Generative AI as a Relational Bridge in Couples Counseling: A Supplemental Approach

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly appearing in couples’ help-seeking for relationship advice, communication support, and emotional support before or between therapy sessions. This shift brings new opportunities and ethical challenges for marriage and family therapists, counselors, and counselor educators. This conceptual article frames generative AI as a low-barrier relational bridge that can support structured communication practice, reframe escalatory language, provide psychoeducational resources, and reinforce therapist-guided interventions. However, AI is not a substitute for empathetic presence, systemic understanding, or clinical judgment in situations involving trauma, power imbalances, or safety risks. Guided by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Code of Ethics, the article introduces the Relational Bridge Model, a framework for ethically integrating AI as a supplement, not a substitute, for therapy. The model identifies when AI may be clinically useful, when it may undermine relational work through triangulation or depersonalization, and what safeguards are necessary, including informed consent, transparency agreements, risk screening, and therapist oversight. A composite case illustrates potential benefits and risks, followed by implications for practice, counselor education, and supervision.

Keywords

generative artificial intelligence couples counseling marriage and family therapy ethics technology-assisted services therapeutic alliance

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