Human connection is vital to our wellbeing and survival. However, as identified in an earlier blog, it is also an area that is increasingly lacking in many of our lives, leaving us feeling disconnected, uneasy and, at times, searching for support. For some, this can be one of the reasons you may seek out psychologist services in Geelong.
At the same time, the way we seek connection, advice and support is changing. There is now more than ever an increased popularity of Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, which can create an illusion of connection and make us feel like the master problem-solver for many of life’s challenges. All you need to do is enter a prompt and off you go! Whether you are seeking career advice or confiding in a chatbot for emotional support after a fight with your partner without fear of being judged, it is worth pausing to ask ourselves: is this convenience something we should be adopting into our day-to-day lives without question? And, what is the real cost to us when we do?
Esther Perel has also voiced her concerns in this area believing that we have developed a cultural obsession with convenience and frictionless technology such as Uber where you can order food and bypass all direct interactions with restaurant staff and know in real time how your delivery is tracking. While such conveniences can give a perception that it is making life easier, we should also consider what may be lost when we continually remove opportunities for genuine human interaction. Over time this could contribute to what Perel describes as reinforcing social atrophy — a reduced ability to navigate the complexity, and at times discomfort and vulnerability that comes with real human connection.
This year, Harvard Business Review also highlighted the growing use of Generative AI for therapy and companionship, demonstrating just how readily people are turning to these tools for forms of support that have traditionally been provided through human relationships. In fact, therapy / companionship was the top use case across both 2025 and 2026 for Generative AI tools! Whilst it is easy to understand the appeal — whether it is saving money, saving time, having immediate access 24/07, hearing what you want to hear, or simply feeling more in control of the situation — there are several areas of caution worth considering as it relates to utilisation of Generative AI for therapy support.
Myth: If I understand the problem, I can change it myself
The Reality:
As humans, we inherently have limited perspective and bias of focus and action.
Although AI may appear to offer an abundance of tailored information, the very nature of the information inputted is likely to be biased and incomplete. Equally the outputs provided can be complex to decipher unless you have training in the area. Also, they are notorious for hallucinating, that in simple terms means, creating fake content that appears very believable.
On the other hand, Psychologists are trained to assimilate and interpret data, and to prompt you in a purposeful way. Their objective perspective also enables your blind spots and resistances to be recognised so the desired change can be navigated accordingly.
The Risk of defaulting to AI:
A flooding of information from AI is likely to overwhelm, confuse and give you a false sense of accomplishment and recovery. Be wary of DIY-therapy!
Myth: AI will challenge my perspective and give me the best possible solution to my problem
The Reality:
AI models learn from large data sets. They absorb and repeat the hidden biases of their creators and training data.
AI’s response is also influenced by the information, assumptions and framing contained in the prompt provided. If you unconsciously frame your problem in a particular way, AI may work within that frame rather than challenge the underlying assumption.
This is where the power of connecting with a trained human therapist is the key to setting you up for success. A Psychologist uses evidence based interventions, and is able to question your biases. They are ultimately the bridge between navigating a problem and finding an effective solution that meets your requirements.
The Risk of defaulting to AI:
Automation bias: Users often trust AI facts given they are automated decision making systems, more than they trust human experts, leading many to accept the output even when it is not accurate.
Confirmation bias: As humans we have a tendency to notice, interpret and give greater weight to information that supports what we already believe or expect, while overlooking information that challenges. Effectively, we like to stay in our comfort zone.
Myth: AI can fully replace human mental health therapists
The Reality:
In addition to the other issues discussed above, AI, whilst it can mimic emotional responses, it can only predict the next best word in a sentence. It fails to process non-verbal cues, lacks duty of care, clinical judgment, accountability, and real-world crisis intervention skills.
Human therapists use their own emotional understanding to build trust and rapport, which is fundamental in therapy. Additionally they are able to recognise inconsistencies and patterns in non-verbal communication such as body language, tone of voice and other nuances to guide the therapeutic interaction.
The Risk of defaulting to AI:
Relying on AI for mental health crises can delay professional care and place you at risk.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the perceived therapeutic connection you have with the AI may also lead you to over-share private details. This can compromise your privacy as the information shared can be used to train future models.
To DIY or to not DIY therapy?
Although AI can be useful, and a great starting point for many tasks, including brainstorming, drafting work emails, and creating a holiday itinerary, it should not be confused with human connection and engaging a human therapist when in need.
With over 40 years of clinical experience, Helen Handsjuk is equipped to provide the human element to your therapy. Contact her today to organise a time to connect.
