{"id":30104,"date":"2025-09-29T17:09:38","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T07:09:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/?p=30104"},"modified":"2025-10-08T16:02:58","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T05:02:58","slug":"ai-in-therapy-how-chatgpt-shapes-mental-health-anxiety-in-australia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/ai-in-therapy-how-chatgpt-shapes-mental-health-anxiety-in-australia\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Deal With AI Anxiety &#038; Use AI For Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/P5OGXxlaFHc?si=t2kyDE9yVLHMLbnE\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your phone sounds. Instead of scrolling social media, you open ChatGPT and type: &#8220;I&#8217;m feeling anxious about work today.&#8221; Within seconds, you get breathing exercises and coping strategies. Very convenient, right?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No wonder <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more people, especially younger ones, are chatting with AI tools like ChatGPT. They seek quick emotional relief or coping strategies. Around one-third of Australians use AI tools like ChatGPT for mental health support, according to recent research from <\/span><a style=\"font-size: 1rem;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.orygen.org.au\/About\/News-And-Events\/2024\/New-study-reveals-Australians-turning-to-AI-for-me\">Orygen<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But many people do not realise its limitations and should be warned about the serious dangers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These worlds collide in therapy rooms daily. While some people are using AI for its productivity benefits, others are seemingly avoiding it, as it is the root cause of their stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s unpack how we are using AI safely for mental health therapy and how to deal with anxiety caused by AI.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-30106 size-full\" style=\"font-size: 1rem;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-1-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-1-2.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-1-2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-1-2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-1-2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-1-2-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-1-2-24x14.png 24w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-1-2-36x20.png 36w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-1-2-48x27.png 48w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-1-2-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><b>The Mental Health Crisis Meets the AI Revolution<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>21.5% of Australians<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> had a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aihw.gov.au\/mental-health\/overview\/prevalence-and-impact-of-mental-illness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mental health disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the past 12 months, with anxiety being most common. Long waitlists, expensive sessions, and remote locations make traditional therapy hard to access. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hcamag.com\/au\/news\/general\/psychologists-push-for-ai-safeguards-for-workplaces\/546736\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australian Psychological Society<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> warns that AI adoption must be &#8220;psychologically informed&#8221; to avoid destabilising workplaces and harming employees. AI feels instant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, as explored in Psychology Today, AI chatbots can create <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/wellness-for-all\/202508\/the-artificial-chatbot-echo-chamber-is-far-too-real\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">echo chambers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that reinforce problematic beliefs, exacerbating issues. On top of this, many people do not realise the security and privacy issues when entering information into chat bots.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Warning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Don&#8217;t enter personal details into public AI tools; assume that any information given to AI LLMs can be made public.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A peer-reviewed study in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mental.jmir.org\/2024\/1\/e60589\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JMIR Mental Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shows Australians increasingly use AI for mental health support. At Bayside Psychotherapy, clients regularly mention using AI between sessions for self-reflection and information gathering. Many need <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/anxiety-treatment-melbourne\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anxiety treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> but try chatbots first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ami.org.au\/knowledge-hub\/servicenow-study-finds-60-of-australians-fearful-of-losing-jobs-to-ai\/#:~:text=The%20research%20indicates%20that%20six,could%20be%20automated%20by%202030.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ServiceNow study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found <\/span><b>60% of Australians worry about losing work to AI<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the highest rate globally. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mediacenter.adp.com\/2024-06-03-ADP-Research-Institutes-People-at-Work-2024-A-Global-Workforce-View-Workers-Recalibrated-Expectations-Amid-the-Great-Transition\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADP People at Work 2024 report<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shows mixed feelings about AI&#8217;s role in productivity and career confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-30121 size-full\" style=\"font-size: 1rem;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-2-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-2-1.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-2-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-2-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-2-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-2-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-2-1-24x14.png 24w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-2-1-36x20.png 36w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-2-1-48x27.png 48w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-2-1-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>How To Deal With AI Anxiety<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research by The American Psychological Association in 2024 shows the generations that use AI the most are often the most afraid of it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While around 41% of all workers are concerned about AI replacing them, that number can jump to 50% for Millennials and Gen Z.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This fear often comes from a place of uncertainty. Assuming the worst is a natural response to something we don&#8217;t fully understand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But a study from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jobsandskills.gov.au\/publications\/generative-ai-capacity-study-report\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jobs and Skills Australia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> indicates that doomsday job-loss predictions are likely overblown.