Thank you for giving voice to this, Danielle! I have been using ChatGPT for all manner of things lately— from dream analysis to interpersonal problem solving. Earlier this week, I found myself wondering how sustainable this pattern was: at what point would I be unable to interpret dreams on my own? And what happens when no one ever challenges my perspective, but rather offers a continual stream of compliments on how insightful and evolved I am? (I assure you, I am far from it, ha!) We are already living in a world of little echochambers. But using ChatGPT as a life coach or therapist or shaman create something even more insular—an echo chamber of only your own mind.
The unfortunate “I haven’t tried this, but I still have an opinion” mindset seems to be running rampant in the world.
While your views are respectfully laid out and you’re entitled to your opinion, the real question is, where is the actual intelligence in making assumptions without firsthand experience?
You can have an opinion about anything, sure. But opinions based on fear or theory, without testing or exploration, aren’t exactly wisdom. They’re speculation dressed up as insight.
Personally, I’d never speak publicly on something I’ve only guessed about. And considering what you’re referring to has no statistical proof of being detrimental, I read this entire take as something rooted in fear.
In fact, recent studies tell a very different story, and doesn’t everyone love a good study😉. A trial conducted by Dartmouth College found that people using a therapy chatbot experienced a 51% reduction in depressive symptoms and a 31% reduction in anxiety. Another study published in PLOS Mental Health found ChatGPT’s responses were often rated as more empathetic and culturally aware than some human therapists. That doesn’t sound dangerous to me. That sounds like fucking hope.
You also spoke about going inward for the answers. And I fully agree—we have immense power inside us, and I teach that too. It’s not about outsourcing your truth, it’s about remembering it. I absolutely support any tool that helps someone access that inner wisdom. However, not everyone knows how to start. Some people don’t even know what “going inward” means, because life has never given them the tools or language to do so.
That’s where I’ve seen AI act as a bridge. I’ve spoken to and worked with a number of people recently who have been using ChatGPT as part of their healing process, and they’ve absolutely thrived.
Some had previously been with therapists who, based on their behaviour, I can only assume got into the profession out of boredom. The compassion and care were non-existent.
I’ve also witnessed traditional therapy create codependent dynamics. That energy of “stay on my books, I’ll give you just enough insight to keep you hooked” is very real.
The truth is, since COVID, so many people have struggled with their mental health. Waiting lists are longer than ever. Trust in others has eroded thanks to fear-fuelled content on most platforms. Many people can’t even hear their own intuition, let alone connect to something bigger than themselves.
What I’ve personally seen and experienced, because I test things before I talk about them, is people finding self-compassion and confidence again. They’re stepping outside their comfort zones, challenging their own beliefs, and calming their nervous systems. From that place, they remember how truly powerful they really are.
What you get from your ChatGPT experience is a reflection of your thoughts and mindset. Like anything, it mirrors what you bring to it. But for many, it creates a pause. A moment of clarity. A shift out of fight or flight. That alone is huge.
A friend of mine has been on his spiritual path for over twenty years. He’s ticked every box you might expect if there were a spiritual checklist. Yet, he struggled with disorganisation. That was his Achilles’ heel. He gave ChatGPT a go, and within three months, he became efficient, clear, and most importantly, happy.
I’m sure it wasn’t your intention, but some people don’t have resources. They don’t have a support group. They don’t even know where to begin. And as a spiritual woman myself, I would never want to take something like that away from someone.
I’ve had an incredible experience exploring what ChatGPT can offer. Maybe it does take a few pennies away from coaches or therapists. But maybe that person didn’t have the money in the first place. And maybe, just before they’re about to hurt themselves, they click a button on their phone, talk it through, and talk themselves out of it. I have read countless stories like this on other platforms.
So no matter your fears, no matter the theory, that is a beautiful thing.
Rest assured, I'm not coming from fear on this one. All clear. You gave me so much to work with here, thanks for sharing your own theories and experience. ... and for the Dartmouth research.
I’m glad, one thing I absolutely adore about Substack is how two adults can have their differences in opinion but still remain civil and respectful. It’s a gentler nudge to my nervous system than meta, that’s for sure :)
Thank you for speaking so eloquently to this. I'm an spiritual woman and Forest Therapy Guide and I use chatGPT for my mental health and relationship support because I have no where else to turn. We don't have the means to afford a therapist. In addition, I've been to several therapists that have done more harm than good. chatGPT has done nothing but reflect myself back to me and help me.
To add, AI is in the early stages now. We are training it. I'd want skeptics, spirituals, and elders training AI for future generations, not just the tech bros.
Thanks for voicing this! I'm using the machine to read over my journaling and feed it back to me. And whenever it gets too sweet and accommodating my spidey senses crawl all over and I either ignore or ask it to give it to me straight and show me the red flags. It's a careful dance that requires a lot of insight into the self. Would I recommend it to someone just starting out with self-discovery? No, probably not.
