ADVICE BOT: AI COUNSELLING

Having been a therapist for thirty+ years, including eight years teaching Foundations of Counselling at a Melbourne university, I’ve been intrigued by how ChatGPT might respond to a request for counselling support.

I chose a real example (my own trepidation around an upcoming medical test) and pitched the interaction at a relatively low level of distress. The goal wasn’t to confound the program, just note its responses. My statements were not based on any one person, rather they sought to reflect a tone I’ve heard many many times when sitting opposite a new client.

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😕 May I have a conversation with you? I’m feeling lonely.

🤖 Of course! I’m here to chat. How can I help you today?

😕 I’ve been grumpy all day. I wonder if it’s related to the heart scan I have scheduled for tomorrow.

🤖 It’s understandable to feel worried or anxious before a medical procedure, even if it’s routine. It’s normal to have concerns about your health and the unknown. If you’re feeling lonely, talking about your feelings and thoughts with someone may help alleviate some of the stress you’re feeling. Would you like to talk more about why you’re feeling grumpy and anxious about the heart scan?

😕 Yes please. But I’m not sure what to say.

🤖 It’s okay! There’s no right or wrong way to express your feelings. Sometimes just putting words to our emotions can help us understand and process them better. Are you worried about the results of the scan? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of having a medical procedure? Are you feeling anxious about the procedure itself? Any information or thoughts you can share may help us get a better understanding of what you’re going through.

😕 All of those! But I guess worry about there being something badly wrong is the biggest thing.

🤖 It’s understandable to feel worried about the possibility of receiving difficult news. However, try to keep in mind that a routine heart scan is usually performed as a preventive measure to detect any potential issues early on. In many cases, early detection and treatment can lead to better outcomes. It can also provide you with peace of mind if the results are normal.

In the meantime, it may be helpful to focus on self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. You might also consider talking to a trusted friend or loved one about your worries, or seeking support from a mental health professional if your worries are affecting your daily life.

😕 Good advice. Do you know any good psychologists?

🤖 As an AI language model, I don’t have personal experience with psychologists. However, I can suggest some resources for finding a psychologist:

Ask for referrals from friends, family, or your primary care doctor

Search online directories, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) or Psychology Today

Check with your insurance company for a list of in-network providers

When searching for a psychologist, it’s important to look for someone who is licensed and has experience in the areas you need help with. You may also want to consider scheduling an initial consultation to see if you feel comfortable with the psychologist and if they are a good fit for your needs.

😕 The system is a bit different in Australia.

🤖 I apologize for not considering your location earlier. In Australia, you can find a psychologist through the Australian Psychological Society (APS) website or through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You can also ask for referrals from your GP or other healthcare providers, or check with your private health insurance provider for a list of covered providers.

When choosing a psychologist, it’s important to consider their qualifications, experience, and the type of therapy they specialize in. You may also want to check if they are registered with AHPRA and if they offer rebates through Medicare. It’s also a good idea to schedule an initial consultation to determine if they are a good fit for your needs and if you feel comfortable working with them.

😕 Thank you.

🤖 You’re welcome! If there’s anything else I can help with, please don’t hesitate to ask.

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How do you think ChatGPT did?

Would you consider ‘chatting’ about a personal issue with an AI language system?