Can AI Replace Therapy? Why Real Healing Needs Human Connection

Lately, I’ve noticed more people turning to AI apps for emotional support. They can feel comforting, a space to talk, reflect, and feel heard. And sometimes, that’s enough to get through a hard moment.

But real healing asks for something deeper.

It asks for another human being.

When we sit together in therapy, change doesn’t happen because of clever insights or perfect advice. It happens because something alive is unfolding between two people, nervous systems tuning to each other, emotions finding safe ground to emerge.

AI can reflect words, but it can’t feel them.

It can’t notice the tremor in your voice when sadness rises, or sense the flicker of anger that hides a longing for closeness.

It can’t stay present with you when anxiety takes over, or help you regulate it in real time.

In ISTDP, we work right at this edge, where defences soften, emotions come alive, and the body begins to let go of what it’s held for years. That process is physical, emotional, relational. It can’t be simulated.

AI can give you understanding.

Therapy helps you experience the truth you’ve been cut off from and in that, something starts to heal.

Healing isn’t about information. It’s about connection.

That’s what makes it human.