The intersection of AI and psychotherapy

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Sessions

AI, mental health and psychotherapy: what every therapist needs to know

Dr Aaron Balick, psychotherapist, applied psychodynamics

As AI continues to embed itself into everyday life, its psychological and relational implications are becoming increasingly urgent. While psychotherapists may be among the most well-placed to respond to these concerns, many find themselves bewildered and anxious in the face of its rapid development. We are witnessing a profound shift in how people relate to themselves, others, and the world – alongside the greatest paradigmatic challenge to the practice and role of psychotherapy in its history. In this talk, Dr. Balick will discuss the state of play of digital culture today to help participants better prepare for the new clinical realities it represents. Attendees will come away with a clearer understanding of how to think about these technologies and to better navigate the ethical, emotional and symbolic challenges and opportunities they pose for the profession.

AI and psychotherapy: some ethical considerations

Julie Stone, independent ethics lead and chair of UKCP’s Ethics Committee

This session will explore some of the many potential ethical implications of AI for practice. It will explore the ramifications for both individual therapists and the profession as a whole, assuming that use of generative AI will become ever more prevalent. Asking which ethical principles and theories might be helpful in thinking about AI as novel technology, topics will include potential benefits and harms, assessing fears of therapist ‘replacement’ against the distinctiveness of human interactions, and assessing capacity for ‘working with’ AI as an opportunity to support diagnosis, practice, research and supervision. 

You can read more about our speakers below.

Learning objectives

During this event, you will:  

• learn how AI technologies, including chatbots and machine learning models, are being utilised in mental health support
• understand the ethical considerations surrounding AI in psychotherapy, including patient privacy, consent and the limitations of AI-driven therapy
• discover how AI can enhance the work of therapists rather than replace human interaction. 

Full programme coming soon. 

Who should attend?

This webinar is open to all psychotherapists, counsellors, mental health practitioners, AI researchers and students in psychology and AI fields. 

CPD

After this event you will receive a certificate of attendance which you can submit for consideration towards your CPD hours.  

Registration

Speakers

Dr. Aaron Balick

Psychotherapist, applied psychodynamics

Dr. Aaron Balick is a leading voice in the demystification of psychology and its power to deepen understanding and unlock personal and professional evolution.  Drawing on more than two decades as a clinician and academic, Aaron transforms high-quality, cutting-edge psychological insights that can be directly applied to life and work. His groundbreaking book, The Psychodynamics of Social Networking, made him an international authority on the psychology of social media and technology. Sought out for his capacity to make psychology accessible to varied audiences, Aaron has appeared across the media – from his role as BBC Radio 1’s resident mental health expert for young people, to appearances on Radio 4’s Moral Maze and The Digital Human. In addition to this, Aaron is also the psychology and culture contributor for GQ. Aaron lives in London where he works as a psychotherapist and consultant. He is the author of two self-help books and is the co-host of Time to Show Up, a podcast devoted to personal and professional flourishing. 

Julie Stone

Independent ethics lead and chair of UKCP’s Ethics Committee

An ethicist and academic medical lawyer, Julie Stone has had a longstanding involvement in the ethics, law and regulation of psychotherapy. She is an advocate of evidence-informed practice and collaborative work with experts by experience. As a former non-executive director of an NHS commissioning trust and an NHS mental health/community provider trust, Julie has promoted trauma-informed practice, Freedom to Speak Up, and staff wellbeing initiatives. She is an expert in professional boundaries.

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