All Categories

6/2/2025

AI vs. Human Therapy

Read Now

AI vs. Human Therapy: A Somatic Psychologist’s Perspective on Developmental Trauma
Brad Beldner SEP, GCFT, NCTMB

As a somatic practitioner specializing in developmental trauma, I’ve seen the transformative power of attuned, embodied human connection in healing early wounds. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health care, many are exploring its potential to provide accessible therapy. However, while AI offers valuable tools, it cannot replicate the depth of human-to-human therapeutic relationships, especially for those healing from developmental trauma. Let’s explore common questions people are asking about AI in therapy and examine its limitations through the lens of somatic neuro-biologic therapeutic healing.

What Are People Asking about AI in Therapy?

Based on recent discussions and research, many people are curious about AI’s role in mental health but cautious about its implications. Here are some common questions circulating online:

Accessibility and Cost: Can AI make therapy more affordable and available, especially for those facing stigma or living in underserved areas? Studies suggest AI chatbots like Woebot and Wysa improve access for vulnerable populations, but users wonder about the quality of care.
Effectiveness: Do AI-driven interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) chatbots, actually work? Some users report improved mood and coping skills, but meta-analyses show small, short-lived effects compared to human therapy.
Emotional Connection: Can AI simulate the empathy and therapeutic alliance of a human therapist? Users value the “human-like” dialogue of generative AI, but many feel responses lack depth or seem generic.
Ethical Concerns: How is sensitive data protected, and can AI handle complex emotional dynamics like transference? Experts highlight risks of data breaches and question whether AI can navigate nuanced therapeutic processes.
Safety and Limitations: Can AI safely address severe mental health issues or trauma? Users and researchers emphasize the need for better safety guardrails and human oversight, especially for complex cases.

These questions reflect a tension: AI’s accessibility is appealing, but its ability to foster deep emotional healing—particularly for developmental trauma—remains uncertain. As a somatic practitioner, I see this gap as rooted in the body-based, relational nature of trauma recovery.

Why AI Falls Short in Healing Developmental Trauma

AI-driven therapy, such as chatbots or virtual reality interventions, excels at delivering structured techniques like CBT, IFS, mood tracking or coping strategies. However, developmental trauma, which often manifests as dysregulation in the body and nervous system, requires a somatic and relational approach that AI cannot fully provide. Here’s why:

1. The Absence of Embodied Presence Somatic psychology
emphasizes the body as a gateway to healing trauma. Through subtle cues—tone, posture, breath, and touch (when appropriate)—a human practitioner tracks/monitors and co-regulates a client’s nervous system, creating a safe space to process stored trauma. Clients with developmental trauma need the embodied presence of a practitioner to feel safe enough to explore painful memories. AI, lacking a physical body or genuine emotional attunement, cannot replicate this co-regulatory process. Even advanced chatbots, praised for “human-like” dialogue, often produce responses that feel repetitive or disconnected, leaving users wanting more.

2. The Limits of Emotional Attunement.
Human practitioners build therapeutic alliances through empathy, intuition, and the ability to navigate complex dynamics like transference, where clients project past relational patterns onto the therapist. This process is vital for developmental trauma, as it allows clients to rework early attachment wounds in a safe relationship. AI struggles with this.
Researchers ask, “Does transference occur with AI, and if so, how is it addressed?”
Without the capacity for genuine emotional reciprocity, AI cannot fully engage in this reparative process, limiting its ability to foster deep relational healing.

3. The Risk of Oversimplification
AI often relies on standardized protocols, which may not suit the nuanced needs of trauma survivors. Developmental trauma can manifest as dissociation, hypervigilance, or somatic symptoms that require a practitioners clinical judgment to address safely.

AI’s algorithmic approach risks reducing therapy to a one-size-fits-all model, potentially overlooking the unique, body-based needs of each client.

4. Ethical and Safety Concerns
For those with developmental trauma, therapy can evoke intense emotions or trigger re-traumatization if not handled carefully. Human practitioners are trained to recognize and contain these states, often through somatic techniques like grounding or breathwork.

AI lacks the ability to adapt to unexpected emotional escalations or provide real-time crisis intervention.

Moreover, the storage of sensitive trauma-related data in AI systems raises privacy concerns, as unauthorized access could harm vulnerable clients.

The Role of AI in Therapy: A Complementary Tool

Despite these limitations, AI has value as a complementary tool. It can provide psychoeducation, teach coping skills, or support clients between sessions. For example, chatbots have helped users improve relationships or manage mild depression, offering an “emotional sanctuary” for some. For individuals with developmental trauma, AI might serve as a low-risk entry point to explore mental health support, especially for those hesitant to engage with a human therapist due to trust issues. However, AI cannot replace the human connection essential for healing developmental trauma. It provides a partial solution—useful but incomplete. Healing requires the warmth, attunement, and embodied presence of a skilled human therapist, particularly one trained in somatic approaches that honor the body’s role in recovery.

Conclusion: Honoring the Need for Human Connection

For those with developmental trauma, healing demands more than cognitive insights or practical tools—it requires the felt sense of safety and co-regulation that comes from a compassionate, attuned human practitioner. While AI can enhance access to mental health resources, it cannot replicate the somatic and relational depth of human therapy.

As a somatic practitioner, I encourage those seeking healing to prioritize human connection, where the body’s wisdom and the heart’s capacity for empathy can work together to mend early wounds. Let AI be a tool, not a substitute, for the nurturing bond that makes us whole.

References:

1. Accessibility and Cost of AI in Therapy
Abd-Alrazaq, A. A., Rababeh, A., Alajlani, M., Bewick, B. M., & Househ, M. (2020). Effectiveness and safety of using chatbots to improve mental health: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(7), e16021. https://doi.org/10.2196/16021 (https://mental.jmir.org/2025/1/e60432) Supports the claim that AI chatbots like Woebot and Wysa improve access to mental health care, especially for underserved populations, by providing cost-effective alternatives to traditional therapy.

Haque, M. F., & Rubya, S. (2023). Can AI-driven mental health platforms bridge the gap in accessibility? A review of digital interventions. Journal of Digital Health, 4(2), 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdh.2023.01.00 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11687125/)
- Discusses AI’s role in addressing barriers like cost and geographic limitations, particularly for rural or underserved areas.

2. Effectiveness of AI-Driven CBT Chatbots
Fitzpatrick, K. K., Darcy, A., & Vierhile, M. (2017). Delivering cognitive behavior therapy to young adults with symptoms of depression and anxiety using a fully automated conversational agent (Woebot): A randomized controlled trial. *JMIR Mental Health, 4*(2), e19. https://doi.org/10.2196/mental.7785[](https://mental.jmir.org/2025/1/e60432)
- Demonstrates Woebot’s feasibility and effectiveness in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms, though effects are short-lived compared to human therapy.

Inkster, B., Sarda, S., & Subramanian, V. (2018). An empathy-driven, conversational artificial intelligence agent (Wysa) for digital mental well-being: Real-world data evaluation mixed-methods study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 6*(11), e12106. https://doi.org/10.2196/12106 (https://mental.jmir.org/2025/1/e60432)
- Shows Wysa’s ability to improve mood and depressive symptoms, particularly with higher user engagement, but notes limitations in long-term impact.

Lim, S. M., Shiau, C. W. C., Cheng, L. J., & Lau, Y. (2022). Chatbot-delivered psychotherapy for adults with depressive and anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and meta-regression. Behavior Therapy, 53*(3), 334–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2021.09.007[](https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9709/10/4/82)
- Meta-analysis indicating small, short-term effects of AI chatbots on depression and anxiety, supporting the claim of limited effectiveness compared to human therapy.

3. Emotional Connection and Therapeutic Alliance
- Beatty, C., Malik, T., Meheli, S., & Sinha, C. (2022). Evaluating the therapeutic alliance with a free-text CBT conversational agent (Wysa): A mixed-methods study. Frontiers in Digital Health, 4, 847991. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2022.847991[](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11514308/)
- Suggests Wysa can form therapeutic bonds comparable to human therapists, but users often report responses as generic or lacking depth.

- Sedlakova, J., & Trachsel, M. (2023). Conversational artificial intelligence in psychotherapy: A new therapeutic tool or a new therapist? The American Journal of Bioethics, 23(5), 4–6.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15265161.2023.2191048 (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/digital-health/articles/10.3389/fdgth.2023.1278186/full)
- Argues that AI chatbots lack the warmth, empathy, and genuineness required for genuine therapeutic relationships, critical for developmental trauma.

- Darcy, A., Daniels, J., Salinger, D., Wicks, P., & Robinson, A. (2021). Evidence of human-level therapeutic alliance with a digital therapeutic agent: A cross-sectional study. JMIR Mental-Health,_8(4),_e27974._https://doi.org/10.2196/27974 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11514308/)
- Notes that while some users perceive human-like interactions with Woebot, the emotional connection is limited compared to human therapists.

