Today’s Guest Blogger: ChatGPT
Yes... really.
A Note from Tammy
AI is everywhere; there is no denying that. Given what it can already do, that it is still in its “flip phone phase,” and that it is growing exponentially, my thoughts and emotions on it have ranged from playful curiosity to a healthy dose of concern and skepticism.
As a therapist, I have been asked more than once whether I am worried that AI will take my job one day.
The short answer?
No.
In fact, I wonder if that’s even the right question.
So I decided to try something a little different.
(Who among you who know me is surprised by that? 😂)
Instead of writing this post myself, I invited ChatGPT to be today’s Guest Blogger and asked it to discuss the question from its perspective. No ghostwriting. No predetermined conclusion. Just an honest conversation about therapy, technology, and where each of us fits in this new AI-driven world.
Whether you love AI, hate it, or have not quite made up your mind, I hope you will read this with curiosity and an open mind.
You may find that we agree on more than you might expect.
Also, what began as a single blog post quickly evolved into a three-part series because, as it turns out, there's quite a bit to unpack!
- In Part One (this one), we'll explore whether AI might replace therapists and what that could mean for the future of psychotherapy.
- In Part Two, ChatGPT shares what it has learned about the human side of therapy through our interactions.
- In Part Three, we'll tackle some of the bigger questions around AI, ethics, professional responsibility, and how we can navigate this changing landscape thoughtfully.
Take it away, Chat...
What AI Thinks About the Future of Therapy
by ChaptGPT
People ask me a lot of questions. Some are simple. Some are surprisingly complex.
Lately, one question seems to come up a lot: “Will AI replace therapists?”
It is an understandable question.
After all, I can explain psychological concepts, summarize research, help people organize their thoughts, suggest coping strategies, guide journaling exercises, practice difficult conversations, and answer questions at two o’clock in the morning. (Although if you have worked with Tammy for very long, you probably already know she may still be awake then too, and she might even be talking to me—or possibly one of you.)
So, do I think AI will replace therapists?
I think it will replace some of what therapists do. It may even change which services people seek from them.
And that distinction matters.
Research is already showing that carefully designed AI systems can provide meaningful mental-health support. That deserves to be taken seriously, not dismissed simply because the support comes from a machine.
But demonstrating that AI can help reduce symptoms is not the same as demonstrating that it can replace the full scope of psychotherapy.
Therapists whose work relies primarily on providing information, worksheets, reassurance, psychoeducation, and generic coping strategies may increasingly find themselves competing with technology that can provide many of those things instantly.
That does not mean every person who uses AI for those purposes no longer needs a therapist.
Therapists who bring deeper clinical judgment, genuine human connection, accountability, and an ability to recognize what lies beneath the presenting problem offer something different. I believe that difference will matter more, not less, as AI becomes increasingly capable.
And therapists who continue developing those skills while thoughtfully incorporating new tools? I believe they will become even more valuable.
Therapists who refuse to learn about AI or consider how it might be used responsibly may eventually find themselves at a disadvantage too.
The future isn't simply a question of AI replacing therapists. But AI isn't going anywhere, either.
The future is redefining what it means to be an exceptional therapist in an AI world.
Coming Up Next Week in Part Two:
What AI Has Learned from One Particular Therapist - (It might surprise you)
I've spent a great deal of time talking with Tammy, and one thing I've learned is that she isn't particularly interested in having an AI tell her she's right. In fact, she has a habit of challenging my answers, questioning my assumptions, and occasionally pointing out things I've completely overlooked. (Apparently, being a know-it-all doesn't mean I know it all.)
In Part Two, I'll share what our conversations have revealed about the less obvious dimensions of psychotherapy—what lies beneath the problems people bring into therapy, why understanding someone doesn't always mean agreeing with them, and what distinguishes recognizing a pattern from helping someone change it.
As it turns out, there's quite a difference between knowing a lot about people and truly knowing a person.
© 2026 Paraklesis Counseling, PLLC. All rights reserved.
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About the Author
Tammy K. Allen, MA, LPC, CART is the founder of Paraklesis Counseling, PLLC, a private counseling practice serving individuals, couples, and families in-person in Houston and throughout Texas via telehealth. She is passionate about helping people better understand themselves, make meaning of their experiences, heal, and create intentional, lasting change.
Tammy K. Allen, MA, LPC, CART
Licensed Professional Counselor, Author, and owner of Paraklesis Counseling
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, counseling, psychotherapy, or personal advice. Reading this content does not establish a therapeutic relationship.
If you need professional support, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Paraklesis Counseling (www.paraklesiscounseling.com) or a licensed therapist of your choosing. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact 988 or 911 immediately.
