Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde reveals the real mechanics behind large language models like ChatGPT, demystifying what happens inside these systems when you use them. Whether you're a psychologist or healthcare professional, understanding this process is crucial for responsible use and interpreting AI-generated information accurately.

Takeaways:

Fluency does not equal accuracy.
AI operates through pattern matching, not reasoning.
Training data bakes in human bias.
The "fine-tuning" stage reflects human values.
Context is limited to the current prompt.
Accountability remains with the professional.


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In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Joanna Bryson, professor of Ethics and Technology in Berlin and advisor to organizations including the UN and EU, about what “AI ethics” really means. Dr. Bryson argues it’s not coherent to call AI itself ethical. She argues that the primary concern should be whether and how humans should build and deploy AI and how it may change societies. Dr. Bryson highlights recurring concerns like bias, but stresses broader failures around accountability, surveillance, deception, and weaponization, urging users to maintain agency, verify outputs, protect data, and avoid trusting AI.


Takeaways:
AI Itself Is Not Ethical—Humans Are Responsible
Bias Is a Major Concern—but Not the Only One
Accountability Must Start With Development
The Information Age Demands Critical Thinking
Learning and Adaptation Are Essential




Connect with Dr. Joanna Bryson
[email protected]
https://www.hertie-school.org/en/who-we-are/profile/person/bryson

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https://www.waydeai.com/
https://www.facebook.com/waydeai
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[email protected]

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https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/

Chapters:
00:00 What Is AI Ethics
00:23 Welcome and Guest Intro
02:06 Dr. Joanna Bryson Origin Story
05:38 From AI Research to Ethics
07:08 Ethical AI Misconceptions
09:02 Policy Failures and Liability
10:57 Beyond Bias Surveillance Risks
12:30 Everyday User Responsibility
15:23 AI and Mental Health Use
16:46 EU Rules and Bot Disclosure
17:51 Scams Surveillance and Freedom
20:30 Closing Advice and Where to Find Her

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde engages with Dr. Caroline Figueroa, who discusses her extensive background in mental health, neuroscience, and AI. They explore how AI tools are being utilized by youth for emotional support, the implications for psychologists, and the importance of involving young people in the design and regulation of these technologies. The conversation highlights the need for responsible AI frameworks, discussing AI use with young people, and the challenges faced by mental health professionals.

Takeaways:
Many young people find AI chatbots helpful.
Psychologists should ask about AI use in therapy.
Some young people recognize AI's limitations.
Involving youth in AI design is crucial.
Banning AI for youth may not be effective.
AI can support but shouldn't replace human interaction.


Connect with Dr. Caroline Figueroa
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-figueroa-md-phd-85a11485/
https://www.commonwealthfund.org/person/caroline-figueroa
https://www.risedigitalhealth.eu/

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https://www.waydeai.com/
https://www.facebook.com/waydeai
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/
[email protected]

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https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, host Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Ashleigh Golden, a Stanford trained clinical psychologist and co-founder of WayHaven, to explore the transformative role of conversational AI in student wellness.
Dr. Golden and Dr. Wayde discuss the upstream model of care: using AI not as a replacement for therapy, but as a proactive tool to help students build social emotional skills and navigate campus resources before they reach a clinical crisis. Dr. Golden emphasizes that while technology is evolving rapidly, the clinician must remain in the driver’s seat, using these tools to supplement evidence-based treatment and bridge the action implementation gap between sessions.
Takeaways

Wayhaven serves as a well-being coach for college students, addressing everyday challenges.
AI tools like Wayhaven are not substitutes for clinical services but provide proactive support.
Transparency about AI's capabilities and limitations is crucial for users.
Clinicians must remain involved in the development of AI tools to ensure ethical use.
Banning AI in mental health is not the solution; better safeguards are needed.
Understanding the risks associated with AI usage is essential for clinicians.
Collaboration between clinicians and AI developers can enhance mental health support.

Connect With Dr. Ashleigh Golden
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-golden/
https://www.wayhaven.com/

Connect With Us
https://www.waydeai.com/
https://www.facebook.com/waydeai
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/
[email protected]

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https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/

In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde explores the integration of AI in psychology, discussing its practical applications, benefits, and challenges. He emphasizes the importance of ethical use, the impact on cognitive load, and the necessity of validation in AI outputs. The conversation highlights how AI can enhance efficiency in writing and decision-making while also stressing the need for critical thinking and professional responsibility in the face of rapidly evolving technology.

Takeaways
AI reduces cognitive load, allowing for more focus on judgment.
Writing processes are transformed by AI, making it easier to start.
Trust in AI outputs requires careful validation.
Fluency in AI-generated content does not guarantee accuracy.
AI redistributes cognitive effort but not accountability.
Deliberate judgment is increasingly important in accelerated environments.


Connect With Us
https://www.waydeai.com/
https://www.facebook.com/waydeai
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/
[email protected]


Subcribe
https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/