Can AI really be used as your own personal therapist? Part 1 of 3 | Steve Siddals | #018 Mastering Change

Can a chatbot provide emotional support in moments of crisis? Can AI ever replicate the safety and insight of human connection? These are the questions Steve Siddals – psychology researcher and technology executive – set out to explore in one of the first qualitative studies into AI chatbots and mental health. 

In this episode of Mastering Change, we dive into Steve’s surprising findings: that 18 out of 19 participants in his study found AI chatbot support helpful – some even described it as “life changing.” 

“It gave me the space to just be me – without judgement, without fear.” 

Steve’s participants used AI in diverse ways. One person said the AI helped them reclaim their life after uncovering a new perspective on their upbringing. Another shared how a chatbot supported him through grief in the days leading up to his mother’s death. 

Access to mental health services is deeply unequal – particularly outside high-income countries – and Steve believes AI could fill a vital gap. But this isn’t about replacing therapists. It’s about listening to real experiences, understanding the potential and doing the research we so urgently need. 

We also explore

• The ethical concerns and fears surrounding AI and therapy 
• What “safe” really means when speaking to a bot 
• Where relational depth might fall short 
• How people are unknowingly using AI in therapeutic ways 

Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive episodes related to trauma, mental health and potential distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. 

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcast

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