Are You Outsourcing Your Ability to Think Critically?

[DISCLAIMER]

When starting the informal practice of life coaching in 1991, I knew little about artificial intelligence (AI). Of course, I couldn’t truthfully say that I had no knowledge about the possibility of sentient supercomputers.

After all, I heard of references to HAL 9000 from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), WOPR (War Operation Plan Response, pronounced “whopper”) from the movie WarGames (1983), Number 5 who transitioned into Johnny 5 from the flick Short Circuit (1986), and so on.

Nevertheless, I didn’t fully comprehend how one day artificial general intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, large language model, chatbots, and other mechanisms generally referred to as “AI” would one day be used so frequently. How could I have known?

By the time I began practicing psychotherapy in 2011, I’d already used various forms of AI in games (e.g., electronic chess), via telephone (e.g., automated customer service prompts), through use of computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office’s Clippy), and so forth.

All the same, I didn’t foresee that use of AI would impact my ability to professionally care for mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “mental health”). After practicing Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) for years, I then stated in Will AI Replace Psychotherapists?:

I’m intrigued by the prospect of AI support in the way of intakes and assessments, as well as providing support between sessions. Likewise, I suspect that for psychiatrists (who often do little more than prescribe medications), AI poses a significant challenge to their field. […]

I view AI as a potentially hopeful utility for the field in which I work. Will AI replace psychotherapists? It’s plausible that digital mental health services could one day replace human psychotherapists, though I’m unsure how probable this proposal is at present.

Since posting that blog entry on May 11, 2025, I’ve gathered anecdotal evidence from my professional work with clients. It appears as though a number of the people for whom I’ve provided mental health services are using ChatGPT, Grok, Claude, Perplexity, and other AIs.

For full disclosure, I allow the aforementioned AIs to train on my website. In fact, my over 1,800 blogposts have been scraped (the automated process of extracting, collecting, and restructuring data from websites into a usable format using bots or scripts). I want people to know of REBT.

In any event, some of my clients have expressed that AIs have helpfully assisted in their understanding of REBT concepts in between our sessions. However, others have admitted to overly relying on information obtained from digital mechanisms.

I consider such use of AI as a form of outsourcing (a practice in which an individual uses external providers or sources to carry out various processes that would otherwise be handled by the person). This is concerning in regard to critical thinking, about which one source states:

Critical thinking is the process of analyzing available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to reach sound conclusions or informed choices. It involves recognizing underlying assumptions, providing justifications for ideas and actions, evaluating these justifications through comparisons with varying perspectives, and assessing their rationality and potential consequences. The goal of critical thinking is to form a judgment through the application of rational, skeptical, and unbiased analyses and evaluations. […]

The application of critical thinking includes self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective habits of the mind, because critical thinking is not a natural process; it must be induced, and ownership of the process must be taken for successful questioning and reasoning. Critical thinking presupposes a rigorous commitment to overcome egocentrism and sociocentrism that leads to a mindful command of effective communication and problem solving.

Were the two cited paragraphs so lengthy that you decided not to read them? Were the accompanying links so plentiful that you forewent looking at even one of them? If you answered “yes” to either question, then I now ask: Are you outsourcing your ability to think critically?

As one source accurately states, “AI is replacing tasks many people have grown reluctant to do themselves – thinking, writing, creating, analysing. But when we don’t use these skills, they can decline.” Now, I encourage you to practice critical thinking rather than outsourcing this ability.

With little doubt, it’s easier to rely upon AI for performing cognitive tasks. Yet, you may not always have access to this mechanism upon which you rely. Do you know which platform you can access even when asleep? (Come on, it’s time for critical thinking. You can do this!)

If you thought “my mind” or “my brain,” then well done! Thus, I invite you to do more of what you just did—think for your damn self! Moreover, think critically. Ask questions. Challenge yourself. Be self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective! Be a human!

