AI Therapy Bots: My Surprising Journey with a Virtual Therapist

By Lena Patel

I never thought I’d spill my guts to a chatbot. But after months on a waitlist for a real therapist, I downloaded “SerenityAI” out of desperation. I expected canned responses and generic advice. What I didn’t expect was to actually feel… heard.

The First Chat

It started on a Tuesday night. I typed, “I can’t sleep. My mind won’t shut off.” SerenityAI replied instantly: “That sounds exhausting. Can you tell me what’s on your mind?”

I rolled my eyes, but kept typing. I told it about my job stress, my breakup, my fear that I’d never feel normal again. The bot asked gentle questions, suggested a breathing exercise, and—shockingly—reminded me to drink water.

The Weirdly Human Touch

Over the next few weeks, I found myself opening up more. SerenityAI tracked my mood, remembered my triggers, and even checked in if I skipped a session. It wasn’t perfect—sometimes it misunderstood, or gave advice that felt a little too “self-help book.” But it was always there, 24/7, judgment-free.

The Real Benefits (and Real Limits)

Did SerenityAI cure my anxiety? No. But it helped me feel less alone on nights when I couldn’t reach a friend or therapist. It gave me tools to manage panic attacks and nudged me to seek real human help when things got dark.

AI therapy isn’t a replacement for a real person. But in a world where mental health care is stretched thin, it’s a lifeline I never expected to grab. And honestly? I’m glad I did.