Closing the Gap Between Knowing and Doing: AI Avatars in MFT Training
Speakers: Jay Burke, PsyD, LMFT and Sofia Georgiadou, PhD, LMFT-S
Based on our recent Family Therapy Magazine article (Burke & Georgiadou, 2026), this session explores how AI-powered client simulation can support clinical training in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs. Designed for educators and supervisors, it presents applied use of AI-generated client simulations by two MFT faculty. The presenters will demonstrate how these can be integrated into both synchronous and asynchronous course formats. Use cases will highlight opportunities to practice competencies such as therapeutic joining, tracking interactional cycles, and developing microskills.
Participants will learn how simulated AI client sessions can improve students’ clinical reasoning and responsiveness when paired with reflection prompts and feedback from both the AI program and the course instructor. Risks and limitations of AI integration, such as potential biases, oversimplification of complex human relationships, and over-reliance on simulation, will also be addressed.
This session will offer pedagogical applications informed by applied testing. The presenters will share sample student activities and reflective prompts from their own implementation, as well as formative and summative assessment strategies used to support student learning.