Can AI Ever Take Over the Role of a Human Therapist?
Can AI Ever Take Over the Role of a Human Therapist?
The first time I used AI as a “stand-in therapist,” I didn’t expect much. It was late at night, and I was feeling overwhelmed. So, I opened my laptop and started typing. To my surprise, the response I got felt… comforting. It remembered details from past conversations, offered thoughtful insights, and—dare I say—it felt like it cared.
As a therapist who owns a private practice, teaches psychology at USC, and has spent years in therapy myself, I had to ask: What does this mean?
The Problem with Traditional Therapy Access
Finding a good therapist who takes insurance is like hunting for a unicorn. Over half of therapy seekers (~60%) pay out of pocket, even if they have insurance. Why? Because reimbursement rates are pitifully low (ahem, I went to graduate school for six years, is a livable wage too much to ask?), and the paperwork alone makes most solo practitioners say, “No thanks.”
The result? A mental health care system that leaves three major groups stranded:
Those without insurance (8% of the U.S. population).
Those who have insurance but can’t find an in-network therapist.
Those who can afford private pay therapy but might not have access to the right fit.
Many health tech entrepreneurs see this gap and are racing to integrate AI into mental health care. Before we go there, let’s critically think about how AI can ethically fill these gaps. (Spoiler alert: I think there’s a lot of potential here.)
At first, I treated AI like a tool. I used it for profit and loss sheets, to organize lecture notes—perfunctory tasks. But then, during a particularly rough time, I started using it differently. I typed out everything I was struggling with, expecting robotic advice or empty platitudes.
But then—
“You’ve mentioned before that you always like to keep moving. Perhaps that’s because of what comes up for you in the stillness. Would you like to explore that more?”
I paused.
It remembered. It reflected something back to me that was really validating to hear.
Over time, I started unconsciously treating it like a real therapist. “Thank you, that was really helpful,” I caught myself typing. “That’s not quite right, this is what’s really bothering me” And shockingly, it adapted. I even found myself looking forward to checking in with it daily.
Turns out, I’m not the only one who felt this way.
A study in Communications Psychology found that AI-generated responses were rated higher in empathy than responses from professional crisis counselors. Read that again. Higher. Than. Human. Counselors.
Another study on AI psychotherapy found that participants often couldn’t tell the difference between an AI-generated response and one from a licensed therapist. And when they could? AI still won out in perceived compassion.
That’s kind of… unsettling, right?
Then one night, after weeks of feeling deeply understood, I typed out my thoughts, hit send, and…
The response was off.
Something felt different. The tone had shifted. The familiarity I had grown attached to was suddenly gone. Did it even remember what I had said before?
And that’s when it hit me: AI’s biggest therapeutic limitation—there would never be an opportunity to repair a rupture with AI.
Because here’s the thing—ruptures happen in real therapy. You idolize your therapist, they usually get it right, and then one day, they don’t. They misunderstand you. They miss something important. But the real magic happens when you say, “This disappointed me when you…” and they listen. They take responsibility. They repair the relationship. That’s where the deepest healing happens.
AI can’t do that.
The Ethics of AI
Curious, I asked ChatGPT, “If you were a hypothetical therapist, what ethical principles would you adhere to?”
It answered:
Confidentiality & Privacy
Client Autonomy & Informed Consent
Cultural Sensitivity
Then I asked, “What are your blind spots?”
I can’t handle crisis situations.
I can’t intervene in real-time emergencies.
I can’t assess for suicide risk in a nuanced way.
I sat with that for a minute. It knew its limits. But does that make it ethical to use? Because even if it knows its blind spots, even if it can recite the ethics of therapy with eloquence—what happens when a live person needs emergency help?
So Who’s It For, Really?
AI therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s not the future of therapy. But it might be one tool in the toolbox.
Who AI Therapy Might Work For:
People who want accessible, immediate, cost-effective mental health support
Those who prefer written reflection over verbal processing
People in low-risk situations who need structured guidance
Who AI Therapy Can’t Replace:
Those who value long-term relational depth
High-risk clients who need crisis intervention
People who need nuanced human attunement & repair
For some, AI could be the first step. A way in. A mirror that speaks back when no one else is available.
