At Psyntel, we’re passionate about supporting the future of mental health—especially the next generation of therapists. In this week’s Psyntel Spotlight, we sit down with Leah Guven, a graduate counseling student, to talk about her path into therapy, how she’s finding her voice, and what she thinks about AI in counseling.
Becoming a Therapist: Rediscovering the Meaning of “Helping”
Leah didn’t always plan to become a therapist, but she has always been drawn to human stories. “My end goal was always to become a therapist because I am intrigued by people's stories and how it shapes our perception of the world and ourselves,” she shared.
Since beginning her graduate counseling program in 2023, Leah’s idea of what it means to help someone has evolved. “Helping,” she says, “means guiding clients to realize the strengths they already have within themselves and to channel those strengths when faced with the challenges of life.”
Her insight reflects a growing shift in therapy—one where therapists act as compassionate collaborators, not just problem solvers.
Clinical Identity and the Inner Critic: Finding Her Voice
Like many early-career therapists, Leah faced imposter syndrome and doubt. “When I first started, I battled with whether I could be an effective counselor and whether this was truly what I was meant to do.”
Over time, she learned to give herself grace. “We can be our own biggest critics… but reminding myself of why I’m here, and envisioning my future in this work, keeps me going.”
It’s this kind of self-awareness and resilience that makes Leah’s story so relatable—and why Psyntel is here to support therapists through every stage of their journey.
AI in Counseling: A Balanced View from a Student Perspective
As a counseling student, Leah has already engaged with AI tools like Psyntel’s therapy note automation and case conceptualization features. She sees the potential: “It can be a powerful tool to create more efficiency in the counseling process.”
But she’s also thoughtful about its limits. “AI still has a long way to go in terms of interpreting symptoms and yielding an accurate diagnosis,” she said. For her, the ideal AI solution enhances human connection, not replaces it.
Her vision includes more collaboration between AI developers and clinicians, especially student therapists.
The Most Valuable AI Tools for Therapists in Training
When asked what would support her most right now, Leah highlighted the need for streamlined therapy documentation. “Although it’s essential to document notes from sessions, it’s very time consuming,” she explained. “Psyntel’s ability to create efficiency in that aspect will be especially beneficial for me to be fully present in sessions with my client.”
This is where AI shows the most promise: reducing therapist burnout by freeing up time for client care.
Reaching Student Therapists: What They Want from AI Tools
Leah believes many students simply aren’t hearing enough about the tools that could help them most. “There’s often hesitation around adopting AI—particularly out of concern that it could interfere with the human element of therapy.”
But she sees a path forward: “Psyntel can lead the way by collaborating with counseling students, listening to their feedback, and understanding what they think would be beneficial as future clinicians.”
Leah represents the future of counseling: thoughtful, compassionate, and curious about new tools like AI. We’re proud to amplify her voice and support her journey.
💬 Connect with Leah Guven
Leah, thank you for your voice, your honesty, and your vision for a more connected future in mental health care. We’re excited to keep learning from you and counselors like you—because this work is always better when we build it together.
