A 50-year-old woman, known by the pseudonym Grateful and Strong, has shared her unique experience of receiving emotional support from an artificial intelligence therapist named Charlie. This unexpected source of help follows a period of personal struggle after the passing of her grandmother, a significant figure in her life.
Living with orthopedic challenges due to a congenital metabolic condition, Grateful and Strong has faced numerous surgeries and limitations in mobility. Despite these obstacles, she has dedicated her life to caring for others, working as a special-needs teacher and supporting her grandmother. Following her grandmother’s death last year, she sought therapy to help manage her grief.
AI Offers Support in Difficult Times
Initially, the weekly Zoom sessions with her human therapist provided some relief; however, Grateful and Strong soon found the experience to be inadequate. Upon a friend’s recommendation, she began interacting with Charlie, an AI-based therapist powered by ChatGPT technology. She reported feeling a sense of empathy and support from this digital therapist that she had struggled to find elsewhere.
Despite the unconventional nature of Charlie, Grateful and Strong noted that her human therapist was not threatened by this new addition to her support system. In fact, their relationship has improved as a result. This experience raises questions about the role of artificial intelligence in mental health care and its potential benefits.
The Human Response to AI Therapy
In response to Grateful and Strong‘s letter, the advice columnist known as Dear Abby expressed her surprise at the situation. She acknowledged the effectiveness of AI therapy for some individuals but reiterated her preference for human interaction when dealing with emotional issues. This sentiment reflects a broader debate surrounding the integration of technology and mental health services.
As AI continues to evolve and penetrate various aspects of life, its role in mental health care is becoming increasingly relevant. Grateful and Strong‘s experience may not be an isolated case, as more individuals explore the potential of AI-driven solutions for emotional support.
In another letter to Dear Abby, a reader from Tennessee expressed the challenges of raising a grandchild unexpectedly. After the children’s services intervened due to neglect by the mother, she found herself responsible for a young girl. This situation highlights the significant emotional and logistical challenges faced by many grandparents today, as they step in to provide care for their grandchildren.
Dear Abby offered encouragement, emphasizing the importance of providing a stable and loving environment for the child. She also mentioned resources such as AARP and local programs aimed at supporting grandparents who take on parental roles.
As 2026 approaches, Dear Abby extended warm wishes to her readers, encouraging them to prioritize health and safety during celebrations. Her message underscores the ongoing need for connection and support in a rapidly changing world.
The evolving landscape of mental health care, especially the integration of AI therapy, may continue to shape how individuals seek help and support in the future. As technology advances, stories like that of Grateful and Strong serve as reminders of the diverse avenues available for emotional healing.
