In this article, Dr. David Treleaven discusses the potential of AI in the development of trauma-informed therapy and providing emotional support for clients struggling with stress, anxiety and PTSD.
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Introduction
My name is Dr. David Treleaven, and I’m a writer and educator who is passionate about understanding trauma and the many ways in which it affects our lives. I’ve primarily studied the ways trauma alters our psychological landscape, but lately I’ve become fascinated by a new phenomenon: the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with respect to anxiety and trauma. It’s been nothing short of amazing to watch these changes begin to take shape as a result of the convergence of these two professions, which has the potential to change how we view mental health.
The rise of AI in the mental health sector
My interest in how artificial intelligence (AI) might transform mental health began a few weeks ago, when I was unable to sleep because of some anxiety. My thoughts, like a never-ending hamster wheel, wouldn’t let me sleep. With most of my friends already in dreamtime, I made the decision to launch a chatbot AI that I had been testing. As I typed out my concerns, the AI responded thoughtfully and sympathetically, offering me reassuring suggestions and reassuring me of my resilience. Surprisingly, confiding in this virtual being helped me feel less anxious. My breathing slowed, my heart rate stabilised, and a reassuring ease spread through me as the minutes passed.
The whole experience was a revelation to me – especially as someone who is skeptical of AI and loves contact with other humans. It seemed as though AI had successfully helped to control my nervous system in its own unique way, giving me peace when I was alone in the night. The notion that an AI system could assist me (or anybody else) in dealing with a dysregulated nervous system, or even PTSD, was both startling and exciting, to say the least.
The intersection of clinical practice and AI
So what are the applications of this clinically, in practice? What is really at the intersection of psychology and AI? In my psychotherapy practice, I’ve begun to envision some specific applications of AI that could radically enhance how we support trauma-affected individuals. AI could fill the gaps in situations where a therapist is not readily available, or even work in tandem with therapists to augment the therapeutic process.
There are several ways this could look like in real life. For instance, AI-driven tools could act as an immediate emotional support system for clients in moments of acute distress. Often, a person grappling with the aftermath of a significantly stressful event might experience sudden emotional turbulence. During such times, immediate help is needed, but therapists may not always be available. Here’s where an AI system could step in – offering prompts for grounding exercises, delivering soothing messages, or providing a safe, nonjudgmental space for the individual to express their feelings.
Furthermore, these AI tools could also be an integral part of the therapeutic journey. They could be programmed to remind clients about self-care routines, mindfulness exercises, or simply to take prescribed medication at the right time. In essence, they could serve as a consistent, comforting presence that reinforces therapeutic strategies even outside the therapist’s office. In my practice, I’ve seen clients struggle with maintaining consistency in their healing journey, and I believe AI could provide a solution to this challenge.
AI in trauma-informed therapy
In my work, I’ve learned how intensely personal and unique each trauma experience can be. Trauma leaves a distinctive mark on each person’s life, so the idea that an AI could be able to “understand” and react to these unique experiences was initially surreal. But when I dug further, I saw the potential beauty in this: a responsive, encouraging system of care that recognises and respects each person’s individual trauma journey can be created with the use of an AI system that can assist in seeing and responding to indicators of trauma.
Moreover, the use of AI could enhance the therapist’s ability to provide trauma-informed care. For instance, AI-powered analysis of a client’s communication, be it textual or verbal, could alert the therapist to subtle signs of distress or potential triggers that might otherwise go unnoticed. With this information, the therapist could adjust their approach or intervention strategies accordingly, leading to more personalised, responsive care.
Additionally, the AI system could be programmed to deliver specific therapeutic prompts based on the client’s responses or expressed emotional state. For instance, if a client expresses feeling overwhelmed, the AI might suggest deep-breathing exercises or guided meditations. If the client is experiencing insomnia, the AI could provide sleep hygiene tips or relaxing soundscapes to facilitate restful sleep.
The potential of AI in supporting trauma-affected clients is immense and continually expanding. However, we must tread thoughtfully in our integration of this technology into our mental health practices. We must keep in mind the importance of autonomy, safety, and empathy in all interactions with trauma-impacted individuals, and ensure that these principles guide the development and implementation of AI-based mental health tools.
Hopes for the future
My hope is that we continue to create and implement these tools with a thorough grasp of the complexity of trauma as I continue to see the junction of AI and mental health as it develops. With a dedication to trauma-sensitivity, we can harness the power of AI to transform mental health care. The possibilities for support and healing are vast.
I’m still tremendously excited about the possibilities of artificial intelligence in the field of mental health, particularly in relation to trauma. But more than anything, I want to live in a world where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, is able to ask for (and access) the support they need to live full, thriving lives. Perhaps AI will help us do this.
Key takeaways
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise the mental health sector when it comes to providing emotional support to individuals suffering from trauma-related issues such as anxiety and PTSD.
- AI tools could act as an immediate emotional support system for individuals in moments of acute distress.
- AI could supplement the therapeutic process by reminding clients of self-care routines, mindfulness exercises, and providing a safe space to express feelings.
- AI-driven analysis of client communication could alert therapists to subtle signs of distress or potential triggers that might otherwise go unnoticed.
- AI-based tools should be developed and implemented with a thorough understanding of trauma-sensitivity, autonomy, safety, and empathy in order for people to access the support they need.
About the author
Dr. David Treleaven, Ph.D., is a writer, educator, and trauma professional whose work focuses on the intersection of trauma and mindfulness. He is author of the book Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: Practices for Safe and Transformative Healing and Mental Health Academy’s 40-hour Micro-Credential course, Expanding the Window of Tolerance: Empowering Clients Through Self-Regulation.
For more details, visit Dr. Treleaven’s MHA Expert Profile.