Recent research shows that more people are using artificial intelligence (AI) for psychological therapy.
While convenient, AI-based therapy does present some challenges, including a lack of human connection.
Martin Kivlighan, counseling psychology professor and director of the Counseling and Behavioral Health Services program at the University of Iowa College of Education, was recently interviewed by KCRG and discussed the pros and cons of turning to AI for therapy.
The following excerpt is from that interview:
“According to the Harvard Business Review, therapy is the top use for ChatGPT this year.
But one of the core tenets of therapy is the human connection.
Some therapists worry AI could fall short and fail to give the same help a human therapist could.
However, AI is always available and it could play a key role in helping people who might not be able to meet with a therapist.
‘Yeah I’m also not surprised I’m not even gonna lie I have used it as that before,’ said Kaitlin Doyle.
Doyle’s a junior at the University of Iowa, and she’s been using ChatGPT to help her manage her stress and give her advice on day to day issues.
‘My gut reaction was one of horror and terror,’ said Kivlighan, a psychologist and UI professor.
That’s how Kivlighan reacted when he first learned so many people are turning to AI for therapy.