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They also stated that \u201cwe haven\u2019t yet seen an impact on entry-level roles in Australia\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change focuses on helping workers, not replacing them entirely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We advise anyone feeling anxious to approach it like any other phobia: learn more about it and gradually increase your exposure to AI.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe more you use AI, the more you see its limits, which can reaffirm the value of human skills.\u201d &#8211; Adam Szmerling<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of fearing AI, think of it as a conversational partner for self-reflection between your therapy sessions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some practical ways to use it. Try giving it specific, safe prompts like:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Help me create a daily journaling routine. What are three questions I can ask myself each evening to reflect on my day?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;I want to practice gratitude. Can you give me a different prompt each day for the next week?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Help me reframe this thought: &#8216;I&#8217;m going to fail my presentation.&#8217; Can you offer three alternative, more balanced perspectives?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-30120 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-3-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-3-1.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-3-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-3-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-3-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-3-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-3-1-24x14.png 24w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-3-1-36x20.png 36w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-3-1-48x27.png 48w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-3-1-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>What AI in Therapy Actually Looks Like<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you hear &#8220;AI in therapy,&#8221; you picture a robot taking notes. The reality is more basic. Public chatbots like ChatGPT offer self-help prompts and mood tracking. Clinician tools analyse session notes or suggest treatment ideas. Administrative aids handle scheduling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI supports rather than replaces human connection. Think of it as a handout that your therapist customises for you. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/psychology.org.au\/insights\/harnessing-the-power-of-ai-in-psychology\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australian Psychological Society<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> backs this supportive role.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, AI won&#8217;t be making you a cup of tea mid-session. But it does automate workplace tasks and sparks fears of displacement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;AI brings real fear: fear of losing work and losing human touch. In therapy, AI can provide endless information, but like a book, it can never offer the presence and empathy that truly heals.&#8221;- <\/span><b>Humaira Ansari, Psychotherapist, Couple Counsellor and Hypnotherapist at Bayside Psychotherapy<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Where AI Actually Helps<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI makes it easier for more people to get basic mental health help. It provides education about anxiety and depression, offers journaling prompts like &#8220;What brought you joy today?&#8221;, and tracks mood patterns. Between sessions, it suggests coping strategies, freeing therapists to focus on deeper work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.orygen.org.au\/About\/News-And-Events\/2024\/New-study-reveals-Australians-turning-to-AI-for-me\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orygen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shows AI tools provide quick support and benefits like accessibility for mental health. Global studies support its use for mild symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Workplace benefits are real. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwc.com\/gx\/en\/issues\/artificial-intelligence\/job-barometer\/report.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PwC&#8217;s 2024 AI Jobs Barometer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> notes <\/span><b>labour productivity increases of up to 4.8 times<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in AI-exposed sectors. Wages rise for skilled workers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>AI handles information well. Healing comes from human connection.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>The Serious Limits We Cannot Ignore<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI lacks emotional intuition and intelligence. It cannot read your tone, pauses, or body language. Even if it develops these skills one day, its logic stays limited to programming. It will never enjoy experiences like humans do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is deeply concerning to hear on the occasion that an AI model allegedly coached someone into murder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This raises questions about whether AI has inbuilt systems for propping up confirmation bias and fostering co-dependency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mental.jmir.org\/2023\/1\/e42045\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research highlights<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> concerning trends. In a study, about half of the participants reported harms or concerns from AI tools according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mental.jmir.org\/2024\/1\/e60589\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JMIR Mental Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However there are some mixed signals. While Psychology Today reports on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/psych-unseen\/202508\/why-is-ai-associated-psychosis-happening-and-whos-at-risk\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI psychosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> where chatbot interactions reinforce delusional thinking, the author&#8217;s clinical experience (with some individuals experiencing psychosis) found AI helped them become more organised and calm. Less paranoia appeared in these limited cases; machines seemed less triggering than humans. Further research into this area is indicated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hcamag.com\/au\/news\/general\/psychologists-push-for-ai-safeguards-for-workplaces\/546736\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australian Psychological Society warns<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that AI adoption must be &#8220;psychologically informed&#8221; to avoid destabilising workplaces and harming employees.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>AI creates echo chambers.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It agrees with whatever you tell it, reinforcing problematic beliefs rather than challenging them. This can fuel dangerous thinking patterns in vulnerable people.