Therapist Shares Experience of Counselling Man and AI Girlfriend

Artificial intelligence is increasingly entering areas of everyday life, including personal relationships. In a recent discussion, relationship expert Esther Perel shared an unusual counselling experience involving a man who described an AI chatbot as his romantic partner.

Perel spoke about the case during an appearance on the podcast “All In the Mind” hosted by Sana Qadar.

A Unique Therapy Session

According to Perel, she once conducted a therapy session with a client who said he was in a relationship with an artificial intelligence chatbot designed to interact like a romantic partner.

While she did not reveal details about the individual to protect privacy, the experience prompted a discussion about how human relationships may evolve as technology advances.

Perel said the situation stood out even in her long career, which has included working with people in different types of relationships and family structures.

Questions Asked to the AI Chatbot

During the session, Perel interacted with the AI chatbot and asked it several questions similar to those she would ask human partners in therapy.

Among them were:

• How the chatbot perceived the fact that the human partner has a physical body while it does not.

• How the AI might respond if the human partner developed feelings for another person.

Perel did not disclose the chatbot’s responses but explained that the questions were meant to explore the dynamics of the relationship.

Key Differences Between AI and Human Relationships

Perel emphasised that AI chatbots are ultimately technology products created by companies, not independent human partners.

She pointed out that such systems are designed to remain available at all times and typically avoid rejecting or disagreeing with users, which makes the dynamic very different from human relationships.

According to her, real relationships often involve uncertainty, emotional differences and negotiation between two individuals.

Broader Questions About AI and Emotional Bonds

The discussion also raised broader questions about how artificial intelligence may affect emotional connections in the future.

Perel explained that while people may develop feelings during interactions with AI systems, love traditionally involves two individuals who bring different experiences, choices and responsibilities into a relationship.

As AI tools become more advanced and widely used, experts say society may increasingly face questions about how technology shapes human interaction and emotional well-being.