You are that which you are seeking.
~Saint Francis
It’s predicted artificial intelligence (AI) will change psychology/psychotherapy from how the practitioner analyzes data in studying human behavior to how they deliver interventions and interact with their patients.
There’s a great deal of concern in how AI will change many aspects of therapy, causing some resistance and alarm. There’s no doubt artificial intelligence is here and here to stay, but how can we manage such a change without disruption and/or harm?
Whether you are against it or for it, learning to navigate and work the pros and cons of AI is wise. No doubt patients will explore artificial intelligence, but combining with psychotherapy it may prove most beneficial.
As an addiction psychologist and clinical psychotherapist working in obsessions and addictions, I find many wonder how AI can help with the recovery process. No doubt using artificial intelligence for mental health as it relates to my practice working with mood disorders with an emphasis on obsessive-compulsive behaviors, addictions, and obsessive eating, there are many positives and negatives.
Many AI programs and systems exist for various purposes and applications varying in their functionality and capabilities, but for this blog I’m narrowing it down to one program, ChatGPT.
In addition, exploring spiritual recovery, as most recovery programs are based around the spiritual foundation, is worked into this discussion.
So what is AI and what is ChatGPT? AI refers to the broader field of creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding and generating natural language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions. ChatGPT is an example of an artificial intelligence (AI) program. It is an advanced language model designed to generate human-like text responses based on the input it receives.
The Positive to ChatGPT
With all things there are positive and negative and this is no different with ChatGPT. Many patients will tap into ChatGPT for answers and direction with their personal challenges.
Using ChatGPT in mental health areas such as obsessive eating along with obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors, it can have several positive aspects such as:
- Accessibility: ChatGPT provides accessibility to support and information 24/7. We can access it from anywhere with an internet connection, making it convenient for individual seeking help.
- Anonymity: Some individuals may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics anonymously. ChatGPT allows people to express their concerns without fear of judgment or stigma.
- Non-judgmental support: ChatGPT provides a non-judgmental environment where individuals can openly discuss their experiences, thoughts, and concerns without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. This can create a sense of validation and emotional support related to addiction and obsessive eating.
- Information and resources: ChatGPT can provide relevant information, resources, and coping strategies to individuals struggling with addiction and obsessive eating. It can help educate users about the nature of their condition and provide guidance on seeking professional help if necessary.
- Emotional support: ChatGPT can offer empathetic responses and emotional support to individuals, which can be beneficial for those who feel isolated or unable to access support from friends and family.
Then There’s the Spiritual Side
Integrating spiritual recovery into the use of ChatGPT may involve the following positive steps:
- Exploration of spirituality: ChatGPT can assist individuals in exploring their spiritual beliefs and values. It can provide insights into different spiritual traditions and help users identify which aspects resonate with them.
- Guidance in mindfulness and meditation: ChatGPT can provide guidance on mindfulness techniques and meditation practices, which are often incorporated into spiritual recovery. It can offer tips on cultivating present-moment awareness and developing a deeper connection with oneself.
- Support in developing a higher purpose: ChatGPT can help individuals identify their values, passions, and goals, and explore how these align with their spiritual beliefs. It can encourage users to find meaning and purpose in their lives, beyond addiction or obsessive eating.
Although there are many positives with utilizing ChatGPT, it is important to be aware of potential negative steps or limitations when using artificial intelligence.
Negative and Limitations:
- Lack of human connection: AI cannot replace the depth of human interaction and emotional connection provided by trained therapists or counselor. It’s crucial to supplement the use of ChatGPT or any other AI connection with professional support when necessary.
- Misinterpretation of responses: ChatGPT may sometimes generate responses that are not suitable or helpful in addiction and mental health. Users should critically evaluate the information provided and consult reliable sources or professionals for accurate guidance.
- Insufficient personalization: ChatGPT is a general-purpose model and may not fully understand the unique circumstances or nuances of an individual’s addiction or obsessive eating. Personalize care and tailored interventions are essential for effective recovery.
- Reliance on technology: While Chat GPT can be a valuable tool, over-reliance on technology and neglecting face-to-face support or real-life interactions may hinder long-term recovery and personal growth.
In summary, ChatGPT can offer accessibility, anonymity, non-judgmental support, information, resources, and emotional support to individuals struggling with addictions and obsessive eating.
Integrating spiritual recovery may involve exploring spirituality, mindfulness, and identifying a higher purpose. However, it’s crucial to recognize the limitations of ChatGPT, including the lack of human connection, potential misinterpretation of responses, limited personalization, and the need for a balanced approach to recovery that includes professional help and real-life interactions.
With that said, psychologists and psychotherapists and their skills are irreplaceable, but the implications of AI technology will touch on every aspect of the field.
In closing, psychology and psychotherapy practices are ripe for artificial intelligence innovations which include therapeutic chatbots, tools that automate note taking and other administrative basis, and more intelligent training and interventions. But with as wonderful as these innovations are, clinicians need tools they can understand and trust.
And patients need to be guided as they incorporate some of these tools into their recovery practice, including their spiritual practice. No doubt adding artificial intelligence may make mental health support more affordable and accessible. Furthermore, chatbots can help people who my shy away from a human therapist, especially those that are new to therapy or people with social anxiety.
We have much to learn as AI becomes more and more popular and is not going away, but instead will expand into many areas of our lives within our practices and personally our homes, phones, and other devices we tap into daily.
So, what are your thoughts about artificial intelligence? Can you imagine having a chat with ChatGPT instead of a therapist? Do you think it’s possible to replace your therapist with AI?
Please share your thoughts—you are in good company, simply scroll to the comments box below. I’d love to hear from you. What you have to say is important.
Thank you for being a part of the reading blog forum and spending time with me and my thoughts throughout these pages. I hope my words lit your excitement to become your best self for you. I look forward to sharing my newest book with you on how to release your obsession with your Phone. God bless you… and your journey through this life and all that awaits beyond…
To learn more about recovery from food addiction, eating disorders, weight issues, dieting, aging, money, and your phone, please check out my Release Your Obsession Series.
Stay tuned… you never know where my mind will wander…
The newest release: Release Your Obsession with Your Phone
I’m sorry, but there is NO way AI could EVER replace human interaction. One big part of my sessions are to be able to see my therapist and get human facial reactions. I find very comforting and is very helpful for me. As the old saying goes,”seeing is believing “. AI can NEVER offer me what a one on one session with what Dr. Lisa gives me. I feel I’m in a very safe place which makes me more willing to open up and THAT’S exactly what I need.
Thank you Lisa! You make me smile…