ChatGPT and Therapy: Can AI Support Your Healing Journey?
- Your Story Counselling
- Jun 23
- 6 min read
Abstract
With AI tools like ChatGPT's growing popularity, many people wonder: Can ChatGPT be my therapist? Or should I use AI for therapy? This article explores the benefits and limitations of using AI in mental health support. While ChatGPT can be a helpful companion for reflection, journaling, and preparing for therapy sessions, it cannot—and should not—replace a trained human therapist's expertise, empathy, and presence. We also explore the risks, including emotional triggers, over-reliance, and the environmental impact of AI. If you're curious about how to use ChatGPT wisely in your mental wellness journey, read on.
Can ChatGPT Be Your Therapist?
Let's get this out of the way first: ChatGPT is not a therapist. It can't diagnose, hold space for trauma, or build a trusting relationship in the same way a trained clinician can. That said, AI, like ChatGPT, can be a valuable tool for self-help, mainly when used mindfully and ethically (not to mention the ecological and environmental consequences our world faces for utilizing AI).
As a clinician, I am skeptical about AI's role in mental health care. Therapy is deeply relational, nuanced, and grounded in a human-to-human connection that artificial intelligence simply cannot replicate. That said, I also recognize the very real barriers many people face in accessing therapy, whether due to financial limitations, long waitlists, systemic inequities, or the general underfunding of mental health resources across the country. According to a 2023 paper from the European Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry, AI's ethical use in mental health must be balanced with these access issues.
In a world where therapy can feel like a luxury instead of a basic need, it's essential to acknowledge how AI tools offer a form of accessibility. While it's no replacement for professional care, it can be a helpful stepping stone for those looking for ways to support themselves. People deserve autonomy in their healing journey, and if AI becomes a part of that exploration, they should be met with curiosity and support—not shame or judgment.
How AI Can Support Your Mental Health
Here are some ways AI might support (but not replace) your mental health care:
1. Prompting Reflections
AI and ChatGPT can help you with ideas on how to journal or self-reflect in creative ways. You can ask:
"Give me suggestions on reflection exercises I can do right now."
"I'm going through a breakup—what are some things I can do to feel better?"
2. Preparing for Therapy Sessions
Do you feel like your brain is going in all sorts of directions? Do you usually rant in therapy and feel like you ran out of time?
Try writing down your thoughts and asking AI or ChatGPT to summarize them so you can bring them into therapy.
You and your therapist can review the list, order it in terms of urgency and importance, and work together to focus on what matters most.
3. Psychoeducation
Want to learn more about attachment styles, boundaries, or ADHD? AI or ChatGPT can summarize topics to help you build awareness before discussing them with a therapist.
Ask AI or ChatGPT to recommend articles or books to read.
Ask AI or ChatGPT for popular podcasts or media that pertain to what you're interested in.
According to a 2024 article in Current Research in Behavioral Sciences, AI or ChatGPT can be useful for delivering accessible psychoeducation when used as a supplement—not a substitute—for therapy.
4. Motivation and Habit Tracking
Need a little accountability? While not a substitute for structured coaching or care, AI and ChatGPT can help you brainstorm routines and check-in prompts.
Ask AI or ChatGPT to help you create a better workflow routine or schedule.
Ask AI or ChatGPT how to utilize your calendar/scheduling system better.
Here's What AI Can't Do
1. It Can't Replace Human Connection
Therapy isn't just about solutions—it's about being seen, felt, and heard. The therapeutic relationship is healing, and no matter how well-trained an AI or ChatGPT is, it lacks emotional attunement and lived human experience. Santa Clara University's Ethics Spotlight highlights that emotional resonance is core to effective therapy—and AI can't replicate it.
2. It Can't Keep You Safe
If you're distressed or triggered, AI or ChatGPT cannot de-escalate a crisis or offer the stabilization strategies a trained clinician would. There's no risk management, personalized care plan, or emergency response. This concern is echoed in the UK Parliament's 2022 AI and mental health briefing.
3. It May Reinforce External Validation
AI or ChatGPT responses are based on inputs—you might find yourself asking for constant reassurance, leading to a dependence on external validation rather than developing internal resilience.
4. It Might Misfire on Triggers
AI and ChatGPT cannot always predict how a response will emotionally land. Even well-intentioned prompts can misfire or feel invalidating, especially if you're navigating complex trauma or grief. The NBCC's guidelines for ethical AI use in counselling emphasize that AI should never be used as a trauma-processing tool.
5. It Might Give You the Wrong Answers
It is hard to determine where AI or ChatGPT pulls its data from. It can lead to wrong answers, perpetuate stereotypes, or even reinforce harmful biases.
Mindful Use: A Healthier Way to Engage with AI
AI can be part of your mental wellness toolkit if used responsibly. Here are a few best practices:
Use It for Self-Reflection, Not Therapy
Treat AI like a mirror or a journal, not a therapist.
Check-In with a Therapist
Bring insights from your AI chats into your sessions for deeper exploration.
Balance with Offline Coping Tools
Connect with your body. Go outside. Talk to a friend. AI is helpful, but healing happens in connection, not in isolation.
Be Aware of Environmental Impact
Every AI interaction consumes energy. While it's not on the user to solve climate concerns, being mindful of usage (especially for mental health check-ins) is a good step. This APA article reminds us that responsible use of technology must consider both emotional and environmental outcomes.
Final Thoughts: AI Can Aid—But Not Replace—Therapy
If you've ever wondered, "Can I use AI instead of therapy?"—the honest answer is no. But if you're curious how it can enhance your therapy journey or support your mental wellness, there's potential.
At Your Story Counselling, we blend the best tools and human care. A 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists can help you navigate what support is right for you, with zero obligation.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy or medical care. If you are in crisis or require mental health support, please contact a licensed professional or local emergency services.
Your Story Counselling Services is a multicultural, inclusive, BIPOC clinic that offers online services as well as in-person sessions in Vaughan and Markham.
Judy Lui and her team of clinicians and supervised therapist interns offer trauma-informed, clinical counselling in the form of art, play, and talk therapy. With an emphasis on social equity and justice,
Your Story offers counselling at a range of fee levels. Judy continues to see her clients, manages the clinic as Clinical Director, and mentors master ’s-level therapist interns.
Judy has been featured in the Toronto Star, where she discussed the impact of mental health struggles and the toll of COVID-19 on romantic relationships. She also co-authored a chapter in the first edition of An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy Centering the Lives of Indigenous, Racialized, and People of Color. She is a committee member with the Anti-Racism Advocacy Group at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, where she helps organize community events and panels on racial trauma and advocacy.
Judy is also one of three 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Micro-Business Finalists and will represent the Central Canadian Region (Ontario & Montreal) for this honour.
If you have additional questions regarding the contents of this article please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer you.
Should you have questions or inquiries regarding counselling and the process of counselling, please visit our FAQ page. contact us to ask questions, or learn more about our team of therapists before signing up for a free 15 minute consultation.
Terms and Conditions of Use:
The information provided in this article is intended to be general knowledge and does not constitute as professional advice or treatment. This information is not intended for the use of diagnosis or treatment. Please do not share or distribute this article without the proper referencing or written/verbal consent of Judy Lui. Additional information can be found at www.yourstorycounselling.com or requested via info@yourstorycounselling.com
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