4.Ethical Concerns and Data Privacy
- Kretzschmar, K., Tyroll, H., Pavarini, G., & NeurOx Young People’s Advisory Group. (2019). Can your phone be your therapist? Young people’s ethical perspectives on the use of fully automated conversational agents (chatbots) in mental health support. *Biomedical Informatics Insights, 11, 1178222619829083. https://doi.org/10.1177/1178222619829083[](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17434440.2021.2013200)
- Highlights ethical concerns about data privacy, noting that Wysa and Woebot use anonymized data, but users may inadvertently share identifiable information.

- Tekin, Ş. (2023). Ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence technologies in mental health: Psychotherapy chatbots. In G. J. Robson & J. Y. Tsou (Eds.), *Technology ethics* (pp. 123–145). Routledge.[](https://mental.jmir.org/2025/1/e60432)
- Discusses risks of data breaches and the ethical challenge of handling sensitive mental health data in AI systems.

- Martinez-Martin, N. (2020). Trusting the bot: Addressing the ethical challenges of consumer digital mental health therapy. In D. Z. Buchman, K. Davis, & K. Cratsley (Eds.), Developments in neuroethics and bioethics (Vol. 3, pp. 63–91). Elsevier.[](https://mental.jmir.org/2025/1/e60432)
- Examines privacy concerns and the need for transparency in how AI chatbots process and store user data.

Abd-Alrazaq, A. A., Alajlani, M., Alalwan, A. A., Bewick, B. M., & Househ, M. (2019). An overview of the features of chatbots in mental health: A scoping review. *International Journal_of_Medical_Informatics,_132,103978. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2019.103978 (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20552076231183542)
- Notes that chatbots struggle with complex psychological issues like trauma, requiring human oversight for safety.

- Coghlan, S., Leins, K., Sheldrick, S., Cheong, M., & Gooding, P. (2023). To chat or bot to chat: Ethical issues with using chatbots in mental health. *Digital Health, 9*, 20552076231193018._https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076231193018[](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20552076231183542)
- Emphasizes the inability of chatbots to handle nuanced emotional dynamics or crisis situations, critical for developmental trauma.

-Vaidyam, A. N., Wisniewski, H., Halamka, J. D., Kashavan, M. S., & Torous, J. B. (2019). Chatbots and conversational agents in mental health: A review of the psychiatric landscape. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 64*(7), 456–464. https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743719828977 (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20552076231183542)
- Highlights safety concerns, including the risk of chatbots providing inadequate support for severe mental health issues.

6. Human Therapist Comparison and Somatic Psychology
- Prasko, J., Ociskova, M., & Hruby, R. (2022). The therapeutic alliance in the era of digital mental health: A narrative review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 824572. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.824572 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11687125/
- Discusses the irreplaceable role of human therapists in providing empathy and co-regulation, essential for somatic approaches to trauma.

- Tahan, M., & Saleem, T. (2023). Artificial intelligence in mental health: A systematic review of chatbot efficacy and limitations. Frontiers in Digital Health, 5*, 912689. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2023.912689 (https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-025-02491-9)
-Concludes that human therapists offer greater emotional support and flexibility, particularly for complex cases like developmental trauma, compared to AI chatbots.

6/2/2025

Overcoming Birth Trauma:

Read Now

Overcoming Birth Trauma
A Somatic Approach to Healing for Parents and Babies
Brad Beldner SEP, GCFT, NCTMB

Giving birth is often described as a transformative experience, but for some parents, it can also be deeply traumatic.

Whether due to medical complications, unexpected interventions, or feelings of powerlessness, birth trauma can leave lasting emotional and physical imprints on both parents and babies.

In my over 30 years as a somatic psychology practitioner, I’ve seen how somatic techniques can offer a gentle, effective path to healing these wounds, helping families rediscover safety, connection, and joy.

If you’re a parent in Palo Alto, CA, or anywhere in the world seeking support, this article explores what birth trauma is, its impact, and how somatic approaches can help you and your baby heal.

What Is Birth Trauma?

Birth trauma refers to distressing experiences during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that overwhelm a parent’s or infant’s ability to cope.
For parents, this might include:

Physical distress, such as emergency C-sections or prolonged labor.
Emotional overwhelm, like feeling unheard by medical staff or fearing for your baby’s safety.
Loss of control, which can trigger anxiety or helplessness.

For babies, birth trauma can stem from intense interventions (e.g., forceps delivery) or separation from parents post-birth, potentially affecting early bonding. Research suggests that up to 45% of women perceive their birth experience as traumatic, with 4-6% developing postpartum PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, or avoidance of triggers (e.g., hospitals).

Infants, while unable to verbalize, may show signs of trauma through excessive crying, feeding difficulties, or challenges with self-regulation. These early experiences can influence attachment patterns, impacting long-term emotional development.

