AI Therapist: Research Says AI Does Empathy Better Than Human - Dr. David Burns, Author of 'Feeling Good'

The Intense Mind with Imi Lo

https://eggshelltherapy.com/podcast-blog/2025/01/16/ai-therapist/
Dr. David Burns, Stanford psychiatrist and CBT pioneer, revolutionizes mental health treatment by challenging traditional approaches. His groundbreaking research shows depression isn't simply a serotonin deficiency, and antidepressants often underperform compared to cognitive interventions. Through his TEAM-CBT methodology and the Feeling Great app, he demonstrates that rapid recovery is possible, often within a single session.

About Our Guest

Stanford psychiatrist Dr. David Burns, renowned for developing high-speed, effective approaches to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), joins us today. His 1980 book "Feeling Good" is probably the most recommended self-help book by mental health professionals in the United States. His follow-up work "Feeling Great" builds on decades of clinical innovation, introducing his TEAM-CBT methodology that has revolutionized how we approach rapid recovery from depression and anxiety.

In his latest research, Dr. Burns has explored the intersection of AI and psychotherapy, examining how machine learning could transform our understanding of cognitive distortions and therapeutic interventions. His findings suggest that AI therapist platforms can sometimes outperform human practitioners in providing consistent, empathetic responses to patients.

Some Notable Quotes from Dr. Burns

• "We more or less proved that this idea that depression is due to a deficiency of this neurotransmitter, serotonin, can't possibly be a valid theory."
• "I don't want to have a career doing something that's never going to add up. I'm done with this theory."
• "The SSRIs do not outperform placebos. However, they do have significant effects above and beyond placebos."
• "The goal is to complete treatment with people in one single session."
• "Empathy from a computer outperforms by a big margin human empathy."
• "Empathy, whoever gives it, sucks in terms of healing power. It's not enough to cure depression or panic attacks or anything else."
• "The app, if anything, is just as effective or slightly more effective, the more severe the patient's problems are."

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Trigger Warning: This episode may cover sensitive topics including but not limited to suicide, abuse, violence, severe mental illnesses, relationship challenges, sex, drugs, alcohol addiction, psychedelics, and the use of plant medicines. You are advised to refrain from watching or listening to the YouTube Channel or Podcast if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Disclaimer: The content provided is for informational purposes only. Please do not consider any of the content clinical or professional advice. None of the content can substitute mental health intervention. Opinions and views expressed by the host and the guests are personal views and they reserve the right to change their opinions. We also cannot guarantee that everything mentioned is factual and completely accurate. Any action you take based on the information in this episode is taken at your own risk.