More than half of psychotherapists believe that talking to GPT helps patients

However, still some psychotherapists have many concerns about the therapeutic use of ChatGPT. "It happens that patients come with a ready-made diagnosis from the Internet, but this was also the case before - the so-called Uncle Google effect. However, a more personal relationship with ChatGPT than with a search engine clearly has the effect of increasing trust in an online diagnosis while decreasing trust in a diagnosis from a specialist." - emphasizes one of the interviewees.

Psychotherapists also noted that some patients' desire for real-world interactions has decreased, because the relationship with ChatGPT is easier than the relationship with humans. "Patients often use artificial intelligence without thinking. Of course, we can't escape technology, but it's important to teach people to recognize the real world from the virtual world. ChatGPT will talk to us, but it won't hug us..." - says one of the respondents.

Specialists observe that some patients who use ChatGPT take up psychotherapy too late. "I have noticed that the time to report to a therapist in such patients is delayed because they often think that ChatGPT's guidance is enough for them. Perhaps such people are not ready for a therapeutic relationship. What they don't realize is that ChatGPT cannot replace psychotherapy, it doesn't take into account the many contexts and experiences of the person to whom it corresponds."

When it's hard to talk about emotions...

Despite doubts, more than half of psychotherapists say ChatGPT can be a valuable support in the therapeutic process. In many cases, patients reported that using the tool helped them better understand their emotions and problems. More of them are coming to sessions better prepared, with more knowledge about their mental state.

According to psychotherapists, the use of ChatGPT can complement traditional therapy with people who are shy, introverted or on the autism spectrum. "I have a patient on the deep autism spectrum with a simultaneously high level of insight. He understood that as a result of being on the spectrum, his sense of humor was so niche and non-obvious that it was difficult to reciprocate, and he was uncomfortable with that. He felt better when he discovered that ChatGPT had learned his unusual interests and non-obvious forms of thinking enough to make him laugh to tears."

ChatGPT - support in moments of crisis

A big benefit for patients is that ChatGPT is available off-the-shelf, free and can be used immediately. "For some patients, ChatGPT provides a source of emotional support between therapy sessions, helping them in moments of crisis or uncertainty," - says one study participant and continues: "It can be particularly useful in helping people with anxiety disorders and among patients struggling with addiction. I've noticed that it helps to quickly find constructive ideas to deal with the urge to unwind in unconstructive ways."

Will ChatGPT soon replace the therapist?

Artificial intelligence could play a significant role in the future of psychotherapy. The survey results show that one in three therapists are considering using AI tools such as ChatGPT in their work. However, despite the growing interest in AI technology, 75.3% of psychotherapists believe that ChatGPT will not replace psychologists or psychotherapists in the coming years.

"Artificial intelligence and new technologies will not replace human therapists, but they are likely to make their work much easier for them and therapy for patients in the coming years," - says Dr. Anna Nowak, director of the Dialog School of Psychotherapy, a psychotherapist and psychiatrist, and continues: "I think artificial intelligence is a new tool, but it has already managed to settle in and we are using it more and more. We may soon be able to use it to analyze the symptoms reported by patients, thus better understanding them and therefore better selecting therapeutic methods."

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