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 AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude 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 tools like ChatGPT to manage emotional distress. Across the psychotherapy profession, it is quite common that as therapists we are beginning to hear many individuals tell us things like:
“I asked ChatGPT to help me journal through my anxiety.”
“It helped me find some coping strategies in the middle of the night.”
Artificial intelligence 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.
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 or Claude 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.
However, ChatGPT cannot:
- Recognize when someone is dissociating
- Provide co-regulation or attuned nervous system support
- Offer trauma-informed containment
- Replace the relational healing process central to EMDR therapy (and other psychotherapy modalities)
Real Trauma Healing Requires More Than Reflection – It Requires Relationship
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 talk 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.
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.
We offer a free handout to our clients:
“Using AI for Self-Reflection: A Trauma-Informed Guide.”
This guide outlines how to use ChatGPT for:
- Journaling before or after EMDR sessions
- Exploring parts work or internal dialogue
- Practicing grounding between therapy sessions
- Summarizing insights from a trauma intensive
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.