes a starting point for deeper exploration with a real therapist, not a replacement. Thanks for sharing this!
I think there are challenges with AI and emotional processing, as well as likely some gifts. Taking the time to pause and reflect is good. And, I have read/heard things about AI as therapists that give me pause. A good therapist will work on a solid therapeutic relationships, and also challenge you as need be. Not sure AI really does either of those. In our increasingly disconnected world, connecting with other people is important. https://www.npr.org/2026/01/01/1249800794/body-electric-artificial-intimacy-feed-drop
Thanks so much for sharing this, I completely agree. I definitely don’t see AI replacing the deep, challenging, human connection that a good therapist can build. There’s something irreplaceable about being seen and supported by another person who can hold you accountable and stretch you when you need it.
I think of using AI more like a reflective tool, helpful for processing emotions in the moment or unpacking things privately but not a replacement for real relationships. And honestly, I share your concerns about the risk of people becoming even more isolated by relying too much on AI instead of reaching out to others. Appreciate you raising that nuance and sharing the NPR piece, excited to dive into it!
As with a lot of other things, AI can be used as a great tool to process your emotions. I see this as a kind of upgrade from journaling and working through your trauma by yourself. Definitely a positive way to use AI!
Love how you put it, I also think of it as an "upgrade" to solo journaling in a way. Sometimes just having something that gently asks you questions back or helps organize your thoughts can make a big difference when you're trying to work through tough emotions. Definitely agree that when used intentionally, it’s a really positive (and empowering) way to tap into AI. Thanks for sharing this!
I agree, don’t use it to replace therapy but to help guide you in times that you need it for smaller blocks and can’t talk to someone right then.
Exactly, I really like the way you framed that. It’s not about replacing therapy, but about having a supportive tool you can turn to in those in-between moments when you need a little help processing or reflecting. Sometimes even just having something to "talk to" when no one’s available can make a big difference. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Oddly, because I use AI to spel chek and grammar removal errors 😁, and because of the nature of my writing (deeply introspective), I have gotten insights from AI that I’ve taken to my therapist. And her comment “Damned AI is doing my job for me.” With a wink, though. Because we know AI isn’t. The real insights come later, as we explore what AI might have uncovered. My favorite prompt? “Please analyze this poem.” Nothing more. Just seeing what AI comes up with.
And my favorite one, not related to counseling, but “Please format this so Substack gets the %%##^^ line breaks right!!”
It’s amazing how sometimes AI can surface angles or questions we might not have noticed ourselves, especially with introspective writing like poetry. And it’s even better when it becomes a starting point for deeper exploration with a real therapist, not a replacement. Thanks for sharing this!