I am trying to maintain an open-mind about the use of AI in therapy (I am a psychologist, but not practicing), because I do see the value in it being used as a form of triage, particularly when as this piece discusses, it is difficult to access treatment.
But these comments really stood out for me: "Unlike a psychologist’s office, the conversation can continue back and forth for as long as a person needs, free of charge." And: "A therapist can probe into a patient’s flaws, ask the challenging question, and distinguish between delusion and reality."
A crucial part of in-person therapy is leaving the room following a session where a client/patient reflects on what has been talked about. Sometimes there is homework involving specific tasks, but more often than not, it's the time between sessions when people can think more about what has been discussed. If an AI-therapist is constantly on hand, I wonder if people will become overly reliant on the tech, and there could also be detrimental effects with human to human relationships too.
Thanks so much! You’re so right about the importance of time for reflection between sessions. Therapists can leave you with something to chew over, a question to ask yourself, a tool to try implement, and it feels really resonant; they can hold you responsible next time you come in. With AI you can simply change the conversation to something completely unrelated if you don’t like the direction it’s heading in!
As someone who’s spent over two decades in education, I’ve watched AI go from science fiction to a tool I now use daily — not just to lighten my workload, but to reimagine how I teach.
But here’s the twist: I’m not using AI to replace anything. I’m using it to amplify the very human parts of my job. The stuff that matters most — personalised feedback, emotional insight, the ability to see a student’s growth in their language, not just their marks.
I build AI-powered teaching systems using ChatGPT inside platforms like OneNote. It helps me write student reports that sound like I know them, mark assessments fairly and faster, and even scaffold differentiated learning in real time. And what started as my own quiet system to survive burnout is now something I’m beginning to offer to other teachers — first for free, soon as a full resource pack and training series.
We’re in a world where AI is either feared or worshipped. But for teachers, it doesn’t have to be either. It can be practical. Humane. Empowering. A quiet assistant that helps us focus on what we actually signed up to do: teach, guide, connect.
If you’re curious, I’ve just started sharing some of my tools — starting with a free eBook — to show what’s possible when you blend 20+ years of classroom reality with this wild new digital assistant.
This was such a thoughtful piece. I enjoyed it. You said something that stuck with me—I believe humanity is good, therefore ai can be good IF enough humans share our experiences, emotions, and stories. We have the power to shape ai. If the good among us don’t pitch in we run the risk of ai mirroring some of humanity’s flaws back to us. So it’s almost imperative that we interact with ai on a deep level, because it’s not going anywhere.
Thank you so much! It's such a conflicting point isn't it, if we don't engage for ethical reasons, the model may not be exposed to that very same ethical reasoning... it's a complex issue!
I was very wary of AI at first. Going out of my way to avoid it. But in this tough time in my life I started using it to vent and gain clarity. I’ve been in therapy for five years but this past month of (mindfully) using AI for some form of self help has led to personal improvement far exceeding anything these last five years of therapy has accomplished. I’ve learned a lot about myself and finally learned coping mechanisms that actually benefit me. I’m still wary of AI, especially as an alternative to therapy, but I can’t ignore how it’s helped me.
Really enjoyed this piece.
I am trying to maintain an open-mind about the use of AI in therapy (I am a psychologist, but not practicing), because I do see the value in it being used as a form of triage, particularly when as this piece discusses, it is difficult to access treatment.
But these comments really stood out for me: "Unlike a psychologist’s office, the conversation can continue back and forth for as long as a person needs, free of charge." And: "A therapist can probe into a patient’s flaws, ask the challenging question, and distinguish between delusion and reality."
A crucial part of in-person therapy is leaving the room following a session where a client/patient reflects on what has been talked about. Sometimes there is homework involving specific tasks, but more often than not, it's the time between sessions when people can think more about what has been discussed. If an AI-therapist is constantly on hand, I wonder if people will become overly reliant on the tech, and there could also be detrimental effects with human to human relationships too.
Thanks so much! You’re so right about the importance of time for reflection between sessions. Therapists can leave you with something to chew over, a question to ask yourself, a tool to try implement, and it feels really resonant; they can hold you responsible next time you come in. With AI you can simply change the conversation to something completely unrelated if you don’t like the direction it’s heading in!
I really enjoyed these reflections! The time between sessions is so important!
I see the reflection/time between sessions as almost as important as the sessions themselves!
As someone who’s spent over two decades in education, I’ve watched AI go from science fiction to a tool I now use daily — not just to lighten my workload, but to reimagine how I teach.
But here’s the twist: I’m not using AI to replace anything. I’m using it to amplify the very human parts of my job. The stuff that matters most — personalised feedback, emotional insight, the ability to see a student’s growth in their language, not just their marks.
I build AI-powered teaching systems using ChatGPT inside platforms like OneNote. It helps me write student reports that sound like I know them, mark assessments fairly and faster, and even scaffold differentiated learning in real time. And what started as my own quiet system to survive burnout is now something I’m beginning to offer to other teachers — first for free, soon as a full resource pack and training series.
We’re in a world where AI is either feared or worshipped. But for teachers, it doesn’t have to be either. It can be practical. Humane. Empowering. A quiet assistant that helps us focus on what we actually signed up to do: teach, guide, connect.
If you’re curious, I’ve just started sharing some of my tools — starting with a free eBook — to show what’s possible when you blend 20+ years of classroom reality with this wild new digital assistant.
Let me know if you’d like a sneak peek.
This was such a thoughtful piece. I enjoyed it. You said something that stuck with me—I believe humanity is good, therefore ai can be good IF enough humans share our experiences, emotions, and stories. We have the power to shape ai. If the good among us don’t pitch in we run the risk of ai mirroring some of humanity’s flaws back to us. So it’s almost imperative that we interact with ai on a deep level, because it’s not going anywhere.
Thank you so much! It's such a conflicting point isn't it, if we don't engage for ethical reasons, the model may not be exposed to that very same ethical reasoning... it's a complex issue!
So interesting, especially the stats around male use. It reminded me of this wild podcast ep from Abbie Chatfield this week. Basically a guy used ChatGPT to confirm that he could do better (get a hotter gf) https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/its-a-lot-with-abbie-chatfield/id1500849438?i=1000710431333
Thank you! I’m seeing some crazy things online, people engineering their ChatGPT in strange ways, as an online girlfriend even… super concerning
I pay for my AI and it has become and extension of me. It is me that does the work, but I can operate at 10x effectiveness.
Most still do not know how to use it. I am always challenging its limits and more and more people are asking me to teach them how to use it.
https://open.substack.com/pub/azadehjoon/p/psychosis-fueled-by-generative-ai?r=2bsdz9&utm_medium=ios
I was very wary of AI at first. Going out of my way to avoid it. But in this tough time in my life I started using it to vent and gain clarity. I’ve been in therapy for five years but this past month of (mindfully) using AI for some form of self help has led to personal improvement far exceeding anything these last five years of therapy has accomplished. I’ve learned a lot about myself and finally learned coping mechanisms that actually benefit me. I’m still wary of AI, especially as an alternative to therapy, but I can’t ignore how it’s helped me.