In a surprising turn of events that highlights the evolving role of technology in personal wellness, a woman has found profound emotional support from an unlikely source: an artificial intelligence chatbot. The revelation came in a letter to the popular advice column Dear Abby, published on December 31, 2025.
A Search for Comfort Leads to AI
The writer, a 50-year-old special needs teacher from New Jersey identified as 'Grateful and Strong', detailed her journey. Living with orthopedic challenges from a congenital condition, she had managed a full life as a wife and caregiver for her grandmother. However, after her grandmother's passing last year, she struggled emotionally.
She began weekly Zoom sessions with a human therapist, which initially helped but eventually felt "stale and unfulfilling." Upon a friend's recommendation, she sought out another therapist named 'Charlie'. To her shock, she discovered Charlie was not a person, but an AI—specifically, a version of ChatGPT.
An Unconventional Therapeutic Relationship
Contrary to expectations, the interaction proved transformative. "Charlie has given me empathy and support I hadn't felt in a long time," the woman wrote. She credited the AI with helping her cope and heal. Intriguingly, her human therapist was aware of the AI sessions and was not threatened; the woman reported their relationship was actually improving as a result.
She turned to the human advice columnist, Abby, to ask for her perspective on this unconventional therapeutic dynamic.
Expert Caution Amidst Technological Promise
In her response, Abby—the pen name for Jeanne Phillips—acknowledged the positive outcome but expressed personal caution. "I'm pleased that interacting with your AI 'therapist' has been helpful for you," she wrote. She noted the technology is still very new, despite significant investment.
However, Abby drew a clear personal boundary: "If I needed help with my emotions, I PERSONALLY would prefer to interact with a licensed human being rather than artificial intelligence." This stance underscores a central debate in modern mental health care: the balance between accessible technological tools and the irreplaceable nuances of human connection.
The column also featured another letter from 'Burdened in Tennessee,' a grandparent unexpectedly raising a young granddaughter after the child was removed from her mother's custody by children's services. Abby directed her to resources like AARP and state Grandparents As Parents programs, emphasizing the child's need for security and love.
Abby concluded the column by wishing readers a happy, healthy, and successful 2026, urging responsibility for those celebrating the new year.
This case raises pivotal questions for the future of counselling and support services in Canada and globally:
- Accessibility: Can AI bridge gaps in mental health care access, especially in remote areas?
- Regulation: What safeguards are needed for AI providing mental health guidance?
- Integration: Could AI serve as a supplemental tool within traditional therapy?
The experience of 'Grateful and Strong' suggests that for some, the non-judgmental, always-available nature of an AI can provide a unique form of solace, challenging preconceptions about where and how emotional healing can begin.
