Psychoanalysis & You is the official podcast of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) about psychoanalysis and everyday life hosted by Dr. Gail Saltz.Episode 13 – Artificial Intelligence and Psychoanalysis

Our Guest – Todd Essig, Ph.D.

In this episode of Psychoanalysis and You, Dr. Gail Saltz speaks with Dr. Todd Essig, a psychoanalyst and AI expert. They discuss the impact of telemedicine on psychoanalysis and the evolving role of AI in mental health care. Dr. Essig explores how psychoanalysts should engage with AI, the concept of techno-subjunctive relationships, and the ethical responsibilities of the psychoanalytic community in the AI revolution. The conversation also addresses the potential benefits and dangers of AI chatbots in therapy and the broader implications for society. Tune in to learn how psychoanalysis can contribute to the development of AI technologies that align with human values and needs.

Dr. Todd Essig is Faculty and Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst at the William Alanson White Institute, Adjunct Clinical Professor at the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis and member of the Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN) Advisory Board. Widely known as a pioneer in the innovative uses of mental health technologies his current areas of research, writing and teaching include the gains and losses of teletherapies and how emerging technologies, especially AI, change self-experience and intimate relationships. He created and currently co-chairs APsA’s Council on Artificial Intelligence. Previously he co-chaired APsA’s Covid-19 Advisory Team for which he was awarded Distinguished Service awards by APsA and the NY State Psychological Association. For 10 years, until the pandemic hit, he wrote "Managing Mental Wealth" for Forbes. Dr. Essig maintains a private practice in New York where he treats individuals and couples.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Psychoanalysis and You

00:36 Meet Dr. Todd Essig

01:57 Telemedicine in Psychoanalysis

03:02 The Spectrum of Teletherapy Acceptance

04:25 Challenges and Differences in Teletherapy

09:49 Transition to AI in Psychoanalysis

11:24 The Role of Psychoanalysts in the AI Revolution

24:42 Guardrails and Ethical Considerations in AI

30:39 Protecting Psychoanalytic Care in the Age of AI

31:48 AI in Mental Health: A Case Study

32:58 Challenges and Limitations of AI in Psychoanalysis

33:33 Exploring AI's Potential in Dream Analysis

35:22 Ethical and Practical Concerns with AI Chatbots

36:03 The Future of AI in Psychoanalytic Treatment

40:47 Personal and Professional Uses of AI

49:22 The Role of Psychoanalysts in the AI Revolution

51:43 Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Solutions

54:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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