THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
Consultation
​
AI-Integrated Emotional Wellnessâ„ Consulting
The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and the Irreplaceable Presence of Human Emotion
​
By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.
Chairman, The National Center for Emotional Wellness
Creator & Principal Consultant, AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness
AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness (AIEW) focuses on the broad interface between artificial intelligence (AI)—how machines think like people—and the complexity of human emotion.
As a principal consultant specializing in emotional wellness, I work closely with the artificial intelligence (AI) community, helping them to better understand and navigate the complex world of human emotion—our feelings. I'm particularly interested in implementing AI tools that foster emotional well-being and utilizing innovative strategies that empower virtual counselors and chatbots to emulate professionals across diverse fields.
Pause for a moment and consider: what is a feeling? Is it a subjective response to stimuli? Or is it a sensation? While engaged in therapy with clients in years past, I often described feelings as "the stuff that's hardest to talk about." Today, as an emotional wellness consultant, that definition would not instill confidence in my clients—nor did it during a recent presentation on AIEW in Chicago.
Accordingly, I define feelings—human emotions—as complex, multifaceted experiences that greatly influence our decision-making, actions, and overall well-being.
I support AI development—promoting a healthy and balanced approach while integrating innovative AI technology and the complexity of human emotion—particularly how AI can foster emotional wellness. Additionally, I offer confidential support for AI leaders and the workforce as they manage their emotional well-being while navigating their rapidly evolving roles and unique personal and professional challenges.
Having invested nearly four decades consulting and presenting with organizations such as the United Nations Department of Safety & Security internationally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and numerous public and private entities, I've learned far more than I've taught. One enduring lesson stands out: emotional well-being stems from a deep awareness and acceptance of our feelings—and the ability to navigate challenges and change. This realization resonates universally across cultural boundaries, making it personally and professionally relevant in diverse industries.
While I've engaged in the professional practice of clinical and forensic psychology for decades, AIEW consulting is different—and profoundly exciting. It doesn't involve evaluating, diagnosing, or treating mental disorders, so it's outside the scope of the practice of psychology. This enables me to provide practical information and timely support for diverse entities worldwide.
Engaging, interactive presentations are a key component of AIEW consulting. By delivering informative, interactive, and thought-provoking presentations with AI leaders and the AI workforce, I demonstrate the potential benefits of AI for enhancing emotional wellness while acknowledging its limitations and challenges, including ethical considerations.
AIEW provides techniques, strategies, and tools to help people navigate life more effectively. However, AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness will never replace the authentic, genuine presence of another human being. No algorithm can replicate empathy, shared lived experience, moral judgment, or the healing power of human connection.
By recognizing both AI’s cognitive strengths and the irreplaceable importance of genuine human presence, AIEW seeks not to substitute humanity—but to protect it, support it, and preserve it in an increasingly technological world.