Exploring ChatGPT as a Simulated Client: A Feasibility Study in Undergraduate Counselor Training
Hayes, K. E., Wilson, R. L., & Wilson, J. (2026). Exploring ChatGPT as a simulated client: A feasibility study in undergraduate counselor training. Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision, 7(1), Article 5. https://doi.org/10.61888/2692-4129.1153
This exploratory multiple-case study examined ChatGPT-4o as a simulated client and feedback provider for five upper-level undergraduate human services students learning counseling skills. Each student completed a single text-based counseling simulation, reviewed AI feedback, and participated in an interview. Trained raters generally judged the client portrayal and feedback accurate, with stronger performance for emotional tone, empathy, and solution-focused responses than for rapport, summarizing, and the pacing of an initial session. Students valued the low-pressure practice and time to reflect, while noting limitations of text-only interaction. The findings support feasibility under these conditions; they do not establish skill improvement or readiness to work with real clients.
Key takeaways
- Five students completed a single simulation and feedback cycle; the study examined feasibility rather than changes in counseling skill.
- Human raters judged client portrayal and feedback generally accurate, with lower accuracy for rapport, summarizing, and first-session pacing.
- Students described the experience as useful and low-pressure, although text-only interaction lacked nonverbal cues.
- AI simulation can supplement supervised practice, but instructor review and critical evaluation of AI feedback remain essential.
Why it matters
Extends the study of educational AI beyond writing assessment to simulation-based professional learning. The study identifies conditions under which AI role-play and formative feedback may support practice, while showing why human supervision and further evaluation of learning and transfer are needed.
Coauthors
Kayla E. Hayes, Rebecca L. Wilson, Joshua Wilson
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