Mental Health Coach Explores AI’s Role in Emotional Support

Mental health coach Tiffany Skidmore recently shared her experiences using artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate challenging emotional moments, particularly around the holidays. After a stressful Thanksgiving, she found herself overwhelmed, feeling invisible and unheard. In such moments, many individuals experience an emotional tidal wave that can be difficult to manage.

Skidmore emphasizes that while she possesses various self-regulation tools, implementing them during times of heightened emotions can be challenging. She notes that in moments of stress or anxiety, people often crave support and connection. Unfortunately, many find that friends and family may not always provide the kind of listening and understanding needed to help them process their feelings effectively.

Instead of relying solely on human support, Skidmore has turned to AI as an alternative resource. She highlights the potential of AI, specifically tools like Claude and ChatGPT, to assist in emotional processing without replacing the need for human connection. AI can serve as a high-tech journal, offering insights into personal experiences and helping users explore their thoughts and feelings.

Using AI for Emotional Insight

The effectiveness of AI in emotional support lies in its ability to engage users through structured prompts. Skidmore suggests starting with a prompt that conveys the desired outcome, such as: “Hi Claude, please act as a relationship expert and help me explore an issue I’m having. Ask me questions to help me understand my own experience.” This approach encourages a dialogue that can lead to valuable insights.

Through her interactions with AI, Skidmore has discovered several benefits:

1. **Identifying Patterns**: AI can detect recurring themes in a user’s narrative, providing clarity on the factors contributing to their stress.
2. **Insightful Questions**: AI can pose questions that help users delve deeper into their feelings, fostering better understanding.
3. **Broader Perspectives**: AI offers diverse viewpoints on shared experiences, along with practical advice for navigating emotional challenges.

Skidmore describes this process as a form of interactive journaling, which leaves her feeling more regulated and focused on aspects within her control. While she prefers human interaction, she believes AI serves as a valuable addition to her mental health toolkit, especially when human support is unavailable.

The Importance of Compassionate Guidance

Skidmore acknowledges that AI lacks the emotional responses that can sometimes hinder human interactions. Unlike friends or family who might instinctively seek to uplift through “silver linings” or solutions, AI remains focused on the user’s needs, providing a safe space for exploration without judgment.

She encourages others to consider this unconventional approach, inviting readers to share their experiences with AI for emotional support. Skidmore aims to foster a community around compassionate and practical guidance for mental health.

For those interested in engaging further, Skidmore invites questions and feedback via her website, tiffanyskidmore.com, or through direct email. She continues to promote awareness of mental health resources, advocating for innovative tools that help individuals navigate their emotional landscapes.