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Some people are using A.I. as therapists now. I read an entire thread between a woman and her A.I., and it felt very realistic. In your opinion, is using A.I. going to be as effective as a licensed therapist? P.H.

A.I. can provide decent advice and guidance. However, I don’t believe A.I. will be as effective as a licensed therapist. A significant part of the therapeutic process is creating a therapeutic alliance - a collaborative relationship between the therapist and client that grows over time. I don’t believe an A.I. therapist could create a meaningful therapeutic alliance in which the client can genuinely connect and grow in therapy, as an A.I. therapist cannot relate to the human experience.

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When clients express their deepest feelings and traumas, human experience and connection are necessary.

- Marcia Bahia

Your question about using A.I. as a therapist is very timely and interesting. Can you absorb the advice given by an A.I. bot who has never experienced the circumstances you have encountered rather than dealing with a human who might have? Can you credit A.I. for giving you answers that apply to the needs and emotions you have expressed as a human? I would ask you to do your homework. Ask questions of a licensed therapist and then ask A.I. bot the same questions. Which answers meet your wants? Then go with the modality that best meets your demands.

- Margaret Newton

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Many of my friends and family are moving away due to the cost of living. How do you handle so many changes at once? J.R.

Coping with many people moving away in your close circle can feel scary and overwhelming. Turning to your support system and allowing yourself to acknowledge and process your fears and anxieties will help you cope with changes. Seeking therapy during this transitional time can provide additional support where you can express your feelings and find new ways to move forward.

- Marcia Bahia

Family and friendships are essential to our well-being, and living costs are not getting any easier to endure. I ask you to acknowledge the fear and loss you are experiencing. You are experiencing a significant change. Remember, they did not leave because of you. They left because they needed to find another route for their survival. Soften the blow of family and friends leaving by making changes you always wanted to but never did. While this will not replace those you miss, it may help you view your situation in a different light and with a different lens.

- Margaret Newton

My son was recently diagnosed with ADHD, and his doctor recommends extended time on his tests. He’s worried about what his classmates will think if he stays behind to complete work, but I’m concerned about what will happen if he doesn’t. What kind of advice or support can I give him? L.W.

It’s essential to validate your son’s feelings while also expressing the importance of him receiving the help he needs to succeed in school. If you haven’t yet, maybe provide him with age-appropriate material that explains ADHD and how his accommodations will help him feel less stressed and at ease. This will help normalize his diagnosis and understand why he needs the accommodations and support. The school and parents of other ADHD children can also offer some insight. I am sure other parents go through similar challenges.

- Marcia Bahia

Your child is already worried about what his classmates think, so you, as his parent working with your team, find out what your child does well and then exploit that skill to the other children. Please support your child by sharing with him that he needs extra time for test taking, but he does not need extra time putting a ball in the basket or winning a race on the track field. Soon the other children will give him allocations for his skill rather than dwell on his test-taking needs. Every child is good at something other children respect, such as telling jokes, playing basketball, running track, drawing cartoons, etc. You must take advantage of what other kids value and help your child to value it too.

- Margaret Newton

Marcia Bahia

Marcia Bahia has been an employee of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for the past 13 years. As a Gang Prevention Coordinator, Ms. Bahia works closely with local legislators, Clergy, service providers, and concerned citizens, creating programs to help reduce the number of youth entering gangs and, consequently, the Juvenile Justice System. She is also a member of the PBC Reentry Task Force, a countywide committee established to assist individuals who are transitioning back from incarceration and/or probation into mainstream society. Additionally, Ms. Bahia coordinates the Gang Tattoo Removal Program in partnership with the P.B.C. Medical Society. Previously, Ms. Bahia was employed by the Palm Beach County School District Police Department and managed the Youth Court – a juvenile diversion program. Additionally, Ms. Bahia has experience in the Child Welfare System, where she worked for six years as a foster care counselor for the Department of Children and Families. She received a bachelor’s degree from Barry University and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Margaret Newton

Margaret “Nosente” Newton lives by the motto, “I am a Believer in Impossibilities.” Newton’s objective in life is to familiarize communities with the wonders of Black Studies, Story-telling, Reading, Meditation, Intercultural Fluency, and the Great African Diaspora.

The Source asks YOUR questions to a lived and learned expert. Lived experts have experienced behavioral health challenges and/or are family members, caregivers, faith-based leaders, neighborhood champions, and influencers. Learned experts are behavioral health professionals, nonprofit agencies, local government, educational institutions, system leaders, and funders. Email thewell@ bewellpbc.org with “The Source” in the subject line to ask a question or contribute as an expert.

The information presented is for the purpose of educating people. Nothing contained in this publication should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Should you have any health care related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication.