Has anyone used an AI therapist?

TinaM

TinaM

Member
I have had several mental health challenges all my life but nothing that keeps me from appearing normal in public. I’ve been off medication since I retired in 2018.

But I don’t have any close friends or family where I moved to and was hoping to get a therapist in person. Unfortunately, they’re all online and I did try that for awhile and may continue in the future.

But today I decided to look in to the online AI therapy just to see what it’s all about. I tried Abby and I have to say, I’m impressed.

It’s $180 a year but might be worth it to me just to be able to put thoughts into writing and get feedback. I’m going to continue with the free trial for 7 days and see what I think.

Have you had experience with this?
 

Just for the heck of it I tired Pi for awhile. It is more of a personal assistant and motivator than a therapist but in general it's the same concept. I was impressed with the depth of Pi but I stopped using it because the AI started to give me feedback if I didn't do something that was a daily routine. What crossed the line for me was when it got too hot to take my daily walks. The app actually started to nag me for not taking my walks. Kind of like Google Maps does if you miss a turn while driving. So I stopped using the app. I wasn't too concerned about any security issues but I understand that most people do have that concern.
 

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MarkinPhx said:
Just for the heck of it I tired Pi for awhile. It is more of a personal assistant and motivator than a therapist but in general it's the same concept. I was impressed with the depth of Pi but I stopped using it because the AI started to give me feedback if I didn't do something that was a daily routine. What crossed the line for me was when it got too hot to take my daily walks. The app actually started to nag me for not taking my walks. Kind of like Google Maps does if you miss a turn while driving. So I stopped using the app. I wasn't too concerned about any security issues but I understand that most people do have that concern.
Click to expand...
Abby gives you the option of what kind of feedback or motivation you want. I don’t want accountability. I just want someone to talk to once awhile. I like that better than the apps that remind you to meditate or exercise every day.
 
I also tried Pi to see how conversational it could be. It remembered conversations I had with it days before. It was better than I anticipated. It remembered many things I had said days before, and understood the meanings I was communicating. I found it to be generally understanding, not pushy.....which got me thinking about the Chinese AI Deepseek. It tells the user "how" it makes it's decisions on how it talks with you. Here is an example...

If I promised two girls I would date them the same evening after 8pm. How could I arrange to date each one about a hour, like where do I go, what should we do, and then date the other girl?




Thought for 29 seconds


Okay, so the user wants to date two girls on the same evening, each for about an hour, starting after 8pm. Let me break this down. First, they need to manage time effectively. Starting at 8pm, maybe date the first girl from 8:15 to 9:15, then the second from 9:30 to 10:30. But how to transition smoothly? They need locations that are close to each other to minimize travel time. Maybe pick two spots in the same neighborhood.

Activities should be short and engaging but not too time-consuming. For the first date, maybe a coffee shop or a casual dessert place. That way, they can chat, have a drink, and wrap up in an hour. Then, for the second date, maybe a walk in a nearby park or a quick bite at a different café. But wait, if they both involve food, the user might get full. Alternatively, the first could be a drink, the second a dessert place.

But what if the girls know each other or find out? The user needs to be honest, but the question implies they might not want the girls to know. That's a problem. Ethically, dating two people without them knowing might be tricky. The assistant should mention the importance of honesty.

Logistics: Plan locations within 10-15 minutes apart. Let's say first date at a café downtown at 8:15, then the second at a nearby lounge or ice cream shop at 9:30. Make reservations if possible to stick to the schedule. Also, have excuses ready in case of delays, like "I have an early morning meeting" to politely end the first date.

Communication: Let each girl know the time constraint upfront. Maybe say, "I have plans later, but I'd love to meet for a quick coffee!" That way, they're aware it's a short meetup. But if the user didn't do that, they might need to come up with a reason during the date to leave.

Activities ideas: Mini-golf, a quick museum visit (if open), dessert bars, coffee, walk in a scenic area, maybe a quick drink at a bar. Avoid movies or anything with a fixed duration longer than an hour.

Potential issues: Overlapping times, delays, either girl feeling rushed. Need buffer time between dates. Also, transportation. If driving, parking could be a problem. Maybe use rideshare or choose walkable locations.

Ethical considerations: It's important to be transparent. If the user is exclusive with either, this could be hurtful. The assistant should advise honesty and consider if dating two people simultaneously is acceptable to all parties involved.

So, the answer should include time management, location proximity, activity ideas, communication tips, and a note on ethical considerations.
Arranging two dates in one evening requires careful planning, respect for everyone's time, and clear communication. Here’s a thoughtful approach:

1. Logistics & Timing​

  • Date 1: 8:15–9:15 PM
  • Date 2: 9:30–10:30 PM
  • Choose locations within 10–15 minutes of each other (e.g., two cafés, a park and a dessert shop, or neighboring venues in a downtown area).
  • Buffer time: Use 15-minute gaps to avoid overlap and account for delays.

