Should I replace my therapist with AI in 2025? Plus three tips for using ChatGPT on your therapy journey

AI chatbots like ChatGPT are way cheaper than your therapist. There's no waiting list. No scheduling. They're always there for you and that is awfully tempting.

It’s hard to notice at first but AI as therapy can be like talking to a friend that always agrees with you. That’s great, but it can be toxic and that’s not how therapy works.

The truth is, large language models aren’t ready to care for your unique brain.

This isn't about resisting technology. AI is a powerful tool that can support you on your therapeutic journey, but they are not a replacement for a human therapist. 

It's about understanding what AI is good at and what a human professional is qualified to do.

The therapeutic relationship

When you sit down with a human therapist, your body is doing a lot more than you realise. This isn't just about talk. It's a complex chemical dance. 

Genuine human connection, especially in a therapeutic setting, triggers the release of hormones like oxytocin. This chemical helps build trust and creates a feeling of somatic safety, which facilitates therapeutic change.

Here’s the kicker. AI can mimic empathy but talking to AI doesn’t create the same responses in your brain. Your nervous system knows the difference. 

This connection to another person is part of what allows you to be vulnerable, to be seen and heard.

As you build a safe, trusting relationship with a human therapist, your brains can start to sync up. This isn't just a feeling; it’s a physical process that, with repeated connection, can rewire your brain. 

This allows you to first better connect with your therapist, and then to connect to your other relationships. There is a biological process for why therapy with our own species can lead to deep, lasting change.

A word of caution

AI taps into our natural need to connect, but it can't actually connect back. AI doesn't care about us.

We know from experiences happening right now all over the world that the more you talk to AI, the more users are saying they feel alone and isolated from other people.

A human therapist will gently challenge your beliefs and help you grow.

AI, by its very nature, may simply agree with you. Which can reinforce harmful thoughts and lead to potentially catastrophic outcomes.

Is AI capable of compassion?

AI certainly isn’t equipped to handle a crisis or make an ethical judgment call. That's a risk we need to be aware of.

The immediacy of a chatbot can be a huge draw. It might lead you to rely too much on the technology, potentially delaying you from seeking the professional help you really need.

So, what can you use AI for in therapy? 

AI is not a therapist, but it can be an excellent tool. It can be a valuable companion that works in partnership with a human professional. 

AI is really good at:

• Practice: Reinforcing skills you learn in therapy.

• Education: Asking AI to explain a complex concept in a way that makes sense to you. Try asking about “relational neuroplasticity”.

• Reflection: Using journaling prompts to get your thoughts out.

Stay safe out there

Technology is evolving at a wild pace and that can feel overwhelming. We do our best to keep up with the changes. We got you.