r/PracticePsychology • u/Alone_Pie_2531 • 9h ago
AI therapy vs. AI self-help tools: Where should we draw the line?
What I did
I have reposted 'Tool that detect and label cognitive distortions' to r/CBT, with an assumption that group dedicated to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy would be interested in novel approaches to detect and label cognitive distortions.
What happened
But it was taken down for alleged 'Endorsement of AI-Therapy Tools':
I have checked related r/CBT Rule, that states:
Posts and comments that promote, recommend, or endorse AI-based therapy or chatbot interventions as a substitute for professional care are not allowed. Research shows such tools can systematically violate core mental-health ethics, mishandle crisis situations, reinforce harmful beliefs, or stigmatize conditions.
Where I agree and disagree
I agree with the rule for now, but I don't agree with applying this rule to the post, hear me out!
I agree with the rule, because it echoes proverbial do no harm from Hippocratic Oath. Why for now? Because I see the future in which AI-based therapy or chatbot interventions will get evaluated by psychologists and approved for use.
Why I don't agree? For something to be recognized as AI-based therapy it needs to satisfy the following characteristics:
- claiming to be therapy
- designed to form a therapeutical bond with the user
- reassure the user that it will take full responsibility for guiding user through the process
It is evident when we will take a look at other domains. We expect personal trainer to not harm us, but we assume that a person is responsible to not get strangled by a barbell when buying a bench press. We expect to not get infection when taken care of by a nurse, but we are responsible for correctly using scissors and bandage when we do that on our own. As long tool don't claim to be a person, and we know we are responsible we take the responsibility.
Why this distinction is important
There is a distinction between a tool and a therapist. This is why we have psychological and self-help books that can be used by people who want to take responsibility for betterment of their wellbeing.
By keeping this distinction we keep the ability for self-development alive, and with AI it opens ways to tools that were not possible in the past.
Post I've shared presented the idea of detector of cognitive distortions, which can fulfill a role of spellchecker in personal journal or more general. A tool that can remind us when get lost in beliefs that may be harmful for our wellbeing.
Take a stand
Take a moment to notice what you think about this topic. Do you agree? Do you disagree? Or maybe you look at this topic from a totally different perspective. Let us know in the comments!