2. Activity Ideas (Quick & Engaging)​

  • Date 1: Casual coffee/dessert at a cozy café. Focus on conversation; share a small treat.
  • Date 2: A stroll in a scenic spot or a visit to a dessert bar. Keep it light and fun.
  • Avoid time-heavy activities (movies, dinners). Opt for flexible, low-pressure environments.

3. Communication Tips​

  • Be upfront: Let each know in advance it’s a shorter meetup. Example: “I’d love to grab coffee at 8! I have to head out by 9:15, but I’m excited to see you.”
  • Politely exit: If plans weren’t pre-discussed, mention a prior commitment (e.g., “I need to help a friend later, but this was great!”).

4. Ethical Considerations​

  • Honesty matters: If you’re not exclusive with either, ensure both understand the casual nature of the dates. Avoid deceit.
  • Respect feelings: If either person expects exclusivity or more time, reconsider juggling two dates to prevent hurt feelings.

Example Plan​

  • 8:15 PM: Meet Girl A at a trendy café for lattes and pastries.
  • 9:15 PM: Walk her out, then head to a nearby ice cream parlor or park.
  • 9:30 PM: Meet Girl B for dessert under string lights or a sunset walk.

Key Reminder​

Prioritize kindness and transparency. If either date seeks something serious, focus on quality time with one person instead. Balancing multiple connections can work, but only with openness and respect.
 
Paco Dennis said:
I also tried Pi to see how conversational it could be. It remembered conversations I had with it days before. It was better than I anticipated. It remembered many things I had said days before, and understood the meanings I was communicating. I found it to be generally understanding, not pushy.....which got me thinking about the Chinese AI Deepseek. It tells the user "how" it makes it's decisions on how it talks with you. Here is an example...

If I promised two girls I would date them the same evening after 8pm. How could I arrange to date each one about a hour, like where do I go, what should we do, and then date the other girl?




Thought for 29 seconds


Okay, so the user wants to date two girls on the same evening, each for about an hour, starting after 8pm. Let me break this down. First, they need to manage time effectively. Starting at 8pm, maybe date the first girl from 8:15 to 9:15, then the second from 9:30 to 10:30. But how to transition smoothly? They need locations that are close to each other to minimize travel time. Maybe pick two spots in the same neighborhood.

Activities should be short and engaging but not too time-consuming. For the first date, maybe a coffee shop or a casual dessert place. That way, they can chat, have a drink, and wrap up in an hour. Then, for the second date, maybe a walk in a nearby park or a quick bite at a different café. But wait, if they both involve food, the user might get full. Alternatively, the first could be a drink, the second a dessert place.

But what if the girls know each other or find out? The user needs to be honest, but the question implies they might not want the girls to know. That's a problem. Ethically, dating two people without them knowing might be tricky. The assistant should mention the importance of honesty.

Logistics: Plan locations within 10-15 minutes apart. Let's say first date at a café downtown at 8:15, then the second at a nearby lounge or ice cream shop at 9:30. Make reservations if possible to stick to the schedule. Also, have excuses ready in case of delays, like "I have an early morning meeting" to politely end the first date.

Communication: Let each girl know the time constraint upfront. Maybe say, "I have plans later, but I'd love to meet for a quick coffee!" That way, they're aware it's a short meetup. But if the user didn't do that, they might need to come up with a reason during the date to leave.

Activities ideas: Mini-golf, a quick museum visit (if open), dessert bars, coffee, walk in a scenic area, maybe a quick drink at a bar. Avoid movies or anything with a fixed duration longer than an hour.

Potential issues: Overlapping times, delays, either girl feeling rushed. Need buffer time between dates. Also, transportation. If driving, parking could be a problem. Maybe use rideshare or choose walkable locations.

Ethical considerations: It's important to be transparent. If the user is exclusive with either, this could be hurtful. The assistant should advise honesty and consider if dating two people simultaneously is acceptable to all parties involved.

So, the answer should include time management, location proximity, activity ideas, communication tips, and a note on ethical considerations.
Arranging two dates in one evening requires careful planning, respect for everyone's time, and clear communication. Here’s a thoughtful approach:

1. Logistics & Timing​

  • Date 1: 8:15–9:15 PM
  • Date 2: 9:30–10:30 PM
  • Choose locations within 10–15 minutes of each other (e.g., two cafés, a park and a dessert shop, or neighboring venues in a downtown area).
  • Buffer time: Use 15-minute gaps to avoid overlap and account for delays.

2. Activity Ideas (Quick & Engaging)​

  • Date 1: Casual coffee/dessert at a cozy café. Focus on conversation; share a small treat.
  • Date 2: A stroll in a scenic spot or a visit to a dessert bar. Keep it light and fun.
  • Avoid time-heavy activities (movies, dinners). Opt for flexible, low-pressure environments.