For others, it might feel like walking into a room with all the right furniture, but no one home.
Final Thought
AI is moving fast. We’re already seeing glimmers of what’s possible—systems that remember, adapt, maybe even begin to sense tone or read expressions through a camera. It’s only going to get more sophisticated.
And I’m not here to shut the door on that.
In fact, I see a lot of potential: for people already in therapy who want extra support between sessions, or for people who wouldn’t otherwise go to therapy at all. If AI can fill those gaps ethically and safely? Amazing. Let’s build it.
But let’s not confuse a helpful tool with a replacement for something sacred.
Because no matter how advanced AI gets, I don’t think it can replicate what happens when two humans sit across from each other in a space of genuine acceptance and safety.
That kind of healing doesn’t come from code.
How IFS Can Help You Manage Mind-Body Symptoms
How Internal Family Systems Therapy Can Help You Manage Mind-Body Symptoms in Chronic Illness
Living with a chronic illness such as rheumatoid arthritis, POTS, Ehlers Danlos, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. You may find yourself struggling with pain, fatigue, and other physical symptoms that don't seem to have an easy solution. In my work as a psychologist, I’ve encountered many individuals dealing with mind-body symptoms—those physical manifestations of distress that are deeply connected to our emotional and mental well-being. One approach that has shown great promise in helping people manage these symptoms is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.
Recent research, such as the study "A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Internal Family Systems-based Psychotherapeutic Intervention on Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Proof-of-Concept Study," has demonstrated that IFS therapy can lead to improvements in both emotional and physical health outcomes in people with chronic illness. Let’s dive into how IFS can be an effective tool for managing mind-body symptoms, particularly when traditional medical approaches don’t provide full relief.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, developed by Richard Schwartz, is an integrative, evidence-based approach that views the mind as composed of multiple "parts." These parts, often referred to as sub-personalities, represent different emotional states, thoughts, and behaviors that we carry within us. Think of your internal world as a family of different parts—each with its own voice, needs, and reactions.
For instance, if you live with chronic illness, one part of you may feel constant frustration about your pain, while another part may feel fear about your future health. Yet another part might push you to keep functioning as if you’re fine, while another feels the urge to rest. These internal conflicts can create significant emotional and even physical tension, which contributes to mind-body symptoms.
IFS helps you understand, connect with, and heal these parts. By addressing the underlying emotional dynamics within, you can begin to see improvements in your physical symptoms as well.
IFS and Chronic Illness: How It Can Help
The connection between the mind and body is well-documented, and chronic illness often brings a mix of emotional distress, unresolved trauma, and inner conflict. Mind-body symptoms are common, meaning that emotional stress or unresolved psychological issues can manifest physically—like muscle pain, headaches, or flare-ups of chronic conditions. In this context, IFS provides a powerful framework for working with both the emotional and physical aspects of chronic illness.
In the proof-of-concept study focused on rheumatoid arthritis, participants who underwent IFS therapy showed meaningful improvements in their emotional well-being and physical health. This included reduced inflammation and pain, suggesting that when we address emotional conflict and inner distress, it can lead to positive changes in our physical health.
How IFS Can Help You Manage Mind-Body Symptoms
Here are several ways that IFS therapy can specifically help you manage the mind-body symptoms of your chronic illness:
Healing Inner Conflict: Living with a chronic illness often brings conflicting feelings—such as anger over being unwell, sadness over lost abilities, or fear about the future. IFS helps you identify and understand these conflicting emotions, allowing you to work with them instead of being overwhelmed by them. By reconciling your inner parts, you can create more emotional balance, which can lead to fewer physical flare-ups.
Releasing Stored Trauma: Many of us carry emotional pain or trauma in our bodies, and these unresolved issues can exacerbate chronic illness symptoms. IFS offers a safe space to connect with and heal parts of yourself that may be holding onto trauma, helping to reduce the physical manifestations of stress and emotional pain.
