Why AI won't replace coaching and therapy/counselling

The observable growth and usage of AI in the last few years has raised concerns about potential implications, particularly around the long-term impact of using AI instead of our human faculties, art/creative industries, the natural environment and workforce displacement. AI in general is a big topic to unpack, and I am primarily focusing on why I believe AI shouldn't replace human-delivered coaching and therapy/counselling. I do see benefits to AI, but that is for another reflection.

There is value in human connection. We are social beings in need of human connection and there's a wealth of literature and theories highlighting the importance of social relationships.

The content brought into a coaching environment, especially a therapy/counselling space is often very personal and sensitive, and requires the building of rapport/trust and confidentiality/privacy. One does not share this information with a stranger on the street, so why would one share this information with a bot online, with no clue how they are storing your information or wiping it after each “chat”.

A human coach/therapist offers continuity. We remember and know your story, and can reference/connect previous experiences/information shared with current ones if applicable. With AI it's like having a new therapist and having to explain your story all over again. Now if it has the power to remember sensitive information from your chat the day before, this should raise alarms.

A human coach offers a dynamic and flexible nature. Priorities or strategies may change in a session, and the person you are speaking to must be adaptable and look at a different approach or strategy based on the information presenting to them.

A human coach can see the full picture. Using AI is like data entry. It is heavily reliant on the data or info we put into it. We as humans are limited in our perspective, and may miss the full picture. A human perspective brings their own lived and professional experience into the space, and may spot blind spots and unpack things that you may have not noticed or observed before.

Finally, more relevant to therapy/counselling space and not performance coaching. I am highly concerned that an AI bot will not be able to safely and comprehensively handle a crisis care situation.

I acknowledge, especially in therapy that the cut-backs to NDIS and rising cost of living has contributed to use of AI. However, I believe it should be limited to use as a productivity/organisation tool e.g. tick box software like Habitify or Habitica. I would like to conclude that I am strongly against the use of AI to replace coaching and therapy.

Coach Jose