Hey lady! You know the saying, “No one cares because everyone is going through a lot”? Well, that’s not true. Over here at Cultivating H.E.R. Space, we care. But we also know that everyone is dealing with something, and not everything needs to be shared. That doesn’t mean you need to bottle it all up, though. What do you do when the journal just isn’t enough and you’re not ready to engage your friends in your business?

Terri and Dr. Dom explore the next frontier in this illuminating conversation about the benefits and potential harms of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of your mental and emotional wellness toolbox. There are pros, like when you’re up in the wee hours trying to calm an anxious mind or soothe a broken heart. Instead of doom scrolling, talking to your AI buddy can help you process your thoughts in real time without oversharing with people who don’t need to know all your business.

But, there are points of consideration that you may want to review before you share your darkest secrets or (we know this may be common sense but a friendly reminder) your address and identifying information.

The truth is, AI is here to stay. And the sooner you learn to adapt to the technology, the better equipped you'll be to navigate our ever-changing world. So why not find a way to make it work for you? Tune in for practical tips on how to create a healthy, intentional relationship with this emerging technology.

Practical Ways People Use ChatGPT for Mental & Emotional Support
1. You can use it like a journal
2. It can help you put your emotions into words
3. If you’re spiraling or feeling stuck in negative thinking, you can ask it to reframe your thoughts gently and with compassion.
4. Need to set a boundary but don’t know how to say it? It can help you script that tough text or email.
5. You can use it to guide visualizations or manifestations
6. It can also help you build routines and strategies

How to Protect Your Info When Using ChatGPT
1. Be mindful of what you share
2. Check your chat history settings
3. Know that it’s not secure like therapy notes
4. Use it for support, not diagnosis
5. Add context for safer, better responses
6. In a crisis? Reach out to a human
7. Program your ChatGPT instance with your values in mind
 
Quote of the Day:
"The essence of therapy has always been relational, and that cannot be replicated by an algorithm."
– Chris Hoff
 
Goal Map Like a Pro Workbook
Cultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary
 
Resources:
Dr. Dom’s Therapy Practice
Branding with Terri
Melanin and Mental Health
Therapy for Black Girls 
Psychology Today
Therapy for QPOC
 
Where to find us:
Twitter: @HERspacepodcast
Instagram: @herspacepodcast
Facebook: @herspacepodcast
Website: cultivatingherspace.com

S27E4: ChatGPT is Not Your Therapist But it Can Be a Support Tool

In a world where black women are often underrepresented and misunderstood, we need more safe spaces to just… be. Every Friday, join Dr. Dominique Broussard, a college professor and psychologist, and Terri Lomax, a techie and motivational speaker, as they initiate authentic conversations on everything from fibroids to fake friends.

If you’re a black woman or woman of color looking for an extra dose of inspiration on the go, pull up a seat and join us on the H.E.R. (Healing, Empowerment, Resilience) Space podcast. Episodes are published every Friday on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and Soundcloud.

We can’t wait to meet you, sis!

S27E4: ChatGPT is Not Your Therapist But it Can Be a Support Tool

Cultivating H.E.R Space