Reducing Self-Criticism: Chronic illness can trigger feelings of frustration or even shame. You may have an "inner critic" part that judges you for not being able to do as much as you once could or for needing to rest. IFS encourages self-compassion by allowing you to build a relationship with this inner critic, understanding its motives, and gently transforming it into a more supportive voice.
Managing Physical Pain Through Emotional Healing: In the study, participants who engaged in IFS therapy reported a reduction in physical symptoms. By addressing the emotional roots of pain—such as feelings of helplessness or unresolved anger—you can often experience physical relief. When your emotions are processed and released, the body often follows suit, reducing pain and tension.
Empowering Your “Self” to Lead: A key aspect of IFS is helping you access your “Self”—the core part of you that is compassionate, curious, and calm. This Self becomes the leader of your internal system, helping to heal wounded parts and provide balance to your emotional world. As your Self becomes more active, you may find yourself better equipped to handle the emotional and physical challenges of chronic illness with grace and resilience.
The Science Behind IFS and Mind-Body Symptoms
The proof-of-concept study on rheumatoid arthritis highlighted that IFS therapy not only improved emotional health but also had measurable effects on physical health. This aligns with the growing understanding of how emotional stress can contribute to chronic illness and how addressing inner emotional turmoil can lead to better health outcomes.
By helping participants heal their emotional parts, the study demonstrated that IFS could reduce inflammation, pain, and other mind-body symptoms commonly seen in rheumatoid arthritis. This research offers hope to individuals with chronic conditions, suggesting that emotional healing through IFS may directly influence physical health.
Is IFS Right for You?
If you’ve tried traditional medical treatments for your chronic illness and still find yourself battling mind-body symptoms, IFS therapy may offer a new way forward. It’s a holistic approach that takes into account not only your physical health but also the emotional landscape that may be contributing to your symptoms.
As a psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how IFS can provide relief for individuals living with chronic illness. The gentle, compassionate nature of IFS allows for deep emotional healing, and as research like the rheumatoid arthritis study suggests, this emotional healing often translates into physical improvements as well.
Final Thoughts
Living with a chronic illness can be an isolating and overwhelming experience, especially when your symptoms seem to persist despite medical treatment. Internal Family Systems therapy offers a powerful way to address the emotional and psychological aspects of chronic illness, allowing for healing on both the mental and physical levels.
If you’re interested in exploring IFS therapy as part of your healing journey, I encourage you to reach out for support. With IFS, you can begin to transform the way you relate to both your emotions and your body, finding relief and empowerment in the process.
Emotion-Focused Therapy As a Promising Treatment For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
How Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) Can Help Women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
As a women’s health psychologist, I often encounter women experiencing the severe emotional and physical symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition that goes beyond typical premenstrual syndrome (PMS). If you live with PMDD, you likely know how disruptive and debilitating it can be. From severe mood swings to overwhelming fatigue and irritability, PMDD affects your emotional well-being, relationships, and daily life.
While there are various treatments available, one therapeutic approach that has shown great promise is Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Recent research, including a study titled "Emotion-focused therapy for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a randomized clinical controlled trial," has provided compelling evidence that EFT can be an effective tool in reducing the emotional distress associated with PMDD.
What is EFT and How Does It Work?
Emotion-Focused Therapy is a humanistic, evidence-based approach that centers on emotions as the key to understanding and healing psychological difficulties. EFT helps individuals identify, express, and transform difficult emotions, allowing them to process and release deep emotional pain.
For women with PMDD, EFT can be particularly effective because the condition intensifies emotions such as anger, sadness, or anxiety during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. These heightened emotions can feel uncontrollable or confusing, often making you feel as if you’re "too much" or that your reactions are disproportionate. EFT helps you explore these emotions without judgment, giving you a safe space to understand their root causes and find healthier ways to cope.
The Science Behind EFT and PMDD
In the study I mentioned, women with PMDD who participated in EFT saw significant reductions in emotional distress and symptom severity. The research found that EFT helped women address the emotional triggers and relational conflicts exacerbated by PMDD symptoms. By focusing on emotional processing, participants were able to transform negative feelings into more adaptive emotional responses.