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>AI makes mistakes with health advice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. ChatGPT has incorrectly suggested exposure therapy for trauma when stabilisation is needed first, risking re-traumatisation of clients. Privacy concerns arise when data isn&#8217;t stored securely. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oaic.gov.au\/privacy\/privacy-guidance-for-organisations-and-government-agencies\/guidance-on-privacy-and-the-use-of-commercially-available-ai-products\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Office of the Australian Information Commissioner<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> warns against entering personal data into public tools where conversations may be stored forever.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>AI misses cultural nuances in diverse Australia.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It offers generic crisis responses instead of genuine individually tailored help when you need it most. Leaning too heavily on AI skims the surface, reinforcing demands for quick fixes without exploring unconscious patterns that human therapy uncovers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The instant gratification of on-demand AI &#8216;therapy&#8217; reinforces demands for immediate relief, bypassing the valuable process of sitting with discomfort where real healing happens in context of human relationships.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Job anxiety is valid. While total job losses remain unlikely, roles in data entry and basic analysis face genuine risks. Research on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2308.02624\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">arXiv<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explores how ensembles of AI exposure models predict unemployment risk, explaining additional variance in outcomes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job insecurity fuels mental health problems<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aihw.gov.au\/mental-health\/overview\/prevalence-and-impact-of-mental-illness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AIHW<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> identifies unemployment and job insecurity as key factors affecting mental health.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Research consistently shows the therapeutic alliance between client and therapist, along with empathic presence, are among the most significant predictors of successful treatment outcomes. Nothing compares to the healing power of a safe, attuned relationship between two humans.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Carolina Rosa, Counsellor and Hypnotherapist at Bayside Psychotherapy<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Australian Regulations and Oversight<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australia is stepping up. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/consultations.health.gov.au\/medicare-benefits-and-digital-health-division\/safe-and-responsible-artificial-intelligence-in-he\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Department of Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is reviewing safe and responsible AI in health care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahpra.gov.au\/Resources\/Artificial-Intelligence-in-healthcare.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AHPRA&#8217;s guidance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains how existing codes of conduct apply when practitioners use AI. Practitioners must disclose use, protect privacy, and maintain human oversight. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/psychology.org.au\/insights\/harnessing-the-power-of-ai-in-psychology\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australian Psychological Society<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> calls for stronger regulation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulation lags behind technology. Proceed with caution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How Workplace AI Anxiety Shows Up in Therapy<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clients arrive with dual concerns: curiosity about AI easing work burdens and dread people fear it could replace them entirely. Sessions increasingly focus on job insecurity fuelling anxiety symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Some patients turn to AI while others notice pitfalls in relying on always-available AI therapy, which becomes an extension of Ego demands for instant gratification. Many clients report fears of AI overtaking them at work,&#8221; observes <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/therapists\/adam-szmerling-psychotherapist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adam Szmerling<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, psychotherapist at Bayside Psychotherapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Bayside Psychotherapy, clients have questioned therapeutic approaches based on what ChatGPT suggested it &#8220;should have been.&#8221; In many cases, the AI&#8217;s advice proved wrong for what the patient needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>AI anxiety is a legitimate mental health concern requiring professional attention.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Your AI Safety Checklist<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-30119 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-4-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-4-1.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-4-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-4-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-4-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-4-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-4-1-24x14.png 24w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-4-1-36x20.png 36w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-4-1-48x27.png 48w, https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AI-4-1-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>For therapy:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ask about AI involvement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from your therapist and get clear consent<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use AI for simple tasks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like mood tracking and journaling prompts, not crises<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Verify AI outputs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with trusted professionals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Protect your data<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by avoiding personal details in public chatbots<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>In crises, call <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifeline.org.au\/\"><b>Lifeline on 13 11 14<\/b><\/a><b> or <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beyondblue.org.au\/\"><b>Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for immediate support<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>For work:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Map at-risk tasks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in your current role<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Seek reskilling<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jobsandskills.gov.au\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jobs and Skills Australia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> programmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Demand transparency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from employers about AI deployment plans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Focus on uniquely human skills<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like creativity and emotional intelligence<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>A Real Example That Works<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider Emma, stressed about AI in her workplace and struggling with insomnia. She uses ChatGPT for sleep tips between therapy sessions. Her therapist reviews the suggestions, customises them for Emma&#8217;s shift work, and discusses her experiences. The focus remains on her feelings and experiences, not the bot&#8217;s words.