The BBC published an article on 20 May entitled “Can AI therapists really be an alternative to human help?”. When someone is faced with an NHS waiting list to see a counsellor or CBT therapist and without the means to pay for private therapy, it’s understandable that some find an AI chatbot helpful but there are also shortcomings, even dangers..
With this in mind, I want to talk about the irreplaceable value of relationship and physical presence. When I am practicing craniosacral therapy with a client I can listen to what is said, mentally reference my training and experience, and respond. AI can do this too, so what is different? Firstly what is said by the client is what they are already aware of, and is an incomplete version of how they are as a whole. When I am listening to a client, I am at the same time sensing physiological and emotional factors that give depth to my experience of being with someone. I understand what they say, but with gentle touch and caring presence, I start to build a picture of how they feel and how it is to be them. This is a shared experience between me and the client, and a journey of enquiry, that is not necessarily driven toward conclusions. However it does open up a space for the client to know themselves far better and it is from there that things can change.
Furthermore, no matter how technologically advanced we become, we are hard-wired to read each others subtle body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. This is to assess how we are with one another and affects how safe and supported we feel, even without language. As an experienced CST therapist I can bring a sense of this support without having to say anything.