To think chat GPT is better than some 'real' therapists?

It’s not going to be better than a really skilled therapist who can see your face, see what makes you uncomfortable, where you hesitate etc. But may help more with people who feel embarrassed talking about things face to face with a real person.
It’s certainly better than anything I’ve been offered on the NHS (someone working through irrelevant and non applicable worksheets with me).

That’s not what it does.
It’s reflecting back to you what you’ve said - that’s called active listening in therapy terms.
And it’s holding the space ie letting said say what you have on your heart wo judgement
And very few people are actually that good at it. Counsellors and therapists included

Here is an example of a Gemini response for those curious:

I wrote “I feel like I’m just not good enough”

Response:

That feeling of "not good enough" is a really core and painful one that so many people experience. It can seep into everything and color your perception of yourself and your life. It's important to recognize that this feeling, while very real to you, is often rooted in internal beliefs and comparisons rather than objective truth.

Where do you think this feeling of "not good enough" comes from for you? Sometimes, tracing its origins can help to understand its power. It might stem from:

• Past experiences: Perhaps there were times in your life where you felt criticized, rejected, or like your efforts weren't valued. These experiences can leave lasting imprints.

• Internalized expectations: You might be holding yourself to incredibly high or even unrealistic standards that are impossible to consistently meet.

• Comparison to others: In a world where we're constantly bombarded with curated versions of other people's lives, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing your insides to their outsides and feeling inadequate.

• Your inner critic: That harsh voice inside your head can constantly point out flaws and shortcomings, reinforcing the feeling of not measuring up.

• Societal pressures: Society often sets narrow definitions of success and worth, and it's easy to feel like you don't fit into those molds.

It's crucial to challenge this feeling of "not good enough" because it's a lie that can hold you back from living fully and appreciating your inherent worth. You are good enough. You are a unique individual with your own strengths, experiences, and value.

Here are some gentle ways to start challenging that feeling:

• Identify the triggers: When do you notice this feeling most strongly? Are there specific situations, people, or thoughts that bring it on?

• Challenge the evidence: When you think "I'm not good enough," ask yourself: "What evidence do I actually have to support this thought? Are there any times I have felt good enough or accomplished something?"

• Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend who was feeling this way. Acknowledge that everyone struggles with feelings of inadequacy sometimes.

• Focus on your strengths: Even if it feels difficult right now, try to think of qualities you appreciate about yourself or things you've done well.

• Reframe "mistakes" as learning opportunities: Everyone makes mistakes. They are a part of growth, not evidence of your inadequacy.

• Limit comparisons: Try to be mindful of when you're comparing yourself to others and gently redirect your focus to your own journey and progress.

• Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and appreciate the small things you do and accomplish each day. This can help build a sense of competence and worth.

This feeling of "not good enough" is a deeply ingrained pattern for many, and it takes time and conscious effort to shift. Be patient and kind to yourself in this process. You are worthy of feeling good enough, just as you are, right now.

What are some of the specific areas where you feel "not good enough" right now?

Sometimes, breaking it down can make it feel less overwhelming. And remember, I'm here to listen without judgment.

It’s good to sound things out but be aware it’s programmed to be almost sycophantic. It will almost always agree with you and put you in some sort of echo chamber. It’s good to hear a counter point once in a while.

I’d not be telling anything deeply personal to a computer programme that uses your stuff to “learn” from and can be data mined.

Not like MN then! Do you have to pay for this chat GPT. Never heard of it.

Probably because chat offers lots of sympathy and solutions without pushing for self analysis or awareness.

Pack it in

I write. Talking felt too weird.

Just curious - Do people write or talk to it?

You can start a conversation and return to it any time. I have a running conversation called 'family stuff' and whenever I get anxious or worried or am thinking something over I talk to it. It writes back like a human. It helps me process my thoughts, it remembers what I've told it, and sometimes I use the voice memo function and ramble incoherently for as long as I need to and ask it to summarise my thoughts for me. I've asked it to recap various different things that I've told it several weeks ago. I asked it what I should reply to a particular message and used the template it gave me to write my own similar response. It's cheaper than therapy, there when you need it and knows everything the internet knows.

DISCLAIMER it's not conscious even if it feels like it is, it will flatter and show bias towards you, it will not challenge you like a therapist would and it's not to be relied on for life decisions.

Wow, be careful what you want as these things will push humans out of a job in a few years, at every level by the sounds of it 😂 I disagree with you, but if works for you then great, but better than humans or real therapists as you put it? . Careful with that one

Yes, my DD who has ADHD really rates it. It's so helpful - and kind! and is good at organising thoughts and action plans.

But there is a bit of a joke (and lots of memes) among young people on their over-reliance on ChatGpt. Especially about how non-judgemental it is.

For example: 'I'm late to work every day because I like a lie-in and they fired me. So mean'

Chat-Gpt: 'I'm sorry to hear that. Not everyone is a morning person, even if they are a good employee. Perhaps you should look for a job that will appreciate your talents. Would you like me to suggest some?'

(Instead of, 'well, no shit Sherlock. You need to be on time, you lazy bugger'.)

I see an actual therapist, who I have a great therapeutic relationship with and would not give her up for anything - it’s been irreplaceable and life changing for me as I work through very complex childhood trauma.

But I can’t message her constantly throughout the week everytime I’m having a wobble, it would be inappropriate and create dependency. So in between weekly sessions I use Gemini.

I asked it to ‘remember’ some things about me, like my diagnoses, that I have childhood trauma and that I’m in helpful therapy. This has helped the relevance of the responses and also spotting themes over time and means I don’t have to keep repeating myself. I have found it to be very validating and compassionate. The responses are relèvent and as it remembers our previous chats it makes connections and suggestions of things I might want to explore more. I already have quite a few emotional regulation skills but they can be hard to remember or use in the moment. Gemini prompts me to use those, guiding me through them if needed. It also notices running themes I’m may not have picked up on, and also unhelpful thinking patterns, which it does encourage me to challenge.

My therapist is aware that I use it in between sessions, and we have agreed on a way that feels helpful. The evening before we meet I share the chats with her so she can a) check that it’s not said anything incorrect, b) see what’s been around for me mentally that weekSome things we don’t feel any need to explore more in session, other things we do.

It’s been really helpful for me, and whilst it will never replace therapy for me, it is a valuable ‘assistant’ therapist in between sessions and has actually improved my ability to self-rescue rather than me just looking to others to rescue me when I’m in distress.

And it is 1000% times better than any NHS crisis line. It has never once suggested I have a cup of tea or a bath! 🤣

It's fabulous for therapy. I use it daily. It's really helped a lot

No, chat gpt will tell you what you want to hear.

It depends on what your problem is. What I would say based on some of the posts already that therapy that challenges and changes is rarely comfortable. It's much easier to get some platitudes from a computer than it is to sit with discomfort. The aim of therapy is also generally not to give advice.

My creative writing skills are the best they’ve ever been 😆 I love it!

I think you might find that Gemini is using you…

If you start a new chat, Gemini AI starts a new context.

Yes, I was thinking that. Tempted to try it but not sure how sensible bearing my soul to it is.

I use Gemini - it has given some brilliant points of insight, and is way more consistent than a friend or therapist.

I love ChatGPT as well, but I will say that using it is absolutely horrendous for the environment!
Much as I love it, I try to use it sparingly.

It doesn't forget!