Counsellors Attitudes, Emotions, and Ethical Concerns Regarding Artificial Intelligence: Results From a Professional Survey

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly present in counselling, from clinical practice to the classroom. To date, little empirical research has examined how counsellors themselves view the role of AI in the profession. Objective This study aimed to explore counsellors' attitudes, beliefs and emotional responses to AI in counselling practice, ethics and future applications. Methods We assessed emotions and attitudes toward AI among professional counsellors (N = 159) through a Qualtrics‐based survey. Results Counsellors most strongly endorsed positive emotions, such as excitement about AI's potential to address problems, while expressing concerns related to diminished human connection, privacy and bias. Results also revealed counsellors' favourable attitudes toward AI in practice and optimism about its ability to reduce workload and burnout, but scepticism remained regarding AI's relational capacity. Notably, school counsellors and counsellors from racial and ethnic minority groups reported greater optimism about AI. Conclusions Findings suggest that counsellors view AI as a promising addition to the profession, despite concerns.

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