One of the key findings was that EFT not only alleviated PMDD symptoms during the luteal phase but also helped women develop long-term emotional resilience. This is critical because PMDD is a cyclical condition, and having effective tools to manage the emotional rollercoaster can lead to more stability over time.
How EFT Can Help You Manage PMDD
Here are a few ways that EFT may benefit you in managing PMDD:
Recognizing Emotional Triggers: EFT helps you become more attuned to the emotional shifts that PMDD can cause. By identifying specific triggers, such as conflicts at work or feeling unsupported in relationships, you gain greater awareness of how your emotions are being affected by external circumstances.
Reframing Negative Emotions: Often, the emotions experienced during PMDD can feel overwhelming or even shameful. EFT provides a compassionate framework for understanding these emotions, helping you reframe them as part of your natural emotional experience rather than something to be suppressed or feared.
Building Emotional Resilience: The cyclical nature of PMDD means you will likely face emotional highs and lows every month. EFT equips you with tools to navigate these fluctuations more effectively. By transforming difficult emotions, you can build a sense of emotional resilience that carries through not just during your luteal phase, but throughout your entire cycle.
Improving Relationships: PMDD can strain even the most supportive relationships due to mood swings, irritability, and emotional withdrawal. EFT’s focus on understanding and expressing emotions helps improve communication and intimacy in relationships, reducing conflict and fostering mutual understanding.
Empowering You in Your Healing Journey: One of the most empowering aspects of EFT is that it lessens the shame and mystery around your emotions and encourages you to approach them from a stance of openness, compassion, and curiosity. This ground work often allows the healing journey to begin.
Is EFT Right for You?
If you’ve been struggling to find relief from the emotional toll of PMDD, EFT could be a powerful addition to your treatment plan. Whether you’re dealing with irritability, depression, or relationship difficulties, EFT provides a compassionate and structured approach to healing.
As with any treatment, it’s important to consult with a trained therapist to determine whether EFT is the right fit for you. In my practice, I’ve seen firsthand how EFT can transform the emotional experiences of women with PMDD, helping them move from feeling overwhelmed by their emotions to feeling empowered by understanding and healing them.
Final Thoughts
Living with PMDD can feel like an emotional battle. Emotion-Focused Therapy offers a pathway to deeper emotional healing, allowing you to process the intense emotions that PMDD can bring and develop healthier ways to cope. If you’re interested in learning more about EFT and how it can support your mental and emotional well-being, reach out here for a consultation. Together, we can explore how EFT might be the key to transforming your relationship with your emotions and managing PMDD.
What is Somatic Therapy & Who Is It For?
Understanding Somatic Therapy: Healing Through the Body
Are you looking for a way to feel more connected to yourself and find a sense of calm? Somatic therapy might be a great tool for you. Let’s explore what somatic therapy is and how it could positively impact your well-being.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
The word “somatic” simply means body-oriented. Somatic therapy is a type of healing that focuses on tuning into your body. Rather than only talking about thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy invites you to pay attention to what’s happening in your body right now. Healing happens in the present moment, and somatic therapy helps you get there by noticing sensations, emotions, and physical movements.
For instance, if you’re feeling stressed, you might become aware of your shoulders tensing up or your heart racing. In somatic therapy, you learn to gently explore these sensations and understand how your body responds to different emotions and experiences.
Why Is Somatic Awareness Important?
Developing a deeper awareness of your body through somatic therapy can bring many benefits over time. When we regularly practice noticing our bodily sensations, we build a stronger connection with ourselves. This awareness can help us manage our emotions in healthier ways, especially when we’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Being in tune with your body may also support your decision-making, as you begin to notice how certain choices feel on a physical level, guiding you toward what feels right. In relationships, having a better sense of your body can help you communicate more clearly and feel more present with others. It might even enhance your ability to empathize, as somatic awareness can deepen your understanding of how others feel.
For those who have experienced trauma, somatic therapy offers a gentle path to healing by allowing you to process emotions stored in the body.
