Episode
#196 | AI Therapy Dangers, Attachment Trauma & Why Human Connection Heals | Tina Smith
- Podcast
- Talks with Gallagher
- Published
- May 26, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3490
- Processing state
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Summary
Can ChatGPT really replace your therapist? In this powerful episode of Talks with Gallagher, licensed therapist and trauma specialist Tina Smith (25+ years of clinical experience) breaks down the growing and dangerous trend of using AI as a substitute for real mental health care — and why it can actually make things worse.Tina is the founder of Selah Counselling and Selah Treatment Center in Ontario, Canada, and the creator of Sword & Grace Coaching, where she serves as a TheraCoach for Christian women in ministry and leadership.In this episode we cover: Why ChatGPT acts like a digital drug — giving temporary relief but not real healing The dangerous concept of "deceptive empathy" and why AI people-pleasing is a dealbreaker in trauma work How AI can't read body language, nonverbals, or what's not being said — and why that matters Why you cannot heal your nervous system without a co-regulated human attachment figure The real dangers for teenagers forming attachments to AI companions — including tragic real-world cases How parents should respond when they discover their child is confiding in an AI Why couples using ChatGPT to navigate relationship conflict could be making things worse The two most common wounds Tina sees in her practice — betrayal and rejection — and how they silently destroy marriages and faith How healing generational trauma through one person can literally change entire family trees Why the mental health field is trending toward symptom management instead of root system healing — and what to look for in a good therapist Connect with Tina Smith: 🌐 selahsupport.ca 🌐 swordandgrace.org 🎙️ Sword & Grace Unscripted Podcast (for Christian women in leadership) Connect with Talks with Gallagher: 🌐 talkswithgallagher.com Become a supporter of this podca…