Whether you’re a fan of it or not, AI is becoming more embedded in our lives. For the record, I don’t use AI in my business (nor any other aspect of my life). As a person-centred psychotherapist in Ireland, people are at the heart of everything I do.
There is a growing trend of people seeking AI for their therapeutic needs and I understand the reasons why but AI can never replicate therapy.
Here are some of the reasons why:
3 core principles
There are 3 core principles that many of us therapists follow as put forward by Carl Rogers: empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence. This essentially means that as your therapist, I do not judge you, I see your authentic self and I view you in the best light and I am sincere and genuine with you. This is something a machine or program cannot do.
Jung’s transformative view
Carl Jung believed that a transformative process takes place in therapy between both the therapist and client, almost like alchemy. I truly believe in this transformation and I have learned so much and changed from my client interactions. I am inspired by my clients. That connection and bond is not possible with a programmed chatbot.
Abundance of therapy talk
We have all seen an increase in “therapy talk” and how it can often be harmful and in some cases weaponised. Words like boundaries, toxic, self-care can be used incorrectly to manipulate and gaslight (to use another often misused term). AI interactions produce an abundance of these words to the user which don’t really deal with any of their issues and can make matters worse.
Can’t spot the subtle differences
A machine doesn’t know you, it doesn’t recognise your patterns or triggers or growth. It can’t sense the subtle changes in your tone. It doesn’t notice when you look lighter from your troubles or when your posture is showing your pain. It can’t celebrate your wins and be your cheerleader. I see your bravery, your hurt, your strength, your vulnerability, your tears, your glow and your changes.
A machine doesn’t care
I truly care about my clients, every single one of them. I think about them long after we have finished working together. I remember their birthdays or painful anniversaries for them. I care about their disappointment, heartache, achievements and joy. AI does not care; it is not capable of caring.
I am with you on your journey. I am not a feeling-less robot incapable of emotions. I know how to listen and ask questions to help you, I know how to support you and be with you in your experience.
If you would like to work with me, you can book a FREE consultation which you can do here. This is to make sure that I’m the right fit for you and there is not pressure or obligation during our chat or afterwards.
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Why AI isn’t Therapy | The Psychotherapeutic Coach 2026