Can AI ever replace the human connection at the heart of therapy, or are we losing something essential in the process?
I’m sitting down with my friend and colleague Dr. Sue Varma to talk about something that’s been on my mind. Artificial intelligence is making its way into mental health, offering quick answers and structured advice. But can it truly replace the depth of human interaction? Sue shares why the connection between a therapist and client isn’t just helpful. It’s the foundation of real change.
We also dig into some common misconceptions about therapy. Many people think it’s just talking instead of an active process of insight and growth. Sue introduces her “four M’s of mental health”—mindfulness, movement, meaningful engagement, and mastery. These simple habits help us stay grounded in an increasingly digital world.
As AI continues to reshape mental health care, how do we embrace new tools without losing what makes therapy work? Let’s get into it.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
03:09 Dr. Sue Varma’s Background and Book
04:21 AI in Mental Health: Introduction
05:04 Positives of AI in Mental Health
08:18 Concerns About AI and Human Connection
09:11 Cultural Sensitivity in AI Responses
11:12 Importance of Patient History in Therapy
14:02 Physical and Behavioral Observations in Therapy
17:02 Challenges of AI in Diagnosing Personality Disorders
20:02 Therapeutic Relationship and Rapport
23:10 Misconceptions About Therapy
26:03 Future of AI in Psychiatry and Psychology
27:06 Staying Grounded and Optimistic Amidst AI Advances
28:53 Four M’s of Mental Health
31:09 Closing
Links
Connect with Dr. Sue Varma:
IG, FB, Twitter: @doctorsuevarma
https://www.instagram.com/doctorsuevarma/
Website: www.doctorsuevarma.com
Practical Optimism https://amzn.to/4hQdrxT
Connect with Dr. Z: https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/
https://www.zgrouptherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dr.z_psychologist/
https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.z_psychologist
https://www.youtube.com/@DrJaimeZuckerman
Get my FREE breathing exercise here: http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/newsletter
Register for my on demand virtual courses here: http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/workshops
Order my workbooks! *Find Your Calm / Find Good Habits* http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/books
Shop my new Mindfully Messy hoodie here: http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/apparel
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com