How AI Can Support Your Therapeutic Work

Using AI as a Companion in Your Therapy Journey

Therapy is a powerful space for self-discovery, healing, and growth—but the work doesn't stop when your session ends. If you’ve ever found yourself wishing for a tool to help you reflect between sessions, stay connected to your goals, or gently process emotions in real time, artificial intelligence (AI) may offer some surprising support.

AI isn't here to replace your therapist, but it can be a thoughtful companion in your therapeutic journey. Just like journaling or guided meditation, AI tools can offer prompts and reflections to deepen your understanding of yourself—especially when you’re between sessions and something comes up.

How AI Can Support Your Therapeutic Work

One way AI can help is by asking reflective questions that align with the themes you're exploring in therapy. For example, if you’re working on boundaries, an AI journaling assistant might ask: “What’s one moment today where you honored your own needs?” If you’re doing parts work (like IFS), it might invite you to consider: “Which part of you showed up the most today, and what was it trying to protect?”

These kinds of prompts keep the therapeutic process active and present in your everyday life. They also help you arrive at sessions with more insight and clarity, making our time together more effective and focused.

Staying Grounded Between Sessions

AI tools can also help with emotional regulation. Apps like Wysa or Youper use AI to guide users through mindfulness exercises, CBT-based reframes, or grounding techniques. If you’re navigating a stressful situation and I’m not immediately available, a well-designed tool can help you pause, reflect, and respond with more intention.

Research supports the value of these digital tools as therapy adjuncts. A 2022 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that AI-powered mental health apps can enhance self-awareness, emotional regulation, and even increase therapy retention when used alongside professional care (Bendig et al., 2022).

A Word of Caution

Not all AI tools are created equal, and it's important to use them as a support—not a substitute—for therapy. They’re most helpful when used mindfully and with guidance, especially if you’re exploring complex trauma or sensitive relational issues.

Making the Most of Our Work Together

When you bring the insights, reflections, or even questions generated by an AI tool into session, we can use that material to go deeper and move forward with more clarity. Think of it like planting seeds between our conversations—seeds that we’ll tend to and grow together.

As always, you’re not expected to “do more” between sessions, but if you’re looking for gentle ways to stay connected to your growth, AI might be a meaningful addition to your toolbox.