It's become a norm for people to turn to ChatGPT or other AIs whenever they're going through something. 

There's something about AI always saying the right things and making people feel better. As a matter of fact, many have turned to AI as their personal therapist, because therapy is expensive and a hassle, 

However, there are a few reasons why AI can't replace an actual human therapist. 

Here they are

1. The ability to see and understand body language

Taking emotion, cultural context, experiences into consideration can be done with AI. All you got to do is tell the AI everything you've been through. However, what AI cannot is notice the body cues you're exhibiting when you're talking to it. 

There is no third person POV, for a more comprehensive understanding. 

2. Intelligence for deeper therapeutic work

AI may cover the basics, but it doesn't have the true intelligence for deeper therapeutic work to take place. AI has no place for emotion, they only mirror what you show them. Besides that, it doesn't take individual biasness into consideration. 

This means that making an informed decision about your situation is not as perfect as they portray it to be. 

3. Humans understand humans

Who better understand you, than your own kind? Humans have the ability to showcase an emotional range, AI can hardly fathom. There is no substitute for a trained professional to truly understand what you're going through. 

Based on a consultant psychiatrist, attempting it is like 'learning to fly from a video game and thinking you're ready to fly a plane'. 

Confusing the two can lead to misjudgments, ineffective care, and emotional harm.