Apparently there’s a common misconception these days that AI can replace a skilled sex therapist. Not! I’ll tell you why.

AI can give you active listening (paraphrasing your complaints so you feel heard), and specific suggestions (“If you have low libido rule out medical causes, decrease stress (duh!), talk about disconnection with your mate, read erotica , adjust your expectations” (yawn)…).

If you think this will fix the problem you’re kidding yourself. And maybe that’s what you want: to buy yourself some time, tell yourself that you tried and it’s the other person’s fault, maintain the status quo or move blithely on to the next failed relationship. That’s a popular option. I don’t mean to be negative; I’ve just been doing this a long time. I know what works and what doesn’t.

I have clients who see me through several relationships, until they do the real work.

The PLISSIT Model: Why AI Stops Short

In psychology, the PLISSIT model outlines four levels of intervention:

Permission: Validating concerns.Limited Information: Providing basic education.Specific Suggestions: Offering actionable advice.Intensive Therapy: Addressing deep-rooted issues.

AI can’t do the latter. And that is what is required for enduring change. AI can’t call you out on your crap, put simply.

AI can handle the first three, but intensive therapy—the key to enduring change—requires a human touch. AI can’t challenge your avoidance, hold you accountable, or navigate the emotional depth of sexual struggles.

The Human Advantage in Sex Therapy

Sex therapy involves complex emotional, relational, and cultural dynamics that demand empathy, intuition, and ethical judgment. And kindness. A skilled sex therapist like myself can:

Read Nonverbal Cues: Notice a quivering chin or fidgeting, adjusting the session in real-time and keeping you fully present in the moment.Build Trust and Rapport: AI can’t make you cry. Not that crying is the hallmark of effective therapy, but it’s an indication of vulnerability, of being willing to be seen and of the self-awareness that comes with an internal shift. AI can’t make you squirm nor give you goosebumps because you know you’re coming from the best in yourself.Handle Trauma Ethically: Ethical concerns arise—AI might mishandle sensitive data or oversimplify issues like sexual trauma, which impacts everyone differently. This strikes me as egregious and hugely irresponsible.Feel Genuine Care: AI can’t feel positive regard nor fondness for you. I can honestly say that I’m fond of my clients. I like them and care about them. And I respect them. I respect their struggle and their desire for growth. That is part of what connects us. AI doesn’t connect.

A sex therapist is trained to navigate complex psychological dynamics, trauma, and interpersonal conflicts, often in real-time, with a level of trust and rapport AI simply cannot replicate.

AI as a Starting Point, Not a Solution

Studies suggest 70% of people with sexual dysfunction avoid professional help, so AI can bridge that gap for some.

AI might be a helpful starting point, especially for basic education and minor issues, but complex cases need the human touch of a trained sex therapist. This training takes decades to perfect the subtleties of the craft. In my case an MA in Psychology, a PhD in Clinical Sexology, numerous courses and consultations with mentors in the field, and almost 35 years of experience.

Watch Dr. Claudia Six’s TEDx Talk on Sexual Health

Want to learn more about addressing sexual and relationship challenges? Watch my 11-minute TEDx talk: https://drsix.net/tedx-austin-south-congress-video-what-happened-to-sex-in-our-relationships/ .

Discover why human connection is vital for lasting change.

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