I leave Dr. Vargo’s office as I increasingly do, confused and discouraged. After five years of twice-weekly sessions of her trying to find trauma’s etching pieces in my early developmental puzzle --via talk therapy, hypnosis, and regression modalities, but finding nothing -- still she insists on finding something that I have to conclude, just isn’t there.
Today I receive a form letter:
Dear Patients,
Dr. Vargo, aka Robodoc #46546, was sent back for factory refurbishing. Robodoc #88977, aka Dr. Kazoo, is now available for appointments. Unfortunately your case file transfers were unsuccessful.
Your health matters to us.
The Corporation
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao-Talk 
Very good take Li.
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Thanks, Sadje!
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You’re most welcome my dear friend
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That’s what it feels like sometimes.
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Indeed!
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🍪
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AI gone mad, how can you trust a Robadoc when even the real human ones are at time odd.
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Exactly!
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This was great! I enjoyed it so much
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Thanks, Someone :)
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Such a clever take on the prompt! Loved it
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Thanks, San!
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Haha! Dr. Kazoo! Very good, Lisa!
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Thanks, Nancy :)
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YW, Li
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When the robodoc starts hallucinating! Great story, Lisa
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I’ve read multiple articles about how, like children, AI watches what we do and mimics it. Why not mental illness? Thanks, Neil.
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Ooooo I love it
Such a build up and then…
Imagine the money lost over 5 years of nothing. Ouch
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Thanks, Laurie. Cannot imagine being forced to use AI as a therapist!
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it seems like she’s running a profitable business. :)
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This is priceless Lisa great write – unfortunately this is the way we are heading 😕
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Ange, I agree with you :( Thanks, my friend.
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Maybe there’s nothing wrong with her.
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James, that’s a distinct possibility! Thanks for reading and your comment.
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This was SO good – and the digital/robo part really surprised me – excellent
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Yvette, I’m glad you were surprised :) Thanks!
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🙂 xxx
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A glimpse into the future. Oh dear!
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Keith, I think “telehealth” is a step towards it. They had my mom, who was in terrible health, doing doctor visits over the computer.
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I just had to find a new therapist because mine was moving- so the pain is real- even when they are flesh and blood! Great take!
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V, sorry you had to change therapists. It’s got to be like losing a family member in a way, as they must know so much about your history. Thank you <3
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Bizarre and brilliant, Li 💛
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Chris thanks much <3
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Dear Lisa,
OMG! This one fires on all cylinders for me. Robodoc??? Having gone through years of therapy, I think this letter would’ve pushed me over the edge. I agree with Chris. Brilliant.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, happy this one resonated with you. I think after all that the first one put her through to just up and disappear, it may do just that. Thanks, as always, for your support.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Chilling … because it is the way we are going. Fantastic story!
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Brenda, yes it is. Thanks so much.
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