I tried ChatGPT for therapy and here’s what happened. As a millennial, I find it embarrassing to admit that I’m not excited about the increased presence of AI. The technology that mirrors human intelligence has always seemed invasive (I watched the film "I, Robot" way too many times). Still, I recognize that this type of technology has been in my life for years and helps me with everyday activities, including my Google search results, Shazam, Instagram preferences, and smart home devices like Alexa.
Though the one place I never expected to see AI was therapy. As a girl experiencing life in her 20s, having a therapist is as normal to me as drinking water . I’ve had several therapists over the past five years now, relying on different counselors to help me navigate anxiety , depression , and career shifts .
My current therapist (who is human) specializes in trauma therapy and has been helping me develop healthy ways to deal with triggers and sudden bouts of stress. Earlier this year, I was laid off from my first-ever job as a magazine writer, just as I was about to move out from my parents’ house. So let’s just say therapy is a must, especially at this stage in my life. Having a therapist has changed my life for the better, helping me show up in the world more authentically.
But after hearing the buzz around the AI software Therapist GPT , I decided to try it for one week and see if the software could be a more affordable dupe for the real thing. Day 1 Using Therapist GPT
I admit I approached my laptop feeling nervous about talking to AI. But, in terms of onboarding, Therapist GPT was surprisingly easy — probably because I was talking with a robot. Traditional therapy onboarding usually involves lots of documents, including proof of insurance and questionnaires. But with this software, all I did was open the chat and begin typing.
T: Hello, my name is Dr. Emma Johnson. I’m a licensed therapist with over 10 years of experience in the field. As for suggestions […]
I Tried AI Therapy For a Week — and Here Are My Honest Thoughts
