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Recently, in my Ethics and Professional Issues class at the University of Guelph, I spoke to my students about psychotherapy in the digital age. We spoke about the use of technology, artificial intelligence, and social media in the context of psychotherapy. We explored the ethical implications of these tools and tried to answer some thought-provoking questions, such as:
🤔 Is it ethical for psychotherapists to provide advice over social media?
🤔 Will artificial intelligence replace psychotherapists?
🤔 Is it ethical for AI to provide psychotherapy services?
🤔 Can psychotherapists also be influencers?
The conversation was lively and insightful, with students sharing a range of perspectives. However, the central theme that stood out to me was the distinction between consumer-based and client-centered psychotherapy. This distinction feels incredibly relevant right now as the field continues to evolve with new technologies.
Consumer-based Psychotherapy
Consumer-based psychotherapy is a service where the therapist’s role is to provide answers, solutions, and a sense of certainty. In this approach, individuals, couples, or families are often categorized using specific descriptors—think terms like “anxiously attached” or “avoidant attached”—and then given a corresponding treatment plan. The underlying idea is that if you have X issue, you should do XYZ to address it. This type of therapy has its benefits. It’s accessible, straightforward, and can make psychotherapy feel more approachable for a wider audience. For some clients, this structured, solution-focused approach is exactly what they need. It provides clarity and direction, which can be comforting in times of uncertainty.
Client-centered Psychotherapy
By contrast, in client-centered psychotherapy, the therapist’s role is not to provide answers but to facilitate a process of self-discovery and growth. In this model, the client is seen as the expert of their own life, story, and experiences. The therapist’s job is to ask thoughtful, timely, and sometimes challenging questions that encourage the client to think, feel, and act in ways that might differ from their usual patterns. These questions are designed to bring the client’s inner desires and strengths to the surface, often revealing solutions that the client already possesses but may not have fully recognized or embraced. This approach is deeply collaborative and honours the unique complexity of each individual’s journey.
At Couples and Family Therapy Collective, we offer both approaches. We believe it’s important for you to consider which type of service aligns with your needs and goals. Are you looking for clear-cut answers and structured guidance? Or are you seeking a space to explore your inner world and take the lead in your healing process? There’s no right or wrong answer. It’s about finding what works best for you.
A Note for Fellow Therapists
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of psychotherapy, it’s interesting and important to reflect on how technology and AI are shaping the field. While these tools have the potential to make mental health care more accessible, they also raise some ethical questions. For example, can an AI really understand the nuances of human emotion and experience? Is it ethical to rely on algorithms to provide therapeutic support, especially when the stakes are high? How do we balance the convenience of social media with the need for privacy and professionalism in our practice? These are complex issues without easy answers, but they’re crucial to consider as we move forward.
In all of this reflection, one thing stands out to me. The human connection at the heart of psychotherapy is so important, and likely irreplaceable. Whether we’re working within a consumer-based or client-centered framework, the relationship between therapist and client is the foundation of effective therapy. It’s this relationship that builds trust and allows for meaningful change to happen. While technology can enhance our work, it can never fully replicate the authenticity of that connection.
If you ever have questions about our therapeutic approaches here at Couples & Family Therapy Collective, I encourage you to write to us: info@cftcollective.com
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