[ExI] Chatgpt is replacing therapists

[BillK]

On Wed, 24 May 2023 at 15:27, <spike at rainier66.com> wrote:
>
> Hi BillK, such a dilemma.  There are plenty of people who could benefit from a professional therapist who are nowhere near being able to afford it.  In some cases governments pay, but we in the states are quickly approaching the time when government cannot afford anything, not even what it already bought.  That means the choice for a lot of people is ChatGPT as a therapist or no therapist.
>
> Those who can afford a professional psychologist: good for you, go forth, do it.  For those who cannot, we might suppose ChatGPT is better than nothing, so long as you keep in mind you are mostly talking to yourself.  That might be OK to do that, not necessarily a problem.  But... maybe a problem.
>
> Ja I know that's a wishy washy answer, but I was a witness when Eliza came along over 40 years ago and we heard the same thing then.  Perhaps we should experiment with GPT ourselves, posing as people who need therapy?  I have used ExI-chat as a kind of therapy for over 25 years, but never did get cured.
>
> spike
>-------------------------------------------------


ChatGPT does sometimes make stuff up, so any suggestions should be
cross-checked.  :)
Some articles about this do mention Eliza, with examples of how even that
simple system helped people.
e.g. <https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/mental-health-chatbots-artificial-intelligence-therapist-shortage/>

Another article emphasised that it is important what words you use and
what questions you ask ChatGPT.
ChatGPT uses your words to search for a response.
(There is a new profession appearing—A ChatGPT prompt advisor)!

This article teaches how to ask the right questions.
<https://joyninja.com/chatgpt-self-therapy-personal-growth/>
Quote:
March 22, 2023
How to Use ChatGPT for Self-Therapy, Self-Coaching, and Personal Growth
Here are three different ways I’ve found ChatGPT useful for
self-therapy and self-coaching. I have included all prompts and
responses, as learning to write good prompts is the main skill in
utilizing ChatGPT effectively.
---------------------------------

BillK