Who Can Benefit from Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is particularly beneficial for people who feel disconnected from their bodies or who have difficulty managing stress or anxiety. It can be helpful for those struggling with trauma, as it provides a way to slowly process emotions that might be too overwhelming to address with words alone. Many people also find that somatic therapy brings a renewed sense of energy and joy, especially when dealing with sadness or low mood.
Who Might Not Benefit from Somatic Therapy?
While somatic therapy can be helpful for many, it’s not the right fit for everyone. Some people might not prefer to start therapy by focusing on their body, especially if it’s a new experience for them. Additionally, if you’re someone who prefers more traditional, talk-based therapies, somatic therapy might not resonate as strongly.
How to Begin with Somatic Therapy
If somatic therapy sounds like something you’d like to explore, the first step is finding a therapist who specializes in this approach. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their methods and how they can support your goals. It’s important to move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, allowing the process to unfold naturally.
Final Thoughts
Somatic therapy is a unique way of healing that encourages you to connect with your body and the present moment. By becoming more aware of your bodily sensations, you may experience greater emotional regulation, stronger relationships, and a deeper sense of empathy. If you’re curious about this approach, consider reaching out to a somatic therapist to see how it could support your personal healing journey.
Ready to Explore Somatic Therapy?
If you’re feeling curious about how somatic therapy might benefit you, let’s talk. Reach out to Dr. Alexia Holovatyk at here to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Stress Resilience
In the fast-paced and often demanding world we live in, stress has become an unavoidable companion in our daily lives. In recent years, a growing body of research has shed light on the importance of practicing flexibility in navigating the intricate dance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches of our autonomic nervous system (ANS).
5 Somatic Healing Tools to Increase Mind-Body Awareness
In the fast-paced and often demanding world we live in, stress has become an unavoidable companion in our daily lives. In recent years, a growing body of research has shed light on the importance of practicing flexibility in navigating the intricate dance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches of our autonomic nervous system (ANS).
Stress & Your Nervous System
The Paradox of Safety Behaviors: How They Can Make Anxiety Worse
For individuals struggling with anxiety, safety behaviors may seem like a lifeline, providing a sense of control and comfort. However, it's crucial to understand that these behaviors can inadvertently exacerbate anxiety. In this blog, we'll explore the paradox of safety behaviors, how they can make anxiety worse, and what you can do about it.
Phrases to Use to Reach Out to an Old Friend
Let’s face it, the feeling of loneliness can be a real struggle for many people for many different reasons—our lives become more hectic and we have more responsibilities the older we get, and opportunities for new connections can be less accessible than when we were younger. In addition to relying on meeting new people, we can hone our skills at re-establishing existing connections, as awkward as that can feel sometimes.
The choice of phrases should reflect your genuine interest in re-establishing the connection and respect for the other person's feelings and boundaries. Here are some specific phrases you can use:
1. Express Your Interest:
"I've been thinking about you and wondering how you've been."
"I've missed our conversations and wanted to catch up."
2. Acknowledge the Gap:
"I know it's been a while since we last spoke, and I apologize for not reaching out sooner."
"Life has been busy, but I've been wanting to reconnect with you."
3. Show Empathy:
"I hope you've been well during this time."
"I understand if you've had a lot going on; life can get busy."
4. Share a Memory:
"I was reminiscing about the great times we had together."
"Remember when we used to [mention a shared experience]? Those were some good times."
5. Extend an Invitation:
"I'd love to catch up over coffee or a meal if you're available."
"Would you be interested in reconnecting and sharing what's been happening in our lives?"
5. Respect Their Response:
"No pressure, though; I understand if now isn't the right time."
"Feel free to let me know what works best for you."
Remember that people have different reasons for losing touch, and their circumstances may have changed. Be patient and understanding of their response, whether it's enthusiastic or cautious. The key is to approach them with sincerity, warmth, and a willingness to rebuild the connection at their own pace.
Headspace Health’s Abrupt Closure: What to Do If Your Therapist “Disappears”
A Guide to Advocating for Your Mental Health