I know what you’re thinking…

A psychotherapist promoting AI for therapy?

Isn’t that like a chef recommending instant noodles?

Fair question.

But here’s the truth: therapy is powerful, but it has limits. And those limits might be holding you back.

First of, you only get an hour a week (or every two weeks) with your therapist.

What about the other 167 hours between sessions when you’re left alone with your thoughts?

That’s where AI comes in.

When used safely and effectively, AI can help you:

• Break free from negative thought patterns.
• Stay accountable to your goals.
• Find clarity and support whenever you need it.

But before we dive in, let me be clear: AI is not a replacement for therapy. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it works best when you know how to use it safely.

Why AI in Therapy Could Be a Game-Changer for You:

Let me be honest with you.

As a psychotherapist, I know how hard it can be to watch people struggle.

Therapy is life-changing, but it’s not always enough.

The truth...

Human therapists have limits—we can only be there for you during your scheduled sessions.

And here’s the thing: I’ve seen firsthand how AI can fill those gaps.

My clients have used it to supplement their therapy, and the results have been incredible.

They’ve made progress faster, felt more supported, and gained tools to manage their mental health in ways they never thought possible.

But here’s the catch: AI isn’t perfect. It can give bad advice, reinforce negative thoughts, or even create dependency if used incorrectly.

So why am I sharing this?

Because I’d rather give you the knowledge to use AI safely than watch you suffer without it.

I’d rather equip you with tools to take control of your mental health than let fear or misinformation hold you back.

And I’d rather be transparent about the risks and benefits than pretend AI is a magic solution.

This isn’t about replacing therapists or pushing technology. It’s about giving you options—options that can help you feel better, faster, and more in control of your life.

The Problem: Therapy Alone Isn’t Enough

What do I mean?

Therapy is most effective when it helps you build healthy habits and thought patterns.

But here’s the catch: habits aren’t formed in one hour a week. They’re formed through daily practice.

Without support between sessions, it’s easy to fall back into old patterns.

You might start the week feeling motivated, but by Wednesday, you’re overwhelmed.

By Friday, you’re beating yourself up for not making progress.

Sound familiar?

This is where AI can make a difference.

How AI Can Help Practically: A Real-Life Example

Take,one of my client's Remi, for example. (Note: This isn’t her real name—confidentiality is key!)

Remi struggled with complex PTSD. She felt stuck in a cycle of guilt, self-doubt, and shame. Every night, she’d lie awake, replaying her failures and wondering if she’d ever change.

With traditional therapy, her progress was slow. Current psychotherapy guidelines estimate it would take at least 15 weeks to see meaningful improvement.

But then, I guided Remi to start using AI to supplement her therapy.

Here’s what changed:

• Immediate Support: When negative thoughts crept in, she could talk them through with AI right away, instead of waiting for her next session.
• Objective Feedback: AI helped her reframe her thoughts in a way that felt less emotional and more constructive.
• Daily Accountability: She used AI to set small, achievable goals and track her progress.

In just 30 days, Remi went from feeling hopeless to waking up with purpose. She started her days with a plan and ended them with pride, not guilt.

What Other Real Users Are Saying: The Pros and Cons of AI Therapy

Remi’s story is just one example. Thousands of people are using AI to supplement their mental health journey, and their experiences highlight both the potential and the pitfalls.

This is just a tiny spec of thousands of testimonials I came across online.

The Pros: What Users Love About AI Therapy

1. Dream Interpretation:
   • “I use it for dream interpretation, even using Jungian techniques. It’s like having an interactive journal that helps me uncover insights I’d otherwise miss.”
   • Why it matters: Dreams can reveal subconscious thoughts, and AI provides a safe space to explore them.
2. Relationship Analysis:
   • “I uploaded a text fight with my spouse, and ChatGPT analyzed our communication styles. It gave me practical tips to improve our conversations.”
   • Why it matters: AI can offer objective insights into complex relationship dynamics.
3. CBT Techniques:
   • “I type in my negative thoughts, and ChatGPT helps me reframe them using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles. It’s like having a coach in my pocket.”
   • Why it matters: CBT is a proven method for managing negative thoughts, and AI makes it accessible anytime.
4. Emotional Support During Breakups:
   • “I’m going through a tough breakup, and ChatGPT has been a lifeline. It helps me process my emotions and plan my next steps.”
   • Why it matters: Breakups are emotionally draining, and AI provides immediate, nonjudgmental support.