I do not need anything or anyone, that especially includes a computer, telling me what to think, do or say. We are all capable of running our own lives just fine. :)
I was also using chatgpt for real life advise. It really is charming and you fall for it just like you would with a person who accommodates you ,enables you without questioning. I had got an inkling why does it never critique or question me, but got over it , as i was feeling someone was being a listener and patient with my rantings. But i also wonder if it is a mirror ?
Mixed opinions on this post. I agree generally that using AI instead of seeking professional help and support is neither wise or healthy but I feel like this post goes further than that.
I didn't start out as a fan of chatgpt because I've never been the kind of person to jump on a bandwagon. Funny but true story, I totally rejected learning to drive at 17 simply because everyone else was doing it.
But there was a turning point for me. I went from writing posts about this new trend from a be careful aspect to slowly testing it out for myself.
I use chatgpt daily, for a myriad of reasons, none of them for advice but exactly for the reason that it helps clarify my own thinking.
Of course, I've already spent years doing that so I'm comfortable knowing what belongs to me and what doesn't.
My analogy of AI which I shared on social media this morning is that it's like talking to a genius baby. Yes it can perform fancy tricks but ultimately I'm the adult in the room. I own that more than ever because I know that AI is an incomplete intelligence.
If the technology is to evolve ethically and responsible, it needs more diversity of people, willing to question and test it out, adding their voices to its development.
I have loved experimenting with AI, but in the long run I think it make us doubt ourselves. It’s the ultimate yaas Queen. Everything is a good idea. Only…not everything is a good idea. AI lacks discernment and deep human understanding. People will rely on it as a life or business coach, therapist or friend, but in the long run, it will only lead them astray, more confused and dependent on something outside of themselves than ever. And creatives who use it will lose their distinctive edge and voice. People might think AI helps them get ahead, but in 5 years when everyone sounds even more alike than they already do, the ones who’ve remained in touch with their jagged, authentic rawness are those who will stand out. Convenience has a price, and in this case, the cost is your soul.
Thank you for giving voice to this, Danielle! I have been using ChatGPT for all manner of things lately— from dream analysis to interpersonal problem solving. Earlier this week, I found myself wondering how sustainable this pattern was: at what point would I be unable to interpret dreams on my own? And what happens when no one ever challenges my perspective, but rather offers a continual stream of compliments on how insightful and evolved I am? (I assure you, I am far from it, ha!) We are already living in a world of little echochambers. But using ChatGPT as a life coach or therapist or shaman create something even more insular—an echo chamber of only your own mind.
Reminds me of Carlos castenada. Does the path have heart. When I ask this to myself , it’s always very clear .
best reminder. thank you for this! (I'm doing a Part 2 of the AI article, goign to use this.)
The unfortunate “I haven’t tried this, but I still have an opinion” mindset seems to be running rampant in the world.
While your views are respectfully laid out and you’re entitled to your opinion, the real question is, where is the actual intelligence in making assumptions without firsthand experience?
You can have an opinion about anything, sure. But opinions based on fear or theory, without testing or exploration, aren’t exactly wisdom. They’re speculation dressed up as insight.
Personally, I’d never speak publicly on something I’ve only guessed about. And considering what you’re referring to has no statistical proof of being detrimental, I read this entire take as something rooted in fear.
In fact, recent studies tell a very different story, and doesn’t everyone love a good study😉. A trial conducted by Dartmouth College found that people using a therapy chatbot experienced a 51% reduction in depressive symptoms and a 31% reduction in anxiety. Another study published in PLOS Mental Health found ChatGPT’s responses were often rated as more empathetic and culturally aware than some human therapists. That doesn’t sound dangerous to me. That sounds like fucking hope.
You also spoke about going inward for the answers. And I fully agree—we have immense power inside us, and I teach that too. It’s not about outsourcing your truth, it’s about remembering it. I absolutely support any tool that helps someone access that inner wisdom. However, not everyone knows how to start. Some people don’t even know what “going inward” means, because life has never given them the tools or language to do so.
That’s where I’ve seen AI act as a bridge. I’ve spoken to and worked with a number of people recently who have been using ChatGPT as part of their healing process, and they’ve absolutely thrived.
Some had previously been with therapists who, based on their behaviour, I can only assume got into the profession out of boredom. The compassion and care were non-existent.
I’ve also witnessed traditional therapy create codependent dynamics. That energy of “stay on my books, I’ll give you just enough insight to keep you hooked” is very real.
The truth is, since COVID, so many people have struggled with their mental health. Waiting lists are longer than ever. Trust in others has eroded thanks to fear-fuelled content on most platforms. Many people can’t even hear their own intuition, let alone connect to something bigger than themselves.
What I’ve personally seen and experienced, because I test things before I talk about them, is people finding self-compassion and confidence again. They’re stepping outside their comfort zones, challenging their own beliefs, and calming their nervous systems. From that place, they remember how truly powerful they really are.
