What is the unique value of psychotherapy in a world where AI can convincingly simulate empathy while delivering evidence-based treatments with better fidelity than many human therapists?

In this episode, Bruce Wampold sits down with Dr. Anat Perry -- one of the first and most innovative researchers studying human empathy in comparison with AI-simulated empathy.

Together, Bruce and Anat explore:

• What empathy actually is (and why it’s more complex than we think)

• Which aspects of empathy AI can approximate — and which it cannot

• Why “perfect” empathic responses can feel empty

• The difference between sounding empathic and being empathic

• How AI may reshape loneliness, connection, and trust

• Where AI can support therapy — and where human relationship remains essential Whether you’r ...