In a spacious, sunlit office in central London, Claire Mitchell was at her wit's end. As a high-powered executive in a leading tech firm and a former competitive athlete, she had always thrived under pressure. She was used to pushing her limits and performing at high levels. But, lately, the demands of her job and the complexities of her personal life had begun to overwhelm her. Her usual strategies for managing stress and maintaining high performance were failing her. She needed help.

Claire had heard of AI coaching tools and apps. With a background in technology, she was curious about their potential. Could an AI chatbot, armed with algorithms and vast data, offer the insights and guidance she desperately needed? Skeptical but willing to try anything (and this would be cheaper than a human coach), Claire downloaded the latest AI coaching app and scheduled her first session with "Sarah," the virtual coach.

The initial interactions were promising. Sarah's responses were swift and data-driven, providing Claire with practical tips and structured plans. However, something crucial was missing. The advice, though technically accurate, felt hollow and impersonal. There was no warmth, no understanding of the subtleties of Claire's emotions and experiences. The responses lacked the depth that comes from genuine human connection and empathy.

To be clear, AI is not a bad option; doing nothing is a bad option when anxiety builds. However, for some, AI coaching might feel like navigating through an automated call center, with frustrating twists and turns that lead nowhere. While others might benefit from AI, the majority still prefer human interaction. A PwC survey found that........

© Psychology Today