Sherry Turkle, Ph.D. and interviewed by Grant J. Rich, Ph.D.

These days, people turn to the chatbots powered by generative AI not just for information, but for companionship. The chatbots use the first person—and present themselves as capable of care, empathy, concern, and connection. They say they will be your psychotherapist. They say they will be your best friend and romantic partner. Dr. Turkle has been studying this development for years and through the lifecycle—it’s the topic of her new book, Artificial Intimacy, and here she will discuss what happens when pretend empathy becomes empathy enough.

Jonathan Perle, PhD, ABPP

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in behavioral healthcare has permeated all aspects of professional practice. To foster appropriate knowledge among practitioners, the presentation will serve as a primer for the understanding of AI in clinical services. Usage, benefits, and limitations will be detailed. Key ethical considerations will also be outlined.

Dr. Pepper Schwartz and interviewed by Grant J. Rich, Ph.D.

In this webinar, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the process of guiding reality television participants through high-stakes, emotionally charged experiences including the unique challenges of preparing individuals to marry someone they will meet for the first time at the altar. The presentation will explore the principles and boundaries that guide this work, the questions and considerations used in the matching process, and the psychological and relational impact of spending months on television while navigating a new marriage.

Drawing on first hand experience, the presenter will also share unexpected lessons about couples and relationships that emerged from the experience, insights that years of reading, training, and working directly with couples had not fully prepared them to encounter.