Being realistic about AI use means acknowledging a few things:
- Chat-based AI is not going anywhere.
- The promises of AI (like any new technology) are a little overhyped.
- Until we have developed tech literacy about this new tool, humans will use the tech in both beautiful and terrible ways.
- The therapy profession, and therapists in it, will do well to figure out what the professional and personal standards of practice are going to be. Quickly.
For the most part, "AI" is still a lawless landscape - even the term itself means whatever the sales department of a particular company decides it means!
But look up, because some early reports are starting to roll in!
There is some emerging anecdotal evidence that indicates the following:
Over-reliance on conversations with chatbots can exacerbate or reinforce delusional symptoms - especially in people who are already prone to psychosis.
If your clients have an expanded or creative relationship with reality, and especially if they also struggle with healthy human interaction, I highly recommend that you increase your curiosity about whether they are using Chat GPT or similar programs.
To be clear, this phenomenon was already occurring with YouTube algorithms, TikTok ârabbit holesâ and other social media.
However, since the âconversationsâ between user and chatbot are more personalized, and the conversations are not public, this private, parasocial bond may create a stronger, faster slide into paranoia or magical thinking, and no one would even notice... not for a while, anyway.
Again these stories are anecdotal. Research is going to move much slower than the technology will. For now, there's no need to panic.
Instead, I recommend developing the habit of checking in with your clients about their tech use as part of your overall screening process (at intake, during safety planning, etc.)
Your posture of curiosity can help clients share how they feel when they use the technology, how they think itâs helping or hurting them, and if they want to change their relationship with their phone, tablet, computer or even fitness tracker!
You can check out the âPresenting Issuesâ section below for a link to the full news article, and let me know what youâre thinking and seeing out there with your clients (a reply to email or comment on the site will get straight to me).
Supporter Connect and Learn - Live!
Heads Up, Therapists: Only 1 Week Left!
Our quarterly supporters gathering is on July 9th BUT the deadline for joining is JUNE 29th! The "Unbreak Your Brain" workshop is designed to help you piece yourself back together if youâre feeling a little scattered.
Between the intersection of our clients and the news (like, are weâŠat war?), and our personal obligations, I know itâs a lot. I've been doing whatever I can to reclaim a sense of focus and effectiveness in crazy times, and I'm ready to share the useful insights with you.
And yes, weâre all in agreement this isnât gonna get fixed with a candle and bubble bath, weâre skipping to the good stuff, I promise.
Deadline to become a paid supporter and get your invite is June 29th. Literally $5 will get you in now, but this course will be about $30 to watch later, so nowâs your time. I can't wait to see you! (If you are already a supporter, your email invite will arrive June 30th!)
Essential Downloads
Call for Feedback!
I see you checking out the tools and templates available, and am so excited for every download, free or paid!
Thanks for trusting me to smooth out your work life!
If you've ever used a digital download from WP, and want to suggest an edit or request a special template, let me know! A reply to the newsletter will get to me.
Presenting Issues
People Are Becoming Obsessed with ChatGPT and Spiraling Into Severe Delusions
Headline being what it is, I don't think this issue is widespread enough for panic yet. Suggestions for what to do are at the top, here's the context if you want to learn more: https://futurism.com/chatgpt-mental-health-crises
Joy Intervention
If life right now has you (or your clients) going "WTH?" ... this is for you (and them).
What the Helly - Choir Version
|
Got me like:
Good luck this week!
Responses