I was reading a book recently. The main character had went for a job interview 5 times to then get the job he really wanted. He and his wife put their house up for sale as she was an influencer and wanted to showcase a new house. Yet in the book he was still “unhappy” and he reached out to his ex to tell her about his job and the house put up for sale, she never replied. He told her he used ChatGPT to support compiling the message as he felt so stuck in life. I don’t recommend the book at all but it got me thinking of the use of ChatGPT. How many times people “unhappy” despite on the outside achieving everything.

ChatGPT wasn’t his psychologist and we have ethical and legal obligations. This blog isn’t to critique ChatGP, it’s documenting the work of a psychologist. A few months ago a social media post on our clinic page raised the subject now it’s time to reflect on my ponderings with a deeper look. Of course ChatGPT is useful however it’s not the same as attending an appointment with a psychologist. Like it to planning travel, ChatGPT sets out a route, a psychologist on the other hand not only sets out the route but they are part of the journey with you. You might be reading this and think I’m biased, well of course I am. I value relationships and safety of others. My clinic isn’t suitable for everyone, it’s also about the right time in attending therapy. The point of this blog is the differences than critique ChatGPT. If I like it or not ChatGPT will be staying for a while and possibly growing.

The main difference is that I’m a human with empathy, compassion and emotional intelligence. Humans for emotional wellbeing require connection with others that are safe e.g. supportive towards well-being and co regulation with challenge. My clinical experience is unique to me with additional training, addressing & managing risk, identifying your patterns of relating unconsciously e.g. what’s not being said, inclusive of body language, your tone and delving into deeper work. Seeing the subtle changes in your nervous system, the holding back of tears and providing a container to explore your cognitions, emotions and activations further. This is completed within a trauma informed approach. We are programmed for survival by a sense of belonging. What suits one person in clinic won’t suit another. Clinical experience enables me to adapt to the person in front of me, to their culture and preference. I also recall and ask questions in regards to something you’ve previously said. Connecting the dots with formulating that’s not fixed but fluid with new information shared.

Clinic is relational which brings about trauma informed therapy. This means I’m trained to ensure

we aren’t delving too fast into complexities without the mood being stabilised and a secure base outside of therapy is established. Solution focused is great but if we are addressing life by consistent problem solving then we are unable to develop further, understanding the underlying patterns that might be holding us back in the first place. Perhaps acceptance of not knowing it all is a great lesson, insight won’t work without self and co regulation. I’m trained. I’m registered with HCPC and continue professional development yearly to ensure my skill set is up to date. Then there is supervision that is also a requirement. I’m drawn to the relational side of psychology and work within this area at my private psychology clinic in Newcastle.

Relationships are messy and this is part of learning. ChatGPT is a prime example of pleasing. Of course I validate your emotions but we also challenge to look at it within a deeper level and curiosity about well-being that’s not always straight forward. The therapeutic relationship although a container and safe space brings up emotions and thoughts, this is part of the therapeutic relational dynamic and one which where much growth can take place. You learn from your psychologist, maybe leaning in to how they respond at times. It’s not about copying the psychologist but within every relational dynamic we learn, the psychologist too learns. Well-being is monitored in all sessions at my clinic. Real healthy relationships are vital in learning more and transferring it to other relationships.

Some of clients will have used ChatGPT and continue to use it, it’s not for me to say not to use it. What is important to remember it’s not always about a quick answer but a deeper understanding of self that takes time and it’s hard, messy and not as easy as a question. My clinic is suitable for some. ChatGPT is suitable for some, use it with care and not to rely on it.

Living comprises of being part of the world with other humans.