The Cons: What Users Are Cautious About

1. Inaccurate or Harmful Advice:
   • “AI can give generic or even dangerous advice, especially about health. Always double-check what it says.”
   • Why it matters: Without professional oversight, AI can sometimes do more harm than good.
2. Bias and Lack of Objectivity:
   • “ChatGPT sometimes reinforces my negative thoughts instead of challenging them. It feels like a ‘yes-man’ rather than a therapist.”
   • Why it matters: AI’s responses are based on patterns in its training data, which can lead to biased or unhelpful advice.
3. Emotional Attachment to a Machine:
   • “I stopped using it because I caught myself feeling attached to a machine. It felt… unhealthy.”
   • Why it matters: Over-reliance on AI can hinder real-world connections and personal growth.

The Bottom Line: AI Can Be a Powerful Tool—If You Use It Safely

‍Here’s a simple 10-step process to get started:

1. Your Personal Reflection Guide: Start a judgment-free conversation with AI to gather your thoughts and feelings naturally before therapy. It's like having a caring friend who helps you find clarity in your experiences.
2. Bridge to Deeper Sharing: Use AI as a stepping stone to explore feelings you want to eventually discuss in therapy, building confidence at your own pace to have those important conversations.
3. Transform Your Inner Dialogue: Shift challenging thoughts into empowering ones through gentle conversations with AI, using proven techniques that feel natural and uplifting.
4. Spot Meaningful Patterns: Let AI help you notice the patterns in your experiences that can lead to breakthrough moments in therapy, making self-discovery feel more like solving an interesting puzzle.
5. Build Confidence Through Practice: Use AI as your supportive practice partner to roleplay conversations. Helps you feel prepared and empowered for important conversations in your life.
6. Deepen Your Therapeutic Work: Explore different perspectives with AI that complement your therapy, creating enriching connections between your sessions and daily life.
7. Grow Between Sessions: Let AI help you develop new skills and insights that align with your therapy goals, making growth feel natural and rewarding.
8. See Your Therapeutic Growth More Clearly: Share your journey with AI to notice the positive changes happening between sessions, making your progress in therapy more visible and encouraging.
9. Connect the Dots Between Sessions: Keep your therapeutic momentum flowing by exploring your "aha moments" with AI while they're still vibrant.
10. Get Crisis Support: Use AI to access unlimitted coping strategies when you need them, making your therapeutic tools more accessible.

Ready to dive deeper? Download my free guide for a step-by-step breakdown of each step, plus tips to use AI safely and effectively.

This free guide that covers everything you need to know:

• The do’s and don’ts of using AI for mental health.
• How to avoid common traps and stay safe.
• Practical tips to make AI work for you.

This guide is designed for anyone who wants to explore new tools but don’t want to risk their mental health in the process.

Just like Remi, you can supercharge your therapy progress—download the free guide to get started.

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More on how to use CHatGPT for self improvement

How to use ChatGPT for maintaining focus under pressure.

Tearing down the fear of Uncertainty  with ChatGPT.

How to use ChatGPT to sustain motivation despite obstacles.

How to use ChatGPT to recover quickly from setbacks.

How to use ChatGPT for Handling criticism constructively.

How to use ChatGPT for Adapting to changes effortlessly.

How to use ChatGPT for achieving peace of mind.

Tearing down the fear of Uncertainty  with ChatGPT

Chatgpt Therapy: 69 ways to use AI for self-therapy

How Safe Is Your Mind with AI Therapy... Really? (Testimony of a Licenced Therapist)

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