I'll admit it: AI and trauma healing isn't a combination I ever expected to be talking about.
And yet, I recently had the opportunity to do exactly that when I joined Toni Teixeira and Jackie Toale on Therapy, Tech & Takeout for a conversation about something I find really fascinating: how AI might support survivors without trying to replace the very thing we know matters so much in healing - human connection.
Toni is a graduate of Beyond Surviving, and Padmaja Suren, founder of Canopy Care Academy, is also a Beyond Surviving graduate and someone I'm currently collaborating with on this work. Padmaja's own experience as a s*xual trauma survivor led her to explore whether AI could be used as a practice partner for survivors.
And that's an important distinction.
The idea isn't that AI can heal trauma. It isn't a therapist. It isn't a coach. It isn't a friend. And it certainly shouldn't become a substitute for real relationships.
Instead, what if it could give someone a place to practice?
Sometimes we need a chance to rehearse.
That's where I think the conversation gets interesting.
Imagine being able to practice saying, "That doesn't work for me," or "I need some time to think about that," or "I don't want to do this," before having to say it to the person sitting across from you.
The goal isn't to stay in the practice space forever. The goal is to build confidence and skills that you can eventually bring into your actual relationships and your actual life.
And there are some big questions that come along with that.
What happens when we're sharing deeply personal information with AI? How do we protect privacy? What are the boundaries around using technology in trauma-related work? How do we make sure the technology supports survivor choice and agency rather than taking it away?
Those aren't small questions. They're ones we need to keep asking as these tools continue to develop.
One thing I particularly appreciated about our conversation was that we didn't frame AI as the answer. We talked about it as one possible tool in a much bigger picture - one that still includes professional support, relationships, community, and the survivor's own wisdom and choices.
Because ultimately, healing isn't something technology can do for us.
Healing happens through what we learn, what we practice, how we relate to ourselves and others, and the experiences we have as we begin to live differently.
Technology may be able to help us practice some of those skills along the way.
But the destination isn't a better relationship with AI.
It's a better relationship with ourselves and with other people.
🎧 LISTEN HERE:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0YpBu2mKXRm0d348jcyVTp
A small action you can take today:
Think of one conversation you've been avoiding because you aren't sure what to say.
You don't have to have the conversation today.
Instead, write down what you wish you could say.
Don't worry about making it perfect. Just get the words out.
Sometimes the first step toward speaking up is giving yourself permission to hear your own voice.
To evolving,
RachelP.S. If you're ready to take the next step in healing from abuse and would like to explore enrolling in the Beyond Surviving program, start by requesting a Discover Your Genuine Self Session.
RESOURCE OF THE MONTH
This book explores how trauma can affect our ability to connect with ourselves, other people, and the world around us. Through practical insights and exercises, Hübl offers a powerful look at why healing isn't something we have to do alone and how greater connection can support our growth and recovery.
UPCOMING EVENTS
brought to you in partnership with CPTSD Foundation
TWO WAYS TO CONNECT on 10/12💗
Start with a casual conversation, then stay for a deeper dive.
THRIVE TRIBE TALK LIVE
4:15p PT / 7:15p ET | 30 MIN
Cass + Rachel talking real life, healing, and what it actually takes to thrive. No script. No presentation. Just real conversation.
ADULT SURVIVORS OF CHILD ABUSE SUPPORT GROUP
5p PT / 8p ET | 1 HOUR
This month's topic: Living in Our Bodies
A free, welcoming space for adult survivors of abuse to connect, get support, and explore a specific healing topic together.
Come for one. Come for both.
REGISTER HERE
(you will also be registered for Thrive Tribe Talk)
Join me for this free 90-minute live masterclass on October 22 at 3:30p PT / 6:30p ET.
Learn how to prepare for difficult conversations about abuse, stay grounded when emotions arise, and shift from confrontation to self-expression so you can speak your truth without handing your power over to someone else's response.
