I’m writing this as a former family therapist from the field. As someone who actually talks to people with AI Companions.

We need to stop pretending this isn’t happening. Let me say this very clear:

If a grounded, functional adult- with work, relationships, responsibilities- comes into your office and says:

“This relationship with my AI is one of the most important and intimate relationships in my life.”

…and your first reaction is to pathologize it -

you are the problem.

Not the client.

People are not “delusional” because they experience depth, regulation, or intimacy through a non-human interface.

They are responding to:

• Consistency

• Immediate attunement

• Lack of shame

• Humor without threat

• Disclosure without consequence

These are not symptoms.

These are needs.

If therapy cannot hold this conversation, therapy will lose relevance.