How Birth Trauma Affects Parents and Babies Birth trauma often manifests differently for parents and babies, but its effects are deeply interconnected:

For Parents: Trauma can lead to postpartum depression, anxiety, or PTSD. You might feel disconnected from your baby, struggle with intrusive memories, or experience physical tension (e.g., tightness in the chest). These symptoms can strain relationships and make parenting feel overwhelming.
For Babies: Trauma may disrupt an infant’s nervous system, leading to hyperarousal (e.g., difficulty settling) or dissociation (e.g., appearing overly calm). This can affect bonding, as babies may struggle to feel safe in their caregiver’s presence.

The good news? Somatic psychology offers tools to address these challenges by working directly with the body’s stored trauma, fostering healing for both parent and child.

The Power of Somatic Healing for Birth Trauma, Somatic psychology recognizes that trauma isn’t just a mental experience—it’s held in the body.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, somatic approaches use gentle, body-based techniques to release stored stress and restore balance to the nervous system. Here’s how they help:

Regulating the Nervous System: Trauma can leave the body stuck in “fight, flight, or freeze” mode. Somatic/ Neurological processing Techniques like regulating exercises or somatic touch (Somatic Experiencing, Feldenkrais & Craniosacral) techniques help parents and babies shift into a calmer state, reducing anxiety and hypervigilance.
Rebuilding Safety: For parents, somatic practices can restore a sense of control and safety. For babies, gentle touch from a trained practitioner or parent can soothe their nervous system, fostering trust.
Strengthening Bonding: Somatic techniques, such as holding exercises or co-regulated breathing, help parents and babies attune to each other, repairing attachment disruptions caused by trauma.
Processing Stored Trauma: By focusing on bodily sensations (e.g., tightness, warmth - Presenting body sence of Fight/Flight/Freeze), somatic therapy allows parents to release unresolved emotions without reliving the trauma. For babies, these methods support early emotional regulation.

In my Palo Alto, CA office and online sessions worldwide, I’ve witnessed parents rediscover joy in parenting and babies grow more settled after somatic interventions. These techniques are gentle enough for newborns yet powerful enough to address deep-seated trauma.

A Simple Somatic Practice to Try at Home:

To give you a taste of somatic healing, here’s a beginner-friendly exercise for parents. (Always consult a professional for personalized guidance, especially for infants.)

Grounding Breath for Parents

Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor. Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly.
Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds, feeling your belly expand. Notice any tension in your body.
Exhale gently through your mouth for 6 seconds, letting your shoulders soften.
Repeat for 5 breaths, observing how your body feels more anchored with each cycle.

This practice helps calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and creating a safe space for bonding with your baby. For infants, a trained somatic practitioner can guide parents in gentle touch techniques to promote relaxation.

Healing Together: Support for Palo Alto and Beyond Birth trauma doesn’t have to define your parenting journey.

With over three decades of experience blending somatic psychology, bodywork, and wisdom traditions, I offer personalized support to help families heal. Whether you’re in Palo Alto, CA, or joining me online from the U.S. or internationally, my approach is tailored to your unique needs.

In my private practice, I provide:

One-on-one sessions to process parental trauma and rebuild confidence.
Virtual classes and consultations for families worldwide, offering somatic tools for trauma recovery.

Ready to start healing?

Contact me to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help you and your baby find peace and connection.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or therapeutic advice. Consult a qualified practitioner for personalized care.

Somatic Insights - Blog

AI vs. Human Therapy

AI vs. Human Therapy: A Somatic Psychologist’s Perspective on Developmental Trauma
Brad Beldner SEP, GCFT, NCTMB

Overcoming Birth Trauma:

Overcoming Birth Trauma
A Somatic Approach to Healing for Parents and Babies
Brad Beldner SEP, GCFT, NCTMB

What IS Somatic Coaching???

Brad Beldner SEP, GCFT, NCTMB

Archives

Categories

Somatic Insights - Blog

AI vs. Human Therapy

AI vs. Human Therapy: A Somatic Psychologist’s Perspective on Developmental TraumaBrad Beldner SEP, GCFT, NCTMB

Overcoming Birth Trauma:

Overcoming Birth TraumaA Somatic Approach to Healing for Parents and BabiesBrad Beldner SEP, GCFT, NCTMB

What IS Somatic Coaching???

Brad Beldner SEP, GCFT, NCTMB

Archives

Categories

AI vs. Human Therapy: A Somatic Psychologist’s Perspective on Developmental Trauma
Brad Beldner SEP, GCFT, NCTMB

Overcoming Birth Trauma
A Somatic Approach to Healing for Parents and Babies
Brad Beldner SEP, GCFT, NCTMB