Can AI be your therapist?British woman tells her own story

Artificial intelligence (AI) has ceased to be a technical term and has instead become part of our common vocabulary. Smartphones, smart auto sensors, smart lock systems, etc. are all well known. Currently, AI-assisted home appliances include fans, lights, washing machines, refrigerators, health monitors, and more. With the global adoption of generative AI, every organization wants to expand their portfolio and capture a piece of the pie. More recently, AI has stepped into the therapeutic arena. A British woman has revealed that she sought help from an AI therapist during a panic attack.

Molly Pennington said she felt “completely cynical” about using AI, but decided to give it a chance, Metro reported. When she first searched for “AI therapy” on her Google, the first result she found was “This is not artificial intelligence therapy.” It is an alternative to medical or professional help. ”And she clicked on it.

She then connected with an AI therapist who asked for her name and asked how the AI ​​could help her through an automated message.

Pennington detailed that she was experiencing panic attacks.

Next, Bott guided her through grounding exercises centered around breathing.

She reported that this training helped and her panic attacks began to lessen. Despite her positive experiences, she couldn't shake the anxiety that comes with not being able to communicate with humans.

Pennington told Metro that the experience felt somehow histrionic and disingenuous, feelings she had never experienced in traditional therapy.

She admitted that this realization may be due to her fortunate experience of only working with great human therapists in the past.

She also expressed concerns about whether AI therapists could effectively manage situations more complex than panic attacks.

“Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I tried it and it certainly helped me in the moment, but I don't know if I would personally use AI therapy again,” she told the news outlet.

Pennington also said she couldn't imagine relying on AI therapy for general advice, such as managing work-related anxiety or resolving family conflicts.

If you're having a panic attack, she recommends watching YouTube videos that feature guided grounding activities.

However, she also pointed out that folk remedies are expensive and may not be available to many people.

She said only time will tell whether AI therapy is better than doing nothing.

She expressed hope that the most vulnerable people would not suffer while waiting for final answers.