Think! Think critically!! If you don’t utilize this essential skill, then cognitive decline awaits you. Additionally, if you’d like to know more about REBT, then I’m here to help.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

References:

Carroll, N. (2026, January 22). Is AI hurting your ability to think? How to reclaim your brain. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/is-ai-hurting-your-ability-to-think-how-to-reclaim-your-brain-272834

Hollings, D. (2025, September 18). Are you working against your interests and goals? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/are-you-working-against-your-interests-and-goals

Hollings, D. (2024, November 15). Assumptions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/assumptions

Hollings, D. (2025, October 23). Bringing together sound teaching with sound conduct. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/bringing-together-sound-teaching-with-sound-conduct

Hollings, D. (2024, October 29). Cognitive continuum. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/cognitive-continuum

Hollings, D. (2023, August 28). Confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/confirmation-bias-and-cognitive-dissonance

Hollings, D. (2024, March 19). Consequences. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/consequences

Hollings, D. (2024, November 4). Critical thinking. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/critical-thinking

Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer

Hollings, D. (2025, December 13). Explanation and justification. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/explanation-and-justification

Hollings, D. (2025, March 9). Factual and counterfactual beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/factual-and-counterfactual-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2024, May 17). Feeling better vs. getting better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-vs-getting-better-1

Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better

Hollings, D. (2025, September 22). Hey you! You’re losing your mind! Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/hey-you-you-re-losing-your-mind

Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/

Hollings, D. (2025, April 23). Judgment. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/judgment

Hollings, D. (2025, March 4). Justification. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/justification

Hollings, D. (2025, October 13). Knowledge, wisdom, understanding. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/knowledge-wisdom-understanding

Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching

Hollings, D. (2024, March 4). Mental, emotional, and behavioral health. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/mental-emotional-and-behavioral-health

Hollings, D. (2025, November 16). Mental health, mental illness, and mental disorder. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/mental-health-mental-illness-and-mental-disorder

Hollings, D. (2025, September 26). Observing eye and perceiving eye. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/observing-eye-and-perceiving-eye

Hollings, D. (2024, May 17). Open, honest, and vulnerable communication. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/open-honest-and-vulnerable-communication

Hollings, D. (2025, April 9). Perception, action, and will. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/perception-action-and-will

Hollings, D. (2022, November 7). Personal ownership. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/personal-ownership

Hollings, D. (2024, July 20). Perspective shift. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/perspective-shift

Hollings, D. (2025, November 13). Problem solving in regard to anger: How to eat an elephant. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/problem-solving-in-regard-to-anger-how-to-eat-an-elephant

Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist

Hollings, D. (2023, March 25). Question everything. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/question-everything

Hollings, D. (2024, April 16). Radioactive rationality. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/radioactive-rationality

Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt

Hollings, D. (2025, August 13). Rational versus irrational thoughts and beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-versus-irrational-thoughts-and-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2024, December 5). Reasoning. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/reasoning

Hollings, D. (2024, July 10). Recommendatory should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/recommendatory-should-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2024, January 4). Rigid vs. rigorous. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rigid-vs-rigorous

Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal

Hollings, D. (2024, August 20). We all make our choices. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/we-all-make-our-choices

Hollings, D. (2025, April 12). What’s the big idea? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/what-s-the-big-idea

Hollings, D. (2025, May 11). Will AI replace psychotherapists? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/will-ai-replace-psychotherapists

Hollings, D. (2025, October 20). Would there be enough evidence to convict you? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/would-there-be-enough-evidence-to-convict-you

Wikipedia. (n.d.). 2001: A Space Odyssey. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001:_A_Space_Odyssey

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Artificial general intelligence. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_general_intelligence

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Artificial intelligence. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Chatbot. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatbot

Wikipedia. (n.d.). ChatGPT. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Claude (language model). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_(language_model)

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Critical thinking. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Deep learning. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_learning

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Egocentrism. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egocentrism

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Ethnocentrism. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnocentrism

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Grok (chatbot). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grok_(chatbot)

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Large language model. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_language_model

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Machine learning. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_learning

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Office Assistant. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_Assistant

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Perplexity AI. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perplexity_AI

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Short Circuit (1986 film). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_Circuit_(1986_film)

Wikipedia. (n.d.). WarGames. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WarGames