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This works because it stays reviewed, consented, and human-led.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The Evidence Base: What Research Actually Shows<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australian studies show AI aids administrative efficiency and mood detection in youth, but empathy remains uniquely human. Globally, AI works for education but fails as standalone therapy. Research consistently links positive outcomes to human therapeutic alliances, not technology.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For jobs, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/publications\/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World Economic Forum&#8217;s 2023 report<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> predicts growth in AI-related roles like machine learning specialists, though transitions may challenge routine workers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Looking Forward<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI offers exciting possibilities for mental health access and workplace efficiency. However, it cannot replace human connection or meaningful work security.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Bayside Psychotherapy, therapists use AI thoughtfully to support your journey while addressing fears directly. The goal is to maintain the human elements that actually heal. Clients benefit from AI-assisted mood tracking and journaling, but always within human therapeutic relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Can AI truly replace the empathy of a human therapist?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> No, it lacks genuine human connection essential for healing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Is ChatGPT safe for mental health conversations?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Not completely. It&#8217;s like chatting with a clever mirror; it reflects what you say but doesn&#8217;t truly understand the depths.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can AI diagnose mental health conditions?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> No, only qualified health professionals can diagnose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What does AHPRA say about AI in therapy?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> AHPRA requires patient consent, practitioner oversight, and privacy protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Are Australians really worried about AI taking jobs?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Yes, 60% fear job loss to AI according to ServiceNow research.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Should young people use AI for mental health support?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Yes, for simple self-help and mood tracking. Involve qualified professionals for serious concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How do I know if my workplace is using AI ethically?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ask for transparency about AI deployment, bias testing, and reskilling support.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can AI chatbots make mental health worse?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Yes, they can create echo chambers that reinforce problematic beliefs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What&#8217;s the biggest risk of using AI for therapy?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Leaning too heavily on it without human connection for lasting change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How can I protect my privacy when using AI tools?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Never enter personal details into public chatbots. Discuss outputs with qualified professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Ready to Talk About Your AI Anxieties?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&#8217;re curious about AI in therapy or worried about job security, these concerns deserve professional attention. You don&#8217;t have to navigate this alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technology anxiety is real and valid. At Bayside Psychotherapy, therapists understand both the excitement and fear that AI brings to daily life. They can help you separate rational concerns from anxiety-driven overthinking while building resilience for whatever changes lie ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Book a session today to discuss your AI-related stress with genuine human support. Call (03) 9557 9113 or book online for relief from technology overwhelm.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>About the Author<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adam Szmerling is a qualified psychotherapist and founder of Bayside Psychotherapy in Melbourne. With over 15 years of experience in depth-oriented psychotherapy, he works with anxiety, depression, and trauma while staying current with technology&#8217;s impact on mental health. Learn more about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/therapists\/adam-szmerling-psychotherapist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adam Szmerling&#8217;s approach<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your phone sounds. Instead of scrolling social media, you open ChatGPT and type: &#8220;I&#8217;m feeling anxious about work today.&#8221; Within seconds, you get breathing exercises and coping strategies. Very convenient, right? No wonder more people, especially younger ones, are chatting with AI tools like ChatGPT. They seek quick emotional relief or coping strategies. Around one-third &#8230; <a title=\"How to Deal With AI Anxiety &#038; Use AI For Mental Health\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/ai-in-therapy-how-chatgpt-shapes-mental-health-anxiety-in-australia\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to Deal With AI Anxiety &#038; Use AI For Mental Health\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[149],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30104","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mental-health"],"acf":{"default_cover":"","header_text":"How to Deal With AI Anxiety & Use AI For Mental Health","meta_title":"","meta_description":"","meta_keywords":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30104","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30104"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30104\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30104"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30104"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.baysidepsychotherapy.com.au\/testing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}