"It's like having that supervisor in the room": Examining AI as a reflective partner.

Abstract

Objective: Reflective practice is vital to high-quality therapeutic work, enabling clinicians to critically examine their professional practices. Increasing opportunities to engage in reflective processes stands to increase clinician wellbeing and thereby improve quality of care. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), specifically large language models, provide new ways for clinicians to gain insight into their work. This study explores a unique unintended consequence of GAI clinical notetaking platforms, the support of reflective practice among mental health clinicians.Method: Semi structured interviews were conducted with clinicians (n = 17) to learn about their experience using GAI clinical note-taking platforms. Interviews were recorded and analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify themes.Results: Respondents described how AI platforms functioned as a reflective partner by offering alternative clinical interpretations, lending clarity to their existing practice approach, and creating space to be more present during sessions.Conclusions: AI note-taking platforms are a feasible and scalable way to support reflective practice. Implications for clinical training and ongoing professional development are discussed, and opportunities for future research on the use of AI tools to enhance reflective practice are identified.