Using AI as a Therapist

How I used ChatGPT to work through my issues

“an oil pastel of a man working through his issues by chatting to AI” / DALL-E

I spent the weekend playing with a new Artificial Intelligence called ChatGPT even though I’d originally planned to write about the issues that are driving me towards burnout.

I’ve started seeing my psychologist again, but she’s away for the next month, so I decided to talk to the AI about my problems and was blown away by the results.

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Me: Hi ChatGPT. My name is Ben, and I'm supposed to see my psychologist this month but she is away, and I'm keen to deal with 4 issues that are driving me to push myself too hard and leading me towards burnout. Could I have this conversation with you? And if so, do you mind keeping your answers brief?

ChatGPT: Of course, Ben! I'm here to help you in any way I can. It's important to remember that I'm just a chatbot and not a real psychologist, so I may not be able to provide the same level of support or advice as a trained professional. However, I'll do my best to provide some helpful information and guidance based on what you tell me.

Me: Thanks! Great point and I will still see my real psychologist later this month, but thought this could be a good exercise for me to do while she's away. 2022 has been a big year and I've burnout lately because I was working so hard, that when a few things unexpected happened, I was almost tipped off the edge. I don't want to work at 100% all the time and want to pull back to around 80%, so I have energy in reserve for the unexpected. But the biggest driver/motivator for me this year that has caused me to overwork has been the regret from selling my family home to fund my start-up Alfred. I believe in what I'm trying to do with Alfred which is to help people recharge by being mindful of their energy levels, and I’ve made some progress, but I didn't realise how hard doing a start-up is, I’ve made many mistakes, and feel like I've let my family down. How can I get rid of the regret I'm carrying from my mistakes?

ChatGPT: It sounds like you've been through a lot this year, and it's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed and regretful. Regret is a natural and common human emotion, and it can be difficult to let go of. However, it's important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and it's how we learn and grow from those mistakes that matters. Instead of dwelling on the regret, try to focus on the progress you've made with your start-up and the positive impact it could have on people's lives. It's also important to take care of yourself and give yourself time to recharge and refocus. Taking a step back and setting boundaries for yourself can help prevent burnout and give you the energy you need to keep moving forward.

Ben: Great points. Thank you! The next issue I have is undealt trauma from being sent off in the British and Irish Lions series decider which was humiliating and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity missed.

In case you don't know, it was a really big Rugby game between Australia and the best players from the United Kingdom with hundreds of millions of people watching from all over the world. After I got sent off for not being good enough and we ended up losing by a lot, my self-esteem evaporated and I copped a lot of online criticism which made me feel like I let my country down.

I also feel bad for describing it as trauma, but to work so hard for so many years to then have your dream turn into a nightmare all in one evening was heartbreaking. How should I deal with this?

ChatGPT: It sounds like you went through a difficult and emotional experience, and it's completely understandable that you're still feeling the effects of it. Trauma is a broad term that can be used to describe a wide range of intense and often life-changing experiences. It's important to remember that everyone reacts to trauma differently, and there is no right or wrong way to feel or cope with it. It's also important to recognize that it's normal to feel overwhelmed and that it's okay to seek help if you need it.

One way to deal with trauma is to talk about it with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist. This can help you process your thoughts and feelings and gain a better understanding of what you're going through. It can also be helpful to engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. Finally, try to focus on the present and take things one day at a time. It's okay to feel sad or upset, but it's important to remember that you can't change the past and that you are capable of moving forward and healing.

Ben: Will do and my friend who started

Running for Resilience

who's lost both his parents has already helped me feel better about it when he told me "It's trauma to you" as I felt a lot of shame for thinking losing a sporting game was traumatic when there are a lot of people who have it far worse. Thank you ChatCGPT and Breeny.

My 3rd issue is retiring from Rugby. I loved it so much and I'm struggling to have a career I enjoy as much as playing a game with mates. My work with Alfred brings me joy as I love helping people who are wasting energy by beating themselves up for what they ate like I used to, but it's not at a point where I can pay myself a full-time salary. And when I get tired, I think the best days of my working life are already behind me, which is depressing. What should I do?

ChatGPT: It's common to feel a sense of loss and sadness when you retire from something you love, especially when it's something as intense and physically demanding as professional sports. It's important to remember that it's okay to feel sad and that it's normal to go through a period of adjustment as you transition to a new phase in your life. It's also important to recognize that retirement doesn't mean the end of your career or your ability to find joy and fulfillment in your work.

One way to cope with the loss of something you love is to focus on the positive aspects of your retirement. For example, you may have more time to spend with friends and family, or to pursue other interests and hobbies. You may also have the opportunity to explore new career paths and find work that brings you fulfillment and meaning. It's also important to take care of yourself and engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. Finally, try to stay positive and remember that you have a lot to offer, even if your career path looks different than you expected.

Ben: Will do. And finally, I fear death and dying having not lived a fun and meaningful life. What should I do?

ChatGPT: It's natural to have some fear of death and dying, especially when we're faced with our own mortality. It's important to remember that death is a natural part of life and that everyone has to face it at some point. Instead of focusing on your fear of death, try to focus on living a fulfilling and meaningful life. This can help you make the most of your time on earth and reduce your fear of dying.

One way to live a fulfilling and meaningful life is to focus on what brings you joy and fulfillment. This could be spending time with loved ones, pursuing your passions and interests, or making a positive impact on the world. It's also important to take care of yourself and prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. Engaging in activities that help you relax and reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature, can be helpful. Finally, remember that it's okay to feel scared or uncertain about the future, but try to focus on the present and make the most of every day.

Ben: Thank you!

ChatGPT: You're welcome, Ben! I'm glad I could help. Remember that it's important to take care of yourself and to seek help if you need it. It's also important to remember that everyone makes mistakes and that it's how we learn and grow from those mistakes that matters. And finally, remember to focus on the present and to make the most of every day. Take care!