But For Real Episode #4: Will AI Replace Therapists?

Podcast
Written By Colleen Werner

Valerie Martin and Emerson Ryder Smiling Therapists Podcast

Today’s episode of But For Real runs the gamut from navigating family estrangement, to one woman’s experience with befriending the “grief monster,” to the wild west of AI and mental health, to learning what a “kiki” is.

In this episode, Val and Emerson cover:

Tea & Crumpets

Val can’t stop talking about The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes – a historical fiction book published in 2019, set in rural Kentucky during the great depression era. The book is based on a real program implemented by President FDR and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt where women would deliver library books to folks living in rural areas. Val suggests listening to it as an audiobook for the full vibe.

Emerson can’t stop talking about Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix, despite not usually being a true crime girlie. While of course one retelling can’t get into all of the nuances of the case, Emerson highly recommends giving it a watch in addition to doing your own research 👩‍🔬

Step Into My Office

This week’s submission comes from someone navigating wanting to maintain a relationship with both their sister and their parents after their sister went no-contact with their parents last year. Val and Em chat about the nuances that go into navigating the complexities of family relationships, particularly around respecting the boundaries others have set while simultaneously navigating your own.

The Lore

This week’s submission comes from Shea Wingate, a local Nashville therapist and coach who specializes in grief. After losing her mom, dad, and sister in close succession, she tried to avoid her grief like the plague…ultimately leading it to manifest into her self-proclaimed, “hot mess grief era.” Over time, Shea has learned to befriend the “grief monster” and has combined her lived experience with her training as a therapist, crowning herself as The Grief Girlie, with a lovely online community where she supports folks in navigating their own grief journeys. 

The DSM: AI & Mental Health – Advantages, Dangers, Ethical Considerations, and Future Directions

Ahhhh AI. One of the biggest buzzwords these days, with a wide variety of conflicting viewpoints. With the span of applications of this technology, it’s no surprise that it’s made its way into the mental health and therapy realm – ranging from apps to support your mental health, to programs to help therapists with documentation, and more. Val and Emerson see both the positives and negatives of AI and its place in the mental health and therapy realms, and how, like most things, it’s important to view AI in a nuanced way. In the resources section of this blog post, you can learn more about some of the apps/services discussed in this episode.

Now That’s What I Call…Ooookay

Val’s pick for this week is the nostalgic Only Hope by Mandy Moore, which has led her to want to rewatch A Walk to Remember for the Nicholas Sparks teen-romance vibes (which we could all probably use in these trying times).

Emerson’s pick for this week is Be Careful With Yourself by Julia Jacklin, a vibey track with a much needed reminder to give a sh*t about yourself.

Wait…What: WTF is a kiki?!

Emerson is once again here to educate Val (and the rest of us TBH) on the latest internet vernacular. TLDR; a kiki is a cute little party or hangout…whether it’s actually having a party or just sitting on the floor laughing with your coworkers.

Fire Dumpster Phoenix

Val’s find for the week: You’re probably familiar with the concept of office dogs (especially our two resident not-officially-trained but super adorable GC pups, Zen and Chèvre) – but in the Philippines, cats have been “hired” to motivate security guards!!! The employees pitch in to get food for them, and if you ask us, sounds like a pretty solid way to boost work performance and increase office morale.

Emerson’s find for the week: Thailand becomes first Southeastern Asian country to legalize marriage equality! The first day weddings can take place is January 22, and an activist reported that they will be hosting a mass-wedding that day in Bangkok. Couples will receive the same rights as hetero couples, such as pursuing adoption + receiving inheritance, and even though LGBTQIA+ have felt more affirmed in Thailand in comparison to surrounding countries, this is a huge step for LGBT folks and their rights!!!

If you want to learn more about any (or all) of these topics, click the podcast player at the top of this post or the YouTube video down below to listen to the full episode and dive in with us.

Resources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:

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DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.

Colleen Werner
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But For Real Episode #3: What is grief, if not love persevering?