Skye Wheatley turns to AI for therapy while exploring ADHD

Skye Wheatley shared she has turned to ChatGPT for mental health support, praising the platform, while experts urge caution, saying AI is no substitute for face-to-face therapy.

Traditional therapy may not be for everyone and that’s certainly the case for influencer Skye Wheatley, who has turned to AI for support in managing her ADHD.

The reality TV star revealed she has been using the generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT for therapy, calling it her “fav counsellor so far” after seeking advice to help her navigate her attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

The mum of two shared screenshots of her conversations with the chatbot, covering everything from building structure without shame to focusing on strengths over symptoms.

ChatGPT even offered insights into how ADHD presents differently in girls and women, particularly around validation and appearance.

It comes a week after Wheatley opened up on her podcast with Callum Hole about being diagnosed with ADHD at five years old and how she has since learnt to embrace it.

“Back in my day, it wasn’t like a well known thing and it wasn’t a positive thing,” Wheatley said on the podcast.

“Now a days I feel like it’s a strength because it means that you’re good creatively, or you’re good at social stuff like this, and there’s more job opportunities for people who do struggle intellectually.”

Social media posts from influencer Skye Wheatley. Picture: Instagram

Racheal Harker said while AI is helpful, it shouldn’t be relied upon as a therapy replacement. Picture Thomas Lisson

Sydney-based clinical psychologist Rachel Harker told Confidential that while AI can be a helpful tool, it should never be relied on as a replacement for therapy.
“It’s OK to use ChatGPT but you’ve just got to be cautious about how you use it, how you interpret the information. And it’s never a replacement for in-person interactions,” Harker said. “If you put in the wrong information, it can be quite potentially dangerous what you get back, especially if you misinterpret it.”

She added that while it may help in between sessions or for general advice, it lacks the emotional intelligence and context a therapist provides.

“It doesn’t have that human kind of emotional intelligence attached to it … For things like childhood trauma, PTSD or sexual assault, I would definitely recommend having an face-to-face therapist,” Harker said.

While the psychologist praised Wheatley for using her platform to raise awareness and normalise seeking help, she said it was important not to unintentionally promote ChatGPT instead of professional support.

“I think it’s great when someone with a large platform is advocating for mental health and getting support. But there is a danger in ‘promoting’ ChatGPT over therapy,” Harker said.

In her ChatGPT session, Wheatley also sought advice about managing her ADHD within her relationship, in which the chat bot offered tools like therapy, self-compassion, forgiveness and connecting with other women with ADHD.

“ChatGPT will you marry me, legit balling my eyes out reading this,” she wrote on Instagram.

Aussie influencer, Skye Wheatley has posted on social media about using ChatGPT as a therapist. Picture: Instagram

Social media posts from influencer Skye Wheatley. Picture: Instagram

“I’ve been to therapy and ChatGPT is my fav counsellor so far.”

A few hours later, Wheatley admitted she was left wondering if she might also be on the autism spectrum.

“I honestly feel like, even though I have ADHD, I feel like I might also be on the spectrum,” she said in a video posted to Instagram.

“Because of noises, I really struggle with noises and movement. I can’t, my brain is just (sound effects of an explosion). Even the TV going on right now, oh my God, I am so triggered.”

Wheatley also said her son Forrest may have ADHD, revealing she has already noticed signs that mirror her own experience.

Wheatley then opened up about her relationship with long-time partner Lachlan Waugh, admitting communication had been a struggle.

“I feel like men and women really struggle to understand each other,” she said in another video.

“I think we should try go back to counselling because I want my kids to see me in a loving, happy relationship where we’re not bickering and arguing.”

Confidential contacted Wheatley for comment.

Originally published as Skye Wheatley turns to AI for therapy while exploring ADHD