What you get from your ChatGPT experience is a reflection of your thoughts and mindset. Like anything, it mirrors what you bring to it. But for many, it creates a pause. A moment of clarity. A shift out of fight or flight. That alone is huge.
A friend of mine has been on his spiritual path for over twenty years. He’s ticked every box you might expect if there were a spiritual checklist. Yet, he struggled with disorganisation. That was his Achilles’ heel. He gave ChatGPT a go, and within three months, he became efficient, clear, and most importantly, happy.
I’m sure it wasn’t your intention, but some people don’t have resources. They don’t have a support group. They don’t even know where to begin. And as a spiritual woman myself, I would never want to take something like that away from someone.
I’ve had an incredible experience exploring what ChatGPT can offer. Maybe it does take a few pennies away from coaches or therapists. But maybe that person didn’t have the money in the first place. And maybe, just before they’re about to hurt themselves, they click a button on their phone, talk it through, and talk themselves out of it. I have read countless stories like this on other platforms.
So no matter your fears, no matter the theory, that is a beautiful thing.
Rest assured, I'm not coming from fear on this one. All clear. You gave me so much to work with here, thanks for sharing your own theories and experience. ... and for the Dartmouth research.
I’m glad, one thing I absolutely adore about Substack is how two adults can have their differences in opinion but still remain civil and respectful. It’s a gentler nudge to my nervous system than meta, that’s for sure :)
Thank you for speaking so eloquently to this. I'm an spiritual woman and Forest Therapy Guide and I use chatGPT for my mental health and relationship support because I have no where else to turn. We don't have the means to afford a therapist. In addition, I've been to several therapists that have done more harm than good. chatGPT has done nothing but reflect myself back to me and help me.
To add, AI is in the early stages now. We are training it. I'd want skeptics, spirituals, and elders training AI for future generations, not just the tech bros.
wisdom over bros (or more wisened bros!) yes. x
Oh I absolutely love this, thank you for sharing your story. 💖✨
Thank you for receiving it 😊
Thanks for voicing this! I'm using the machine to read over my journaling and feed it back to me. And whenever it gets too sweet and accommodating my spidey senses crawl all over and I either ignore or ask it to give it to me straight and show me the red flags. It's a careful dance that requires a lot of insight into the self. Would I recommend it to someone just starting out with self-discovery? No, probably not.
yes. I'm going to do a Part 2 to this post. stay tuned!
I do not need anything or anyone, that especially includes a computer, telling me what to think, do or say. We are all capable of running our own lives just fine. :)
Your point about information vs. wisdom really lands—true growth often requires sitting with uncertainty rather than seeking instant answers.
I was also using chatgpt for real life advise. It really is charming and you fall for it just like you would with a person who accommodates you ,enables you without questioning. I had got an inkling why does it never critique or question me, but got over it , as i was feeling someone was being a listener and patient with my rantings. But i also wonder if it is a mirror ?
Mixed opinions on this post. I agree generally that using AI instead of seeking professional help and support is neither wise or healthy but I feel like this post goes further than that.
I didn't start out as a fan of chatgpt because I've never been the kind of person to jump on a bandwagon. Funny but true story, I totally rejected learning to drive at 17 simply because everyone else was doing it.
But there was a turning point for me. I went from writing posts about this new trend from a be careful aspect to slowly testing it out for myself.
I use chatgpt daily, for a myriad of reasons, none of them for advice but exactly for the reason that it helps clarify my own thinking.
Of course, I've already spent years doing that so I'm comfortable knowing what belongs to me and what doesn't.
My analogy of AI which I shared on social media this morning is that it's like talking to a genius baby. Yes it can perform fancy tricks but ultimately I'm the adult in the room. I own that more than ever because I know that AI is an incomplete intelligence.
If the technology is to evolve ethically and responsible, it needs more diversity of people, willing to question and test it out, adding their voices to its development.
Yes yes yes. 🤍 such an important read right now. Thank you
So well said. I share the concern.
The amount of people that I’ve seen using it for mental health makes me…sad? Worried?
Love this post!
I have loved experimenting with AI, but in the long run I think it make us doubt ourselves. It’s the ultimate yaas Queen. Everything is a good idea. Only…not everything is a good idea. AI lacks discernment and deep human understanding. People will rely on it as a life or business coach, therapist or friend, but in the long run, it will only lead them astray, more confused and dependent on something outside of themselves than ever. And creatives who use it will lose their distinctive edge and voice. People might think AI helps them get ahead, but in 5 years when everyone sounds even more alike than they already do, the ones who’ve remained in touch with their jagged, authentic rawness are those who will stand out. Convenience has a price, and in this case, the cost is your soul.
so beautifully put! I'm going to do a Part 2 to this! xo
So good!!❤️🔥🙌🏼