Christina Janiga Psychotherapy - Blog

This blog is not a substitute for therapy, but provides evidence-based education for the purposes of self-help and information

Can ChatGPT Replace EMDR Therapy? A Trauma Therapist’s Perspective on AI and Healing

Wondering if Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT can replace trauma therapy? Learn how our clinic uses EMDR therapy and trauma intensives to offer real healing, and how AI fits into the picture—without replacing human connection.

Why More People Are Turning to ChatGPT For Mental Health

In today’s fast-paced world, many people—especially trauma survivors—are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT to manage emotional distress.

As psychotherapists, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. At our clinic, we’re listening closely to how people are engaging with AI tools. Across the mental health profession, it is beginning to be quite common to hear comments like:

“I asked ChatGPT about grounding and it helped calm me.”
“It gave me structure late at night when I felt overwhelmed.”
“It helped me find some coping strategies in the middle of the night.”

AI feels accessible, always available, and nonjudgmental. For those living with trauma symptoms like hypervigilance, emotional overwhelm, or shutdown, it can seem like a helpful short-term solution. We get it, ChatGPT and other generative AI tools are available 24/7. They respond instantly, offer suggestions, and can help people feel seen – at least on the surface. For many, they’re a low-barrier way to reflect, organize thoughts, or feel less alone in a moment of distress.

Here are some of the reasons clients are drawn to AI support:

It feels emotionally neutral—no judgment.
It’s free and always accessible.
It helps with writing, brainstorming, or summarizing feelings.
It provides structure when things feel overwhelming.

For people dealing with trauma, especially those early in their healing journey, AI can offer a sense of control when emotions feel chaotic and it’s because of this, we’re evolving our approach to help people use these tools in ways that support, not replace, the healing process.

But here’s the truth: no AI can replace the safety and depth of trauma-informed psychotherapy.

What AI Like ChatGPT Can – and Can’t Do For Trauma Survivors

Tools like ChatGPT can help users:

Reflect on emotions through journaling prompts
Learn basic grounding techniques
Organize their thoughts between therapy sessions

These uses can be especially helpful for those participating in trauma-focused therapy, EMDR intensives, or complex PTSD treatment, when guided by a trained therapist.

While AI tools can offer helpful reflections or calming prompts, and is promising for low-risk distress and symptom support, it lacks the complexity needed for trauma work – it cannot replace the safety, attunement, and co-regulation of real therapy—especially for trauma survivors.

AI doesn’t track your history, notice subtle shifts in your voice or body, or respond with warmth and compassion. It cannot slow you down when you’re moving too fast through painful material, and it won’t notice when a part of you is dissociating.

Some of the potential risks we’re noticing include:

Reinforcing avoidance or bypassing emotions
Creating a false sense of “I’ve figured it out”
Premature cognitive insight without emotional integration
Sharing sensitive information in non-confidential settings
Cannot provide co-regulation or attuned nervous system support
Not providing an opportunity for trauma-informed containment
It is superficial empathy – though AI may simulate care, a case study referred to as “robotic transference” shows individuals can misattribute human-like understanding to AI – and later feel betrayed by the illusion (link.springer.com)
Not recognizing the importance of the relational healing process central to EMDR therapy (and other psychotherapy modalities)
AI can’t manage crisis or complex trauma – research find human therapy more effective for deep trauma-related distress (bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com)

Real Trauma Healing Requires More Than Reflection – It Requires Relationship – Why EMDR Intensive Still Lead Healing

At our clinic, we primarily focus on providing trauma processing therapy including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), EMDR intensives, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Brainspotting for adults dealing with symptoms of PTSD and anxiety, complex trauma, childhood adversity, and nervous system dysregulation.

These approaches rely on more than conversation – it is more than a talk-based therapy. They engage the body, brain, and nervous system to reprocess traumatic experiences in a safe and structured way—something AI simply cannot do.

EMDR therapy and alternate somatic based modalities require careful assessment, preparation, and titration of trauma material. It’s a collaborative process, built on safety, stabilization, trust, and clinical expertise.

In EMDR and trauma intensives, we:

Engage the nervous system directly,
Track bodily responses,
Manage window-of-tolerance states,
Contain activation in real-time.

AI lacks the ability to contain, attune, and co-regulate in these high-impact clinical environments — relational capacities vital for trauma reprocessing. Human empathy and clinical judgment remain irreplaceable.

How We Help Clients Use ChatGPT Alongside Trauma Therapy

Rather than ignoring the use of AI in mental health, we’ve developed a trauma-informed approach to integrating it—safely and strategically.

At our clinic, we offer:

EMDR therapy & trauma intensives for symptoms of PTSD, complex trauma, and nervous system dysregulation.
AI-informed prep and aftercare tools used alongside—not instead of—human therapy.
Ongoing training and supervision so therapists can navigate AI ethically.

We also encourage clients to bring their AI reflections into session. Together, we review what’s helpful, what’s possibly bypassing deeper material, and how to stay safely anchored in the body.

We support individuals who bring in AI generated information and will use our own knowledge, skill, and judgment (and seek clinical supervision and/or consultation when needed) to validate the information individuals are receiving. We also verify that any AI-generated responses are not biased and will critically review the information before relying on it within the therapeutic context of the work we do with individuals.

AI Isn’t Confidential. Trauma Therapy Is.

One important reminder: ChatGPT is not private or bound by confidentiality laws. Individuals who are healing from trauma deserve to feel truly safe when they share their stories—and that means working with a trained, regulated, and present and attuned therapist. Our team at Christina Janiga Psychotherapy are all registered psychotherapists regulated by the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). We adhere to the ethical standards of practice including reviewing risks and benefits in engaging in different psychotherapy modalities and alternate supports within the community, including AI.

Training Our Team To Stay Ahead

We’ve also trained our team of EMDR therapists and interns in the ethical integration of AI tools in psychotherapy. This includes:

Reviewing risks and benefits of using AI-generated information and providing psychoeducation on how and when to use the tool outside of sessions
How to talk to individuals about AI use
Setting clear boundaries on AI use in trauma work
Discussing digital privacy and confidentiality with individuals

We believe in staying ahead of technology without compromising clinical integrity.

Interested In EMDR Therapy or Trauma Intensives?

If you’re exploring AI tools because you’re looking for emotional support, you’re not alone. But if you’re ready to do deeper work—whether through weekly trauma therapy, virtual EMDR sessions, or a focused trauma intensive—we’re here to help.

Our work focuses on:

EMDR therapy (in person and virtual)
Trauma intensives (half-day, full-day, or multi-day)
Brainspotting (virtual)
Complex trauma, relational trauma, and symptoms of anxiety rooted in childhood experiences
Nervous system regulation techniques for emotional healing

Take the First Step

✅ Ready to move beyond coping and into healing?
✅ Curious how EMDR or a trauma intensive could help you feel more grounded, clear, and connected?

We offer a free 15-minute consultation with our intake coordinators to help you find the right fit.

During the consultation, we will answer any questions you have about our practice and our psychotherapists, and help you determine if we are the right fit for you. We believe that feeling comfortable with your therapist is essential for a successful therapeutic relationship.

Let’s talk about what’s possible—human to human.

About The Author

Christina Janiga, BSc, MACP, RP is a registered psychotherapist providing in person and virtual psychotherapy and therapy intensives in Burlington, ON and across Ontario. She is a Certified EMDR therapist and a EMDR Consultant. She is trained in multiple modalities of trauma-focused healing to best support individuals who are looking to feel better faster.