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Research Participation — Therapeutic Engagement with AI Chatbots
Seeking participants for research study

You've sat with a therapist.
You've talked to an AI.
What felt different?

I am seeking participants for my research study, which is part of of my Master’s degree (MSc) in Psychotherapy Studies. This study will explore how people who have had therapy with a human therapist experience and make sense of emotional support from AI chatbots.

This research has received full ethical approval from Middlesex University and the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling. Please read on for more information about the study, who can take part, and how to get involved if you're interested.

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Why This Research Matters
Exploring what it feels like to turn to an AI for emotional support after experiencing therapy with a real person

AI systems such as Woebot, Wysa, or ChatGPT are increasingly used in mental health contexts, offering immediacy, accessibility, and perceived non-judgmental support. While these systems show promising outcomes in reducing symptoms, most studies remain focused on quantitative indicators. This leaves a significant gap in understanding the phenomenological dimensions of such encounters — how users feel, interpret, and make sense of therapeutic dialogue when the other is a disembodied, non-sentient agent.

🔍

Inform ethical AI development

Guide the safe and ethical design of AI-based mental health tools through lived experience.

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Advance phenomenological scholarship

Contribute to existential and phenomenological understanding of embodiment and therapeutic presence.

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Support clinicians & policymakers

Provide insight into how AI affects therapeutic trust, empathy, and relational authenticity.

Eligibility
Who can participate

This study uses a small, purposively selected sample. If you meet the criteria below and are willing to share your experience, your perspective would be invaluable.

Participation is entirely voluntary and all information is kept strictly confidential

You can take part if you:

  • Are aged 18 or over
  • Have had in-person therapy with a human therapist in the past 5 years
  • Have used an AI chatbot for emotional support
  • Are comfortable being interviewed in English

You may not be eligible if you:

  • Are currently in human therapy
  • Are experiencing mental health difficulties so severe that reflecting on your experiences may be very challenging
Frequently Asked Questions
What you need to know
The interview lasts approximately 60 minutes. It will be conducted online via a secure video platform such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. If you prefer, an audio-only call can also be arranged.
No. All interviews are conducted online, so you can take part from the comfort and privacy of your own home or any quiet, private location of your choice.
There is no financial compensation for participating. However, many people find that reflecting on their experiences in a safe, structured setting is personally valuable. Your participation will contribute to a better understanding of how people experience emotional support from AI chatbots.
After expressing interest, you will receive a detailed information sheet and a consent form by email. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions before agreeing to take part. A convenient time will then be arranged for the interview. Any potential technical issues will be discussed with you beforehand.
Yes, with your consent, the interview will be audio-recorded so that an accurate transcript can be produced. The recording will be stored securely on an encrypted, password-protected device accessible only to the researcher. Once the transcript has been completed and checked, the audio recording will be permanently deleted.
Your transcript will be fully anonymised — all names and identifying details will be removed and replaced with a code. Only the researcher and the academic supervisor will access the anonymised transcript. Everything you say will be treated as confidential, unless you disclose that you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, in which case this will be discussed with you first wherever possible.
Yes. Participation is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason, up until two weeks after your interview date when data analysis begins. After this point, withdrawal is no longer possible because your data will have been anonymised and integrated into the analysis.
No. This is a research study, not a therapeutic or diagnostic service. The interview is designed to explore your experiences, not to provide any form of clinical assessment or treatment.
If you wish, a summary of the findings can be shared with you once the study is completed. You can indicate your preference on the consent form.
While there are no direct personal benefits, you may find that talking about your experiences in a safe, structured setting provides an opportunity for reflection that some people find personally valuable. Your participation will contribute to knowledge that could help guide the safe and ethical use of AI in mental health care.
It is not expected that taking part will cause significant harm, but reflecting on past experiences of therapy may occasionally feel uncomfortable. If this happens, you can pause, take a break, skip any question, or stop the interview altogether. Information about sources of support, such as your GP, NHS mental health services, or helplines like Samaritans (116 123), will be provided.
All data will be managed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (2018). Anonymised data will be stored securely by NSPC (the data custodian) for at least 10 years. Audio recordings will be permanently deleted after transcription. No data will be uploaded to commercial cloud storage.
Yes. All proposals for research involving human participants are reviewed by an ethics committee before they can proceed. This study has been approved by the NSPC research ethics sub-committee.
If you have any questions about the study, please contact me by email. If you have concerns about the conduct of the research, you may contact the research supervisor, or the NSPC ethics committee. Contact details are provided in the participant information sheet.

GET INVOLVED

How to participate

If you would like to participate in this research study, please complete the confidential form below. Alternatively, you’re welcome to contact me directly by email. I respond to all enquiries within 48 hours and will arrange a convenient time to talk and answer any questions you may have.

    Age range

    Country of residence (optional)

    Max Karlin

    Psychologists, Counsellor, Existential Therapist in training.
    Helping individuals and groups to manage life changes, overcome anxiety, stress and relationship challenges, and rediscover balance, stability and purpose.

    Max Karlin

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