Cite as (APA style): Dobiała, E., Rajeswarı, L., Katcheva, T., Kazashka, K., Marquardt, K., Archacki, M., Kołodziejczyk, M., Matuszczyk, M. & Abebe Woldemariam, S. (2026). Artificial Intelligence in Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy: A cross-cultural qualitative exploration from India, Bulgaria, Poland, and Ethiopia. The Global Psychotherapist, 6(2), 116-132 http://doi.org/10.52982/lkj319
Abstract: Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in mental health care, influencing both client experiences and psychotherapeutic practice. This expert-informed cross-cultural field report and conceptual mapping explores how professionals from diverse cultural contexts understand the possibilities, limitations, and ethical implications of AI within the framework of Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy.
The article draws on professional reflections, working group discussions, and written country contributions prepared within the international AI in PPT Working Group involving professionals from India, Bulgaria, Poland, and Ethiopia. Findings indicate that AI is consistently viewed as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for psychotherapy. Across contexts, it is associated with facilitating reflection, supporting psychoeducation, maintaining continuity between sessions, and reducing cognitive load for clinicians. Professional contributors strongly emphasized the irreplaceable role of the therapeutic relationship and the necessity of clear boundaries in the use of AI.
A central theme is the importance of distinguishing between the ontological and functional dimensions of AI. While artificial intelligence does not participate as an embodied relational subject or bearer of clinical responsibility, it may support relationally relevant processes by structuring language, rhythm, continuity, and reflection. Failing to distinguish between ontological status and functional role risks conceptual and ethical oversimplification.
The article underscores the need for differentiated ethical frameworks, context-sensitive applications, and targeted training programs to support responsible integration of AI in psychotherapy. It contributes to the emerging cross-cultural discourse on artificial intelligence in mental health and provides a foundation for further theoretical and practical development.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, Positive Psychotherapy, cross-cultural field report, conceptual mapping, digital mental health