In today’s fast-paced digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere — and mental health is no exception. AI therapy apps like Woebot, Wysa and Replika promise a listening ear at the tap of a button. But can talking to a chatbot really help your mental health — or is it just clever coding?

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AI therapy tools have grown popular for good reasons. They’re available 24/7, are often free or low-cost, and feel non-judgemental. For many people, especially those hesitant to open up to a human, chatting with an AI bot feels safer. Studies show they can help with mild stress, daily mood tracking and practising healthy habits like reframing negative thoughts.
However, the limitations are real. AI chatbots don’t truly understand you. They can’t read subtle body language, tone of voice, or the deeper meaning behind your words. They follow scripts and patterns, not genuine human empathy. When faced with complex trauma, deep-seated anxiety or suicidal thoughts, an AI bot may simply direct you to emergency services — but it can’t sit with you in your pain.
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Phone: +447826 966828
WhatsApp: +447826 966828
Email: Victoria@PeopleBuilding.co.uk
So, should you dismiss AI therapy altogether? Not necessarily. Think of it like a handy mental health snack — useful for journaling, stress check-ins or practicing coping skills. But just like snacking doesn’t replace a healthy meal, AI therapy isn’t a substitute for human connection and professional support.
At Oxford Minds Therapy, we know that real healing happens through deep, safe human relationships. Tools like NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and hypnotherapy add powerful layers that AI simply can’t replicate. NLP helps you reframe limiting beliefs and negative patterns at the subconscious level. Hypnotherapy can gently access the deeper parts of your mind, guiding you to release anxiety and find calm in a way a chatbot never could.
We believe technology can support your mental health journey — but it shouldn’t replace the real thing. Use AI tools as an extra help, not the only help. And if you’re ready for lasting change, we’re here to walk that road with you.
By Victoria N Waligo
https://oxfordmindstherapy.pbnlp.org/
Book your FREE Consultation here or contact me for a Quick Chat!
Phone: +447826 966828
WhatsApp: +447826 966828
Email: Victoria@PeopleBuilding.co.uk
References
1️⃣ Fitzpatrick, K.K., Darcy, A., & Vierhile, M. (2017).
Delivering cognitive behavior therapy to young adults with symptoms of depression and anxiety using a fully automated conversational agent (Woebot): A randomized controlled trial.
JMIR Mental Health, 4(2), e19.
2️⃣ Inkster, B., Sarda, S., & Subramanian, V. (2018).
An empathy-driven, conversational artificial intelligence agent (Wysa) for digital mental well-being: Real-world data evaluation.
JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 6(11), e12106.
3️⃣ Prochaska, J. J., Coughlin, S. S., & Lyons, E. J. (2017).
Social media and mobile technology for cancer prevention and treatment.
American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book, 37, 128–137.
(While not about chatbots directly, this shows how tech supports health behaviour change.)
4️⃣ Gaffney, H., Mansell, W., & Tai, S. (2019).
Conversational agents in the treatment of mental health problems: Mixed-method systematic review.
JMIR Mental Health, 6(10), e14166.
5️⃣ Stipancic, M., Renner, W., Schütz, P., & Dond, R. (2010).
Neuro-Linguistic Programming: A systematic review of the effects on anxiety, self-esteem, and stress.
Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 10(3), 249–256.