A growing intersection between artificial intelligence and mental health practice will be examined at a free two part professional event scheduled for Wednesday January 21 2026 at Ascension Academy. Running from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM the session brings together therapists practitioners and technology experts to discuss how AI tools are influencing therapeutic work while also offering insight into advanced practitioner training. The event is positioned as an open forum for learning and discussion as mental health professionals navigate changing expectations from clients who increasingly turn to digital tools for support alongside traditional therapy.
The first segment of the event titled AI Mental Health and the Therapist’s Dilemma will take place from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM in a panel discussion format. This session focuses on the ethical and professional questions emerging as AI becomes more visible in mental health care. Practitioners are facing new challenges related to client use of AI powered tools confidentiality clinical responsibility and the boundaries of technology assisted support. The discussion will explore how AI is reshaping the mental health landscape while addressing the norms and ethical considerations that therapists must evaluate in daily practice. Participants will also examine ways to navigate the expanding range of AI tools now available and how these tools intersect with therapeutic relationships without replacing the human connection at the core of therapy.
The panel brings together expertise from both clinical and technology backgrounds. The guest speaker for the session is Sutan Raja an international AI industry leader known for bridging technology creativity and storytelling. His perspective adds a broader industry view on how AI systems are designed and applied across sectors including health and wellness. Joining him are Ayesha Iftikhar founder of Ascension Academy and a practicing therapist and supervisor along with Momina Ahmad a counselor therapist and supervisor. Together the speakers will engage in a live question and answer session allowing attendees to reflect on real world scenarios from clinical practice and share concerns about the future direction of therapy in an AI influenced environment. The format is intended to encourage dialogue rather than one way instruction giving practitioners space to critically assess both opportunities and limitations.
The second part of the event from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM introduces Relational Dynamics an advanced practitioner’s training through a dedicated course orientation. This segment is designed for experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of interpersonal and therapeutic relationships. The orientation outlines an evidence based curriculum informed by recent literature and current trends in the field. Attendees will learn about the structure and scope of the training and how it builds on existing professional practice. The session also highlights how relational dynamics training supports work with complex human connections across multiple contexts and therapeutic settings. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow practitioners meet course tutors and take part in an interactive discussion that provides clarity on how the training aligns with professional growth goals.
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