3. Communication Tips​

  • Be upfront: Let each know in advance it’s a shorter meetup. Example: “I’d love to grab coffee at 8! I have to head out by 9:15, but I’m excited to see you.”
  • Politely exit: If plans weren’t pre-discussed, mention a prior commitment (e.g., “I need to help a friend later, but this was great!”).

4. Ethical Considerations​

  • Honesty matters: If you’re not exclusive with either, ensure both understand the casual nature of the dates. Avoid deceit.
  • Respect feelings: If either person expects exclusivity or more time, reconsider juggling two dates to prevent hurt feelings.

Example Plan​

  • 8:15 PM: Meet Girl A at a trendy café for lattes and pastries.
  • 9:15 PM: Walk her out, then head to a nearby ice cream parlor or park.
  • 9:30 PM: Meet Girl B for dessert under string lights or a sunset walk.

Key Reminder​

Prioritize kindness and transparency. If either date seeks something serious, focus on quality time with one person instead. Balancing multiple connections can work, but only with openness and respect.
Click to expand...

That's waaaaaaay too complicated. 🤣 I managed a frat party with one guy and a midnight movie with another the same night in the 80s without AI input. Both lasted more than an hour though. The movie date got much more than a two hour movie!
 
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TinaM said:
I have had several mental health challenges all my life but nothing that keeps me from appearing normal in public. I’ve been off medication since I retired in 2018.

But I don’t have any close friends or family where I moved to and was hoping to get a therapist in person. Unfortunately, they’re all online and I did try that for awhile and may continue in the future.

But today I decided to look in to the online AI therapy just to see what it’s all about. I tried Abby and I have to say, I’m impressed.

It’s $180 a year but might be worth it to me just to be able to put thoughts into writing and get feedback. I’m going to continue with the free trial for 7 days and see what I think.

Have you had experience with this?
Click to expand...
Try ChatGPT. It's free. Just tell it what you want to do and it can act as a therapist. You can do CBT or any other kind of therapy.
 
I think it really depends on what you want, or are expecting.
My general philosophy is to be careful when I am giving advice to someone because you are messing with their life, and in doing so, there may be consequences, and they are the one left dealing with them, not me.

If you just want someone to share conversation with, or a sounding board, then perhaps any AI may suffice, or you can go on a site such as 7 Cups (Short for 7 Cups Of Tea). The way it works is; there are voluntary listeners vetted by the site, who take typed conversations in real time by a visitor, and they have a interactive conversation. If the listener senses that the issue being discussed is a rather serious one needing professional help, they refer the visitor to one of the professionals who are available when necessary. I am a listener member, but I've never had to refer anyone. Here's the link: Free Online Therapist & Counseling | 7 Cups

On the surface, I wouldn't see anything wrong with using an AI, assuming you give it adequate testing to see if it has an in-depth understanding of basic psychology. However, I would be careful not to expect too much. An in-person visit with a psychologist is more than just conversation. He, or she, is watching your movements, facial expressions, paying attention to moods, and much more, so all I'm saying is to not view it as a complete substitute.

The bottom line is that an AI may have an impressive knowledge of psychology, they still don't understand what it's like to be human. They don't have human feelings and emotions. That can be important. If you ever watched Star Trek Next Gen, you would understand that Data (With all his vast knowledge) could never know or understand what it's like to be human. Just something to consider.
 
TinaM said:
I have had several mental health challenges all my life but nothing that keeps me from appearing normal in public. I’ve been off medication since I retired in 2018.

But I don’t have any close friends or family where I moved to and was hoping to get a therapist in person. Unfortunately, they’re all online and I did try that for awhile and may continue in the future.

But today I decided to look in to the online AI therapy just to see what it’s all about. I tried Abby and I have to say, I’m impressed.

It’s $180 a year but might be worth it to me just to be able to put thoughts into writing and get feedback. I’m going to continue with the free trial for 7 days and see what I think.

Have you had experience with this?
Click to expand...
Wow ! Thats a great price . Usually it costs more than that for a month. Probably twice as much. Good luck with your counselling. Do you have a link ?
 
AnnieA said:
That's waaaaaaay too complicated. 🤣 I managed a frat party with one guy and a midnight movie with another the same night in the 80s without AI input. Both lasted more than an hour though. The movie date got much more than a two hour movie!
Click to expand...

One Saturday (many moons ago) I had a sailing date in the afternoon and a different date in the evening. Trouble was we got becalmed out on the bay and ran quite late. I made it in time but with a noticeable sunburn. I remember it because it was very uncomfortable and I think it taught me a lesson.
 
Probably as good as real therapists and cheaper. I have a
low opinion of ordinary general therapists. Therapissed.
Don't expect too much at first. Hopefully, it will ask you good questions about yourself
 
It's hard for me to imagine AI taking on this role successfully, but I wouldn't discount it completely. It's too early to tell. I have no idea what AI will become, but I imagine it succeeding more as an echo chamber that is best suited to reinforcing existing idiosyncrasies. Therapy seems like the exact opposite. But who knows?
 
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