AI in Therapy: Promises, Problems, and Philosophies

Furkhan welcomes Jordan Conrad, the founder and clinical director of Lexington Park Psychotherapy in Manhattan. Their deep dive covers the groundbreaking advancements and ethical considerations of AI in therapy, including its potential to revolutionize mental health care. They discuss the philosophical and practical implications of neurodiversity, the rise of autism diagnoses, and the contentious impact of political and religious biases in psychotherapy. Additionally, the conversation spans topics like the potential discrepancies in AI therapy modalities, the importance of resilience and agency, and the social dynamics influenced by emerging technologies. Jordan also shares insights from his research in philosophy of medicine and medical ethics, making this episode a comprehensive exploration of AI's future in mental health. Jordan Conrad, PhD, LCSW, is the founder and clinical director of Lexington Park Psychotherapy in New York City. His research, focusing on philosophical issues in the mental health fields, has appeared in the Oxford Handbook of Evolution and the Emotions, the American Journal of Psychotherapy, the Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, and several other prominent journals. Dr. Conrad is an academic associate of the Washington-Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis and holds a certification in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Please also check out: LexingtonParkPsychotherapy.com. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:09 The Role of AI in Therapy 01:12 Guest Background and Research Focus 02:00 Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Neurodiversity 03:13 Debating the Concept of Disorders 13:04 The Politics of Psychotherapy 20:20 AI in Mental Health: Opportunities and Concerns 31:31 AI Psychotherapy and Socioeconomic Disparities 33:11 The Evolution and Limitations of AI in Therapy 34:51 Philosophical Challenges: Consciousness and Intentionality 38:58 AI in Group Therapy and the Question of Authenticity 46:13 The Impact of AI on Human Relationships 50:20 The Importance of Resilience and Meaning in Life 57:52 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions Sponsors of the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For 10% off your first month of therapy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a free two-week trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dookio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mental⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NuCalm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: for a one-week free trial ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanWorlds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Lewis Nutrition ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WeInspect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Optery⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices