Therapist goes head to head against ChatGPT to see who gives better advice – and is shocked by the VERY surprising results

With the rise of people turning to AI to help with managing daily tasks, can it do more than just streamline our schedules?

Can it actually advise a troubled mind, help mend a weary soul or even heal a broken heart? Stina Sanders, a relationship therapist, decided to put that idea to the test.

The London-based expert, who goes by @stinasanders on TikTok, recently shared a video which sees her engaging in a face off with ChatGPT to demonstrate who gives better advice. 

Enlisting her boyfriend as a fictional client, Sanders’ partner first asks her a series of questions relating to typical relationship issues – from heartbreak to arguments to evaluating whether a partner is truly ‘the one.’

Sanders’ boyfriend then asked AI the same questions, word-for-word – and the results were eye-opening, leaving Sanders surprised by the insights ChatGPT offered.

The relationship expert warned that while ChatGPT is great at giving advice it can pose risks – however, it could also be a complement to therapy by bridging the gap in between sessions. 

Sanders discovered that while the tool can never replace the empathy and nuanced understanding therapists provide, it can provide immediate assistance and emotional check-ins, making mental health care more continuous and consistent. 

Here’s how ChatGPT and Sanders stacked up against each other in the relationship advice showdown: 

‘I’m heartbroken… how can I get over my ex?’

Therapist 

In the clip, the relationship therapist suggested three ways to help move on after a upsetting break up. 

Sanders advised to first focus on self-care: getting adequate sleep, eating well, drinking lots of water and exercise.

Secondly, she suggested surrounding oneself with loved ones and ‘really get in your support network during this tough time.’

Her third piece of advice is to distract oneself by ‘constantly doing things that you love or enjoy doing,’ as well as getting rid of any physical reminders of an ex, such as photos and text messages. 

ChatGPT

Meanwhile, the AI tool provided a precise and comforting response, as it advised: ‘Focus on self-care, lean on friends and family for support, and allow yourself time to heal. 

‘Engage in new hobbies, set personal goals and avoid contact with your ex to create more space for closure. Healing takes time, but it will get better.’

‘How do I know if someone is the one for me?’

Therapist 

Sanders provided a reflective answer, highlighting that the question of “the one” is often more about mutual compatibility and growth together, rather than a perfect fit. 

She emphasised the importance of communication, shared goals, and the ability to work through challenges as a couple.

She said: ‘You would genuinely feel very emotionally safe – with them and within yourself.

‘Most importantly, there would be a shared respect: you mutually respect each other, there is zero abuse, and generally the relationship is very healthy. 

Sanders added: ‘If they’re “the one” for you, you’re on the same page – you’ll have lots of shared values and morals.’

ChatGPT

ChatGPT provided a short, snappy but effective answer; outlining key signs of a healthy relationship, such as sharing values and communicating openly.

It advised: ‘They feel like a partner, not a project – they support your growth, share your values, communicate openly, and you feel at peace being yourself with them.  “The one” complements your life, not completes it.’ 

My partner and I keep arguing… how can we fix it?

Therapist 

Sanders emphasised the importance of active listening and understanding each partner’s emotional needs, while working through the issue as a team.  

She explained: ‘Firstly you need to communicate, but you both need to actively listen to one another to get a real understanding of what each other is thinking and feeling.

‘You have to approach this conflict as a team – it’s not about winning, it’s about working together.’

ChatGPT  

The AI tool, meanwhile, suggested techniques for better communication, including active listening and addressing underlying issues instead of focusing on surface-level disagreements.

It advised: ‘Focus on listening to understand, not to respond. Discuss issues calmly, avoid blaming, and express feelings using “I” statements. 

‘Consider setting aside time for open communication, and if needed, seek couples therapy to work through deeper conflicts.’  

The results: Who gives better relationship advice?  

After observing the responses generated by the AI tool, Sanders admitted that ‘Chat GPT definitely won.’ 

She said: ‘I feel like I was under pressure – my boyfriend said: “You will be timed so you need to give your answers really quickly.”

‘I feel like the robot did way better than me. I feel like if I wasn’t under the time constraint, my answers would have been a lot more thorough, a bit more empathetic.’

She joked: ‘I think ChatGPT is good – I just don’t know if it has my charm?’

The therapist claimed that, while it can pose risks, AI can help bridge gaps in care, offering accessibility to individuals who face barriers like cost, location, or long waiting lists. 

Sanders warned there are still important risks to consider – issues like data security and the potential biases in AI systems are significant concerns. 

AI also struggles to accurately identify crisis situations, which can be dangerous for vulnerable individuals. 

She added: ‘And while AI can provide useful suggestions, it lacks empathy, intuition, and the ability to navigate complex emotional dynamics – things that are essential in supporting emotional healing.’

However, if integrated thoughtfully, Sanders claimed AI can empower therapists rather than compete with them, ultimately improving outcomes for clients.