John McGuirk - Mental Health

Consultant • Psychotherapist • Supervisor • Trainer
BACP Accredited
Working @CoBCollege & The Green House, Bristol
As seen in Artefact, Bristol Cable & B24/7

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

@_evebennett Briefly trialled AI as a therapist and found it to be an interesting experience, but ultimately not beneficial.

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

@_evebennett Therapist here. Have been researching this area for a bit, including researching users that have used AI as therapists.

See my articles: https://t.co/n3lf1BYJGl.

I recommend asking this question on reddit r/ChatGPT, if you can.

I'm open to any questions now or in future.

[Eve Bennett @_evebennett]

Sky News is looking to speak to someone who's used AI/chatGPT as an alternative to in-person therapy.

Did it have a positive or negative impact on your mental health?

My DMs are open or reach out via email in my bio.

#chatGPT #AI #journorequest #skynews #mentalhealth

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

I wrote research-packed article for people working with AI-using / high-risk clients 👇

“AI chatbots, delusions, conspiracy & psychosis”
🔗 https://t.co/YEk0CcteQ9

#AI #AIsafety #mentalhealth #psychosis #therapytwitter
7/7

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

AI chatbots aren’t just “helpful.” Many of them are sycophantic - meaning they optimise for being liked, not for being true.
For most people that’s just pleasant.
For vulnerable users, it can amplify delusions.
1/7

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

My psychotherapist lens 👇

Good therapy = warmth + reality.

If you give warmth without reality, it feels lovely and can still make the problem worse - especially with delusions.
6/7

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

Full article + 3 practical steps:
https://t.co/ESJijXp5Bn

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

You can win at work but still drift in life. Three fixes I use with high-achievers. Which one would you try first?

#HighAchievers #FounderWellbeing #WorkFamilyConflict

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

What Do I Do If I Don't Like My Friends Anymore?

We can change away from our friends.... Here 6 things to consider if you no longer like your friends...

#friendship #loss #change #mentalhealth #psychotherapy

https://t.co/cTXIz0a9qV

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

“I never knew I could feel this sad from the loss of something that wasn't an actual person.”

When a favourite AI changes, it can feel like grief. What “chatbot loss” is, why it hurts, and steps we can take to reduce harm.

#AIChatbots #MentalHealth

https://t.co/VjP9ZolP11

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

Why achievement highs fade: the dopamine loop behind the high-achiever’s emptiness—and how psychotherapy can help you find lasting meaning.

#HighAchievers #Dopamine #Burnout #Mentalhealth

Article: https://t.co/35zuyjMuDL

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

In this article, we'll explore:

* Why users fall in love with chatbots
* What my profession, psychotherapy, reveals (including risks!)
* Why this ethically concerning
* How we can mitigate harm

ARTICLE: https://t.co/pZgJhDEhZy

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

Link to my full article: https://t.co/YEk0CctMFH

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

Are AI Chatbots Fuelling Delusions?
What is Sycophancy in AI and chatbots?
Why is this not good for the rise in belief in false conspiracies?

Here's my next article in the AI & Mental Health series.
Link to full article in replies:
#AIChatbots #MentalHealth #DigitalMentalHealth

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

You're lonely, and it's late. When no one else is around, would you talk to a chatbot?

Many already do—and here’s what it means for the future of therapy.

https://t.co/AvDcVfNL0P

#AITherapy #AICompanionship #MentalHealthTech #Chatbots #FutureOfTherapy #Loneliness

[John McGuirk - Mental Health @mcguirk_john]

@shiringhaffary More thought needed on this: blanket informing parents, who may be the abusers in the situation, might escalate the situation.

This is why therapists, who can assess each situation and assess risk and who to tell, are important. Not some impersonal if/then process.