Empowering educators and school counselors with innovative and accessible digital tools is changing the way we address students’ emotional, social, and academic challenges. This was the key message behind my recent workshop, “Utilizing Therapeutic Chatbots,” delivered at the South China Counselor Network.
The workshop focused on introducing therapeutic chatbots, their benefits, integration into existing counseling frameworks, and sharing practical strategies for an effective implementation.
What are Therapeutic Chatbots?
Therapeutic chatbots are AI-powered digital tools designed to provide immediate support to students, enhancing school counseling services. They aim to improve student outcomes by providing engaging technology support for mental health and wellness.
These chatbots can generate real-time responses, enabling constant, 24/7 support, both at school and at home. The interactions are tailored to individual students, addressing their emotional, social, and cognitive developmental needs.
Transforming School Counseling
One of the biggest innovations I presented during the workshop was the integration of AI-powered chatbots in school counseling. Participants experienced first-hand how a Language Learner Model (LLM), a component of a chatbot, can be put into practical use.
I demonstrated three case studies covering Gratitude Journaling, Conflict Resolution, and Goal Setting. Utilizing LLMs, these interventions brought to light the depths at which therapeutic chatbots can aid counselors in their daily practice.
These real-world simulations allowed the participants to understand how counseling activities can be personalized and made interactive and engaging using AI.
Bringing AI to the Counseling Room
An essential highlight of the workshop was the role-playing activity where the participants engaged in a mock counseling session using a therapeutic chatbot. This hands-on activity deepened participants’ understanding of integrating therapeutic chatbots into their counseling approach.
Participants witnessed how therapeutic chatbots can support counseling sessions by playing the roles of both student and counselor. They experienced directly how these chatbots can aid counselors in tailoring interactions, prompting questions, and providing immediate responses.
Best Practices and Ethical Guidelines
Towards the end of the workshop, we delved into essential best practices for implementing therapeutic chatbots in a school setting. Counselors were urged to familiarize themselves with the tools, attend training sessions, and understand the needs and readiness of their students.
Most importantly, we emphasized the importance of obtaining informed consent, supervising sessions, conducting a post-session debrief, providing regular feedback, and strictly maintaining students’ confidentiality.
Looking Forward
While AI technology is rapidly evolving, the power of human empathy continues to hold the utmost value in counseling. I encouraged my peers at the workshop to review their practices regularly, stay updated with research, and always prioritize direct human interaction.
The utilization of therapeutic chatbots in school counseling doesn’t replace the existing practices but enhances them. When used effectively and responsibly, therapeutic chatbots can complement and enhance human-led counseling services to create a supportive and transformative environment for all our students.
I am also excited to announce that I’ll be visiting various schools to speak further on this and other AI-enhanced student support tools. These tools encompass a host of areas such as counseling, special needs, inclusive lesson planning, ESL support, and Tier 2 Assessments. It presents a perfect opportunity for schools to delve deeper into using AI for enhancing student support and outcomes.
Overall, the session at the South China Counselor Network was a valuable platform to demonstrate the potential that AI and, in particular, therapeutic chatbots, hold in transforming student engagement and support. I ended the workshop by extending an invitation to my upcoming workshop, “Critical Steps for Educators: Future-Proofing Student Support through AI Innovations,” where even further exploration into the power of AI in education will take place. Simply email me at, nroberts@remynd.online to setup a time I can give a hands-on presentation to your staff.