In this episode of Sacred Harmony, we explore mental health in the age of AI and ask a blunt question. can technology actually reduce anxiety and overwhelm instead of adding to it. Guest Ali Yilmaz. an engineer turned mental health innovator. shares how his own journey through impostor syndrome, anxiety and depression led him to build AI based cognitive behavioral self help tools that are affordable, private and available on demand.
Ali breaks down how CBT and AI work together, why AI therapy should never pretend to replace human therapists, and where it genuinely shines. everyday stress, negative thinking loops, accessibility for rural communities and people priced out of traditional care. This is a direct, practical look at AI therapy, digital mental health, CBT, stigma and access that will land with founders, professionals and anyone quietly struggling while “looking fine on paper.”
About the guest:
Ali Yilmaz is an engineer turned mental health product builder who moved from writing code to designing AI powered support for people dealing with anxiety, burnout and self doubt. After facing intense pressure as a young senior product manager, he went searching for therapy and instead found a broken, expensive and confusing system. That frustration pushed him to study cognitive behavioral therapy and computerized CBT and eventually create AI driven self help tools that make structured mental health support more accessible, less stigmatized and easier to fit into real life.
Key takeaways:
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AI plus CBT is a practical combo. Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly structured and method based. which makes it uniquely suited for AI supported self help tools that coach people through their thoughts without pretending to be human.
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AI therapy is a supplement. not a replacement. Ali is clear that AI tools are not designed for deep trauma or suicidal crises. They work best for daily stress, mild anxiety and negative thinking patterns. alongside or between human therapy sessions.
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Access and cost are the real bottlenecks. Even with “good insurance,” Ali struggled to find an affordable therapist who accepted his plan and fit his schedule. AI based CBT tools can dramatically lower cost and remove logistical barriers.
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Bias and stigma are huge hidden blockers. Many users choose AI tools not only because of money but because they feel safer opening up where there is zero perceived judgment or social risk. especially in small towns or tight knit communities.
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Design matters at the first message. One of the biggest product challenges is helping people start talking at all. Thoughtful onboarding questions and emotionally aware prompts are key to unlocking honest conversations with AI.
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Ethics require honesty about what AI can feel. AI should never fake emotions. Its role is to logically understand that something is sad or stressful and then ask grounded questions that help users think more clearly.
How listeners can connect with Ali Yilmaz :
You can explore Ali’s work and connect with him through AITherapy.care.
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Visit: https://www.aitherapy.care/ The first email you receive from the platform will be from Ali personally. Reply directly to share your experience, ask questions or suggest improvements.
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From AITherapy.care you can also find links to:
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Ali’s Twitter X profile
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Instagram and other social channels for AITherapyAli specifically invites feedback on what is working for you and what could be improved in the AI powered CBT experience.
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Disclaimer
This video is for educational and informational purpo
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