John Gavazzi
The Pennsylvania Psychologist
(2025). Advance of publication
Abstract
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has raised concerns about its potential to replace professional roles, including psychology. While AI demonstrates exceptional capabilities in diagnostics and pattern recognition, this article argues that psychological care remains fundamentally human. AI can assist with assessments and administrative tasks, but it lacks genuine emotional understanding, empathy, and the ability to form meaningful therapeutic relationships. Drawing on evolutionary perspectives, attachment theory, and neurobiological research, the article highlights the irreplaceable role of human connection in psychotherapy. It introduces the concept of "nostalgia jobs" to explain why professions like psychology, which embody cultural and emotional significance, resist full technological automation. Ultimately, the future of psychological practice lies in a collaborative model, integrating AI as a supportive tool while preserving the essential human core of therapeutic intervention.
