Is using ChatGPT to explore phobias and body image a good idea?

[AiAiMate]

My partner has many phobias such as fear of flying.
They also have some body dysmorphia issues.

I think the root cause is some sort of trauma from their childhood.
I have suggested that they see a therapist to explore these issues but they claim that they don't have the time.

I was going to suggest that they put all their thoughts on these issues into Chatgbt to see what it suggests.

I suppose I have some fears that it might trigger some overwhelming feelings.
Any thoughts?

Anyone?

No, definitely not. You don’t want some bot spewing back dangerous stuff at him. I cannot recommend enough trying hypnotherapy. I don’t mean on YouTube, but done properly with an actual trained therapist. Solution focused hypnotherapy, in particular, is not about dredging up all your childhood stuff. It’s about finding solutions to move forward and cope with how afraid you’re feeling in particular situations. It teaches you how to relax and think rationally and calmly about what worries you. You don’t need to understand why something is happening to fix it if you are using the right tools.

I use ChatGPT to help me with emotional issues ( eg when I had mixed feelings about leaving my job ) and it helps me identify why I was feeling that way. I wasn’t being hugely impacted by it I just felt a bit “off” and uncertain. In my scenario I consider it a form of self reflection. In a scenario where there is mental illness or trauma then no I don’t think you should be dabbling with AI. I don’t think half the therapists out there should be dabbling in it to be honest. It needs an experienced practioner to unpick the issues but I doubt you can foist this on someone if they’re not willing to address it.

You could of course ask ChatGPT for advice from your perspective and see what it says. It may have some recommendations for organisations as a starting point.

Of course not. No one should use it to explore feelings. It isn’t an all knowing oracle and it has zero wisdom behind it. This is worrying

It still tends to serve you back what you want to see. I think that is potentially quite dangerous with body dysmorphia issues.

It will basically tell you what you want to hear. I wouldn't trust anything it says - I asked It a question, got a very plausible answer. Asked what it thought about the answer only for it to say it was all nonsense! It isn't a person, it's only as good as its programming and some of that is shockingly awful. Use it to write a CV, a letter or do some difficult maths but don't use it for therapy or friendship!

ChatGPT at the moment is in a rubbish phase, extremely patronising and pedantic. People have switched to Claude. If you do decide to tip a toe in ai exploratory work, Claude is a safer bet.

I would, I have the paid version and it helps me with all sorts especially around my emetophobia. The last time I flew I sat crying in the airport 'talking' to chatGPT for an hour and it convinced me to get on the plane, I was absolutely going to leave if I hadn't used it.