Thanks for sharing this. I assume you were struggling with suicidal ideation before becoming a counsellor? I would hate to think that counselling was a factor, but could believe in such a pipeline. How was the quality of your training for counselling? Do you think it prepared you well for the worst situation you found yourself in? I ask because my ex had a bad experience with counselling, but she would have been in the very challenging cohort. Do you have any opinions on using LLM’s for therapeutic conversations on these matters?
Yes, I went to therapy in earnest for 9 years. In my last year—once I was doing much better—I was certified as a crisis counselor (Crisis Text Line). I did that for a year before moving on to professional coaching. I still have an account on 7 Cups and sign in to have conversations from time to time.
I have had bad experiences with therapists, and I’ve heard even worse stories. My advice: don’t take it personally, don’t dwell on it, and move forward to finding someone supportive.
LLMs can be helpful but they should only be used as supplemental resources. Ultimately the foundational skill I learned in therapy is how to have an honest, vulnerable, face-to-face conversation with another human being. It was relationship skills training. I don’t believe LLMs are currently capable of giving that same experience.
Thanks for sharing this. I assume you were struggling with suicidal ideation before becoming a counsellor? I would hate to think that counselling was a factor, but could believe in such a pipeline. How was the quality of your training for counselling? Do you think it prepared you well for the worst situation you found yourself in? I ask because my ex had a bad experience with counselling, but she would have been in the very challenging cohort. Do you have any opinions on using LLM’s for therapeutic conversations on these matters?
Yes, I went to therapy in earnest for 9 years. In my last year—once I was doing much better—I was certified as a crisis counselor (Crisis Text Line). I did that for a year before moving on to professional coaching. I still have an account on 7 Cups and sign in to have conversations from time to time.
The training was excellent. I recommend everyone take similar training: mental health first aid, compassionate listening, crisis counseling, peer support… It can help you support others, but also give you more context on the kind of support you might need and receive.
I have had bad experiences with therapists, and I’ve heard even worse stories. My advice: don’t take it personally, don’t dwell on it, and move forward to finding someone supportive.
LLMs can be helpful but they should only be used as supplemental resources. Ultimately the foundational skill I learned in therapy is how to have an honest, vulnerable, face-to-face conversation with another human being. It was relationship skills training. I don’t believe LLMs are currently capable of giving that same experience.