Exploring the use of AI avatars by marriage and family therapists practitioners as a therapeutic intervention

IF 1.7 3区社会学 Q2 FAMILY STUDIES

Family Relations Pub Date : 2025-01-28 DOI:10.1111/fare.13145

Alex D. Colvin, Crystal Benjamin

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective

This article provides an overview of artificial intelligence (AI) avatar technology and its potential use as a therapeutic intervention by licensed marriage and family therapists (MFTs) within the family system context.

Background

With the growth of marriage and family therapy, it is essential to equip future practitioners with tools for effective service delivery. As virtual environments evolve, MFTs must be prepared to engage clients of all ages interested in these technologies.

Method

The authors present a conceptual paper on AI avatar technology, exploring its applications in therapy and examining the diffusion of innovation theory to assess its adoption.

Results

AI avatars offer many benefits, including increasing accessibility and affordability; enhanced communication in virtual settings; augmenting treatment possibilities for individuals and families; and a safe, anonymous environment that encourages client expression. This technology also helps alleviate therapist burnout.

Conclusion

Although AI should not replace human interactions, it can enhance the delivery of MFT practices, helping the profession stay relevant in this digital age and improving therapy accessibility.

Implications

Integrating this technology can create new training opportunities for practitioners. Professional associations should develop guidelines to optimize the use of AI in therapeutic practice as the digital revolution advances.

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探索婚姻和家庭治疗师从业者使用人工智能化身作为治疗干预

本文概述了人工智能（AI）化身技术及其在家庭系统背景下作为有执照的婚姻和家庭治疗师（MFTs）治疗干预的潜在用途。随着婚姻和家庭治疗的发展，为未来的从业者提供有效服务的工具是至关重要的。随着虚拟环境的发展，MFTs必须准备好吸引对这些技术感兴趣的所有年龄段的客户。方法提出人工智能化身技术的概念，探讨其在治疗中的应用，并对创新理论的扩散进行评估。AI头像提供了许多好处，包括增加可访问性和可负担性；加强虚拟环境中的交流；增加个人和家庭获得治疗的可能性；一个安全，匿名的环境，鼓励客户表达。这项技术也有助于缓解治疗师的倦怠。尽管人工智能不应该取代人类互动，但它可以增强MFT实践的交付，帮助该行业在这个数字时代保持相关性，并提高治疗的可及性。集成该技术可以为从业者创造新的培训机会。随着数字革命的推进，专业协会应制定指导方针，以优化人工智能在治疗实践中的应用。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Family Relations Multiple-

CiteScore

3.40

自引率

13.60%

发文量

164

期刊介绍： A premier, applied journal of family studies, Family Relations is mandatory reading for family scholars and all professionals who work with families, including: family practitioners, educators, marriage and family therapists, researchers, and social policy specialists. The journal"s content emphasizes family research with implications for intervention, education, and public policy, always publishing original, innovative and interdisciplinary works with specific recommendations for practice.