The Rise of AI in Mental Health
You may have come across articles or posts asking whether artificial intelligence, or AI, could one day take the place of a therapist. With apps offering support and chatbots giving advice, it is a question that many people are beginning to ask.
After reading Valerie Frankfeldt’s article, “Beyond the Algorithm to Emotional Communication,” I have been thinking more about what therapy really is, and why human connection matters so much in the process of healing.
AI can now hold a conversation that sounds caring. It can recognise patterns in language, offer suggestions, and respond in ways that feel thoughtful. But therapy is not only about words. It is about feeling safe, being seen, and sharing space with someone who is fully present with you.
Why Human Connection Matters in Therapy
As Frankfeldt explains, “Most of what is communicated between people lies outside of conscious awareness.” This means that some of the most important parts of therapy happen in moments that cannot be planned or scripted. A pause. A look. A feeling of being truly understood. These are things a machine cannot offer.
This does not mean that technology has no place in supporting mental health. It may help people access information, track moods, or connect with resources. That can be incredibly valuable. But the heart of therapy is relational. And that is something only a human being can provide.
Real Therapy Is Built on the Relationship
What makes therapy meaningful is the presence of another person who listens without judgment, who stays with you through discomfort, and who helps you make sense of your thoughts and emotions over time. It is slow. It is subtle. And this connection is deeply human.
Frankfeldt’s article is a powerful reminder of what we can hold on to. While technology will continue to grow and change, the core of therapy remains the same. Healing happens in relationships. And no machine can replace that.
Want to Explore Therapy with a Human Touch?
If you would like to talk more about how therapy might support you, I invite you to click here to get in touch. I would be happy to connect and explore what might be helpful for you.