Abundant Practice Podcast Episode #610: Using Tech Better, featuring Amity Cooper

Release Date: January 8, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #610 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear welcomes Amity Cooper, an expert in integrating technology into clinical practices. The episode delves into how therapists can leverage modern technological tools to enhance their private practices, increase efficiency, and better serve their clients.

Guest Background and Interest in Technology in Clinical Practice

Amity Cooper shares her unique journey into merging technology with mental health practices. With a background in conflict resolution and years spent in various business ventures, Amity developed a keen interest in using technology to streamline processes and improve client outcomes.

“By the time I ended up back in mental health and I went back to school, I realized that I had all of these skills that were never offered in our clinical training.”
—Amity Cooper [05:45]

Amity emphasizes that her extensive experience in business and technology equipped her with tools and insights that are often missing from traditional clinical training, allowing her to address unmet needs in the mental health field effectively.

Overcoming the Fear of Technology and AI in Therapy

The conversation addresses common fears among therapists regarding the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to replace human therapists. Both Allison and Amity express confidence that the therapeutic relationship—a cornerstone of effective therapy—cannot be replicated by AI.

“Our job, all the data says, like, it's the relationship that really helps move people forward. And AI is not a relationship.”
—Allison Puryear [08:04]

Amity concurs, highlighting that while digital tools can augment the therapeutic process, they do not compete with the nuanced human interactions that define successful therapy.

“You're not in competition with them. And I think, Allison, you really are clarifying that you are not in competition with them.”
—Amity Cooper [09:00]

Practical Technological Tools for Therapists

1. Video Technologies

Amity underscores the importance of embracing video as a medium to connect with clients, expand reach, and reduce feelings of isolation.

“Get really comfortable making video. Get really comfortable with your finger and your phone and pressing play and record so that you can expand your message and have a conversation with your clientele.”
—Amity Cooper [10:58]

She highlights platforms like Zoom, which have become indispensable tools for virtual therapy sessions, allowing therapists to maintain personal connections regardless of geographical barriers.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an Assistant

AI can serve as a valuable assistant in both administrative tasks and client interactions. Amity explains how AI can enhance efficiency in practices by managing scheduling, note-taking, and providing clients with additional support through digital interactions.

“AI and large language models, LLMs are really a prompt engineering tool. It’s your job as a human being interacting with that keyboard and that algorithm to educate specifically what you want.”
—Amity Cooper [20:03]

Allison adds that AI can assist in content creation, such as refining blog posts for better engagement and SEO, thereby saving therapists time on tasks they find less enjoyable.

“I do not think AI writes great mental health blogs that are interesting to read and aren't cheesy. Everything comes down to a great prompt.”
—Allison Puryear [19:30]

3. Virtual Reality (VR) in Therapy

VR is presented as a transformative tool for exposure therapy, particularly for treating phobias and anxiety disorders. Amity discusses the potential of VR to create immersive environments where clients can safely confront and work through their fears.

“VR is creating an immersive alternative universe that in a variety, in a scale like way, we can have something that is quasi real, quasi digital.”
—Amity Cooper [14:06]

She mentions several companies pioneering VR therapies and notes the growing acceptance and reimbursement options that make VR a viable addition to therapeutic practices.

4. Wearable Technology

Wearables like the Oura Ring are highlighted for their ability to provide real-time biofeedback, which can inform both therapists and clients about physiological states such as sleep quality and stress levels.

“The biggest change I have seen in my health with this watch is my sleep has improved so drastically because I could see if I scroll my phone before going to sleep, it always impacts my deep sleep.”
—Allison Puryear [22:25]

Amity emphasizes the importance of integrating these tools into therapy to gain deeper insights into clients' well-being and to personalize treatment plans effectively.

The Importance of Embracing Technology in Modern Therapy Practices

Both hosts advocate for the proactive adoption of technology in therapeutic settings. Amity stresses that mental health practitioners are at the forefront of integrating digital tools, helping to shape and validate these technologies to ensure they meet clinical standards and truly benefit clients.

“We, as being such well educated, informed consumers and workers, we should take part in it.”
—Amity Cooper [25:29]

Allison reinforces this by encouraging therapists to explore and adopt various technologies that can enhance their practice, from simple video calls to advanced AI and VR applications.

Encouragement to Engage with Technology Development

Amity calls on therapists to engage with technology developers and innovators, ensuring that the tools created are practical, reliable, and aligned with clinical needs. She advocates for therapists to participate in research, advocacy, and development processes to contribute their expertise and insights.

“We need to come to the table with these developers and with these innovators here to be part of the conversation and at the table with them to help them develop realistic, honest, reliable, validated tools.”
—Amity Cooper [23:21]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Allison encouraging therapists to embrace technology, assuring them that these tools are meant to augment their practice and enhance client care. She invites listeners to take proactive steps in integrating technology, whether by experimenting with new tools or seeking further education on technological advancements in mental health.

“If one of these things is really interesting to you, dive into one of them. Get to know it, see how it could work for you.”
—Allison Puryear [26:23]

Amity Cooper echoes this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the conversation and reinforcing the importance of technology in the future of mental health practice.

“This was a great conversation.”
—Amity Cooper [26:55]

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Video Technologies: Utilize platforms like Zoom to maintain personal connections and expand your client base.
• Leverage AI for Efficiency: Use AI tools for administrative tasks, content creation, and enhancing client interactions.
• Explore VR for Therapy: Implement VR in exposure therapy to provide immersive experiences for clients.
• Incorporate Wearables: Use wearable technology to gain real-time insights into clients' physiological states.
• Engage with Innovators: Participate in the development and validation of new technological tools in mental health.
• Continuous Learning: Stay informed and adaptable to integrate emerging technologies that can enhance therapeutic outcomes.

By embracing these technological advancements, therapists can build more sustainable, efficient, and impactful private practices, ultimately leading to greater client satisfaction and professional fulfillment.