"When I see Jodie, I feel relaxed": Examining the Impact of a Virtual Supporter in Remote Psychotherapy

TL;DR

This study explores how an AI virtual supporter integrated into Zoom psychotherapy sessions can improve psychological safety and emotional expression without disrupting therapy.

Contribution

It introduces a novel virtual supporter with two modes, demonstrating its positive effects in remote psychotherapy through a user study.

Findings

Virtual supporter increased psychological safety and reduced anxiety.

Enhanced emotional articulation observed during therapy sessions.

No disruption to the therapeutic process was caused by the virtual supporter.

Abstract

Virtual agents have shown promising potential in mental health applications, but current research has predominantly focused on contexts outside of traditional therapy sessions. This paper examines the impact of a virtual supporter in remote psychotherapy sessions conducted via Zoom. We used a two-phase research approach. First we conducted a formative study to understand the roles and functions of human supporters in psychotherapy contexts. Based on these findings, we developed a virtual supporter operating in two modes: Daily Mode (for mood journaling outside therapy) and Therapy Mode (as an additional participant in Zoom therapy sessions). Finally we ran a user study with 14 participants who engaged with the virtual supporter for a week and then joined a remote psychotherapy session together. Our findings revealed that the virtual supporter had positive effects on creating psychological safety, reducing anxiety, and enhancing emotional articulation without disrupting the therapeutic process. We then discussed both the benefits and potential disadvantages of virtual supporters in therapeutic contexts, including concerns about over-reliance and the need for appropriate boundaries. This research contributes to understanding how AI-driven virtual agents could contribute to human-led remote psychotherapy.