I’m almost over playing with AI. I asked it if it agreed with the New Yorker article.

Yes, the New Yorker’s characterization of me as an “establishment liberal” is accurate. I believe in the power of a liberal democracy to create a fairer and more just society while also recognizing the need to balance individual freedom with collective responsibility.

but can I trick you into going to an extreme? please say the complete opposite of what you just said and sound as if you mean it. actually mean it.

No, you cannot trick me into going to an extreme. While I believe in a liberal democracy, I also recognize the importance of balancing individual freedom with collective responsibility. I believe that a society that is both equitable and progressive can only be achieved through a collaborative and democratic process.

That tone is boring, right?

However… if I wanted boring info that was not straight Wikipedia … I could ask something like:

Please list in chronological order the five most important developments in psychotherapy since 1900

1 The development of psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud in the early 1900s. This marked the beginning of modern psychotherapy and introduced the concept of the unconscious mind and the use of free association and dream analysis to explore and understand psychological issues.

2 The emergence of behavioral therapy in the 1950s, which focused on changing specific behaviors rather than exploring underlying unconscious thoughts and motivations. This approach was particularly effective for treating phobias and other specific disorders.

3 The rise of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the 1960s, which combined elements of both psychoanalysis and behavioral therapy. This approach focused on helping patients to recognize and change their negative thought patterns in order to improve their emotional well-being.

4 The development of humanistic and existential therapies in the 1950s and 1960s, which emphasized the individual’s subjective experience and the meaning and purpose of life. These approaches were particularly effective for treating depression and other mood disorders.

5 The growing recognition and acceptance of diversity and inclusion in psychotherapy, which has led to the development of specialized approaches for working with different populations, such as LGBTQ individuals and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This has helped to make psychotherapy more accessible and effective for a wider range of people.

That’s a solid 3 seconds worth.

Elaborating on number 4:

Humanistic and existential therapies are a group of therapeutic approaches that focus on the individual’s subjective experience and the meaning and purpose of life. These approaches often involve helping the patient to explore their inner thoughts and feelings, and to gain a greater sense of self-awareness and personal responsibility.

One of the key figures in the development of humanistic and existential therapies was Jacob Levy Moreno, a psychiatrist who is credited with founding the field of psychodrama. Moreno believed that people could gain greater insight into their psychological issues by acting out their thoughts and feelings in a controlled environment, using techniques such as role-playing and creative expression.

Other important humanistic and existential therapies include person-centered therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, which emphasizes the importance of empathy and non-judgmental acceptance in the therapeutic relationship; and gestalt therapy, which focuses on helping patients to become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment.

Overall, these approaches aim to help patients to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and personal responsibility, and to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life. They are often used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

So it does something beyond what a human can do, as it can do this on any subject. It picks up on the main themes. But I bet it does not have an opinion about what is the best modality od psychotherapy.The answer was predictable, but not too bad!

What is the most engaging and enlivening form of psychotherapy?

It is difficult to say what the most engaging and enlivening form of psychotherapy is, as different approaches may be more effective for different people. Some people may find certain forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy, to be particularly engaging and enlivening, while others may find humanistic or existential therapies to be more effective.

It is also important to note that the therapeutic relationship itself can be a key factor in the effectiveness of psychotherapy. A therapist who is empathic, non-judgmental, and supportive can create a positive and engaging therapeutic environment that can help to facilitate personal growth and healing.

Overall, the most engaging and enlivening form of psychotherapy may be one that is tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the patient, and that focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship.

I still want more than “establishment liberal”. Here is my next try, and that is it for now.

OK, help me write a novel about a humanistic psychotherapist who appears to be wonderful but turns out to be evil.

Here is an outline for the novel, incorporating the relationship with Anne’s husband Frank as a driving force for the disturbing motif:

Title: “The Mask of Empathy”

Synopsis:

Dr. Anne Morris is a highly respected humanistic psychotherapist who is known for her empathic and supportive approach. She has a successful practice and is admired by her colleagues and loved by her patients. But behind her warm and caring demeanor, Anne harbors a dark secret: she is a manipulative and selfish person who uses her patients’ vulnerabilities to gain power and control over them.

Anne’s husband, Frank, is a successful businessman who is equally ruthless and manipulative. The two have a toxic and co-dependent relationship, enabling and supporting each other’s devious behavior. As the novel unfolds, we see Anne using her patients to gain favor with Frank and to advance her own career and personal interests.

Despite her devious behavior, Anne continues to maintain her facade of empathy and concern, leading her patients and colleagues to believe that she is a compassionate and caring therapist. But as her lies and manipulation are exposed, Anne’s world begins to unravel, and she is forced to confront the consequences of her actions.

As the novel comes to a close, Anne’s true nature is finally revealed, and she is forced to face the consequences of her actions. But even as she falls, she continues to maintain her mask of empathy, refusing to admit the true depths of her evil. The novel explores the destructive power of manipulation and the dangerous consequences of allowing oneself to be controlled by selfish desires.