The Role of AI in Therapeutic Settings: Balancing Innovation and Integrity

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to play an increasingly visible role in discussions about mental health and wellbeing. This brings both curiosity and concern for many people, alongside important ethical questions. As a therapist, and as someone who has recently completed training in AI and explored its implications in supervision, I have spent time reflecting on how AI might be used thoughtfully, responsibly and always in ways that place clients’ wellbeing first.

People can have very different reactions to the idea of technology being used alongside counselling. Some may feel interested or open to its potential, while others may want reassurance around privacy, trust and the role of human connection. For me, any consideration of AI begins with respect for these differing responses and experiences.

The potential benefits...

Accessible support between sessions

In some contexts, AI-informed tools can offer neutral, non-relational resources such as reflective prompts or mindfulness exercises. For some people, these can provide gentle structure or encouragement between sessions, without replacing the therapeutic relationship itself.

Supporting self-reflection

AI can also be used to generate prompts that encourage reflection or journaling. When used carefully and appropriately, this may support clients in noticing patterns, feelings or experiences they wish to bring into counselling sessions.

Important limitations and ethical considerations...

Confidentiality and privacy

Protecting client confidentiality is central to ethical therapeutic practice. In my practice, all client notes and records are stored securely, locally and offline. They are not connected to, analysed by or accessible to any AI-enabled systems. This clear boundary exists to ensure that personal information remains private, protected and under my direct professional responsibility at all times.

Bias and the limits of technology

AI systems are shaped not only by the data they are trained on, which can reflect social and cultural biases, but also by the data input by users. This means that biases can emerge from both the original training data and the ongoing inputs provided by people. This dual influence can lead to skewed or unbalanced responses. Additionally, AI can sometimes overlook key information in lengthy discussions and can’t always distinguish between what is fact and what is belief. This complexity highlights why human judgment and the counsellor’s nuanced understanding remain essential for ethical and balanced care. AI also lacks the capacity for empathy, relational understanding and ethical accountability. Counselling relies on human presence, attunement and the ability to respond sensitively to each individual’s lived experience - qualities that cannot be replicated by technology.

Looking ahead...

While AI may offer limited supplementary tools, it cannot and should not replace the depth, warmth and relational safety of therapy. My approach remains grounded in empathy, authenticity and respect for each client’s unique experience. Any use of technology is guided by professional standards, ongoing supervision and a commitment to transparency.

Clients are always welcome to ask questions about how technology is used within my practice. Choice, consent and confidentiality are central and the therapeutic relationship will always remain at the heart of the work.