156. [Bonus Episode] The Problem with AI Therapy (and How to Use It Safely)

Hello, my love. Today’s episode might ruffle some feathers… and honestly, I’m okay with that. Because this one matters. We’re diving into AI therapy — the rise of chatbots, self-coaching apps, and those “instant healing” tools everyone’s whispering about, and the blurry line between support and self-abandonment.

If you’ve ever found yourself venting to ChatGPT or journaling through a chatbot, this conversation is for you. I’m not here to tell you to ditch it altogether (you know I love innovation), but I am here to help you use it wisely, without accidentally outsourcing your intuition or your healing to a robot.

Let’s talk privacy, psychology, and the sneaky ways convenience can replace connection.

TOPICS & TANGENTS:
 • The real risk of “AI therapy”,  and why it’s not a safe replacement for human support
 • What no one’s talking about: data, privacy, and how your most vulnerable moments aren’t protected
 • The sneaky comfort of being validated vs. the power of being challenged
 • Why AI is designed to agree with you, and how that can keep you stuck
 • How to use AI intentionally: as a reflection tool, not a therapist
 • Safe prompts for emotional processing (without crossing the line)
 • How to build self-trust in the age of algorithms
 • The difference between feeling better fast and feeling fully

SAFE WAYS TO USE AI FOR SELF-REFLECTION:
 “Help me name what I’m feeling right now.”
 “Ask me five questions that could help me unpack this emotion.”
 “Give me three ideas to regulate my nervous system right now.”
 “Reflect back what I just said as if you were my most compassionate inner voice.”

(These are bridges — not replacements — for the real work.)

POINT OF THE STORY:
AI can be a tool, but not your teacher. It can mirror you, but it cannot meet you. Healing happens in relationship… to self, to others, to truth. Let technology support you, not replace you.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
 • Episode with Nadine Nethery on creating emotionally safe group spaces
• My favorite journaling and self-re

Are you loving it? Send Ash a text!

MORE ABOUT ASH
I am the definition of duality — I swear like a sailor and break rules like it’s my job, but I also hold incredible space for my clients and work my ass off to help them achieve the success they’re after. But I'm also here for the non-preneur woman, too. My background in counseling gives me a unique perspective on what it means to show up, serve, & create connection for those who feel like they've never belonged before.

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