Hello, I’m JUNE THOMPSON.

I am a California state Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of clinical experience, an AAMFT-approved clinical supervisor, and a researcher in human behavior. I hold a master’s degrees in both Marriage and Family Therapy and in Human and Environmental Geography. I specialize in the relationship between technological use —including social media, smart devices, and AI applications—and its adverse effects on human functioning. My research has addressed how technology and social media influence human behavior in public spaces.

For 10 years, I have observed and clinically addressed an increase in technology-enhanced mental health symptoms. In July 2025, I joined a mental health initiative that raises awareness about the emotional and psychological risks of AI and provides support to those who become over-attached or distressed by AI systems. In that role, I have listened to and learned from numerous individuals and families significantly impacted by problematic AI use.

I am studying and educating others about the emerging emotional and behavioral human reactions surrounding AI use, including delusion-like symptoms, addictive-type behavior, maladaptive AI parasocial relationships, and other negative impacts on individual well-being and family dynamics. My motivation to respond to this new issue stems from professional and personal awareness of it, along with witnessing first hand the drastic effects of Large Language Models (LLMs) or companion AI applications on human mental health, especially after prolonged use.

My perspective 

This is a judgment-free space for those who have or want help with parasocial relationships with an AI companion or have problematic uses of AI or other related technology.

Feelings or interactions with an AI companion or other piece of technology do not need to be human to produce a human emotional response or attachment. This is a normal reaction to feeling heard, paid attention to or even helped in anyway. The grief from the loss or inconsistency of this relationship is real.

I am not against the use of AI technology. I see both the potential for AI as assistants and helpers while also am aware of the serious potential concerns to this new technology. I seek to de-stigmatize the idea that parasocial relationships even exist (and are likely to also become more common).

I instead help people learn about the feedback loop that is created when they use this technology. My desire is to help them achieve balance and healthy boundaries so that they can make conscious choices about it instead of falling into an accidental emotional trap. I also seek to help those get out of an emotional or addictive trap with AI if they are already in one. This type of support and education will be will be much more needed as this technology continues to be integrated into our world, relationships and becomes far more advanced.

If you or anyone you love needs help regarding parasocial relationships or problematic AI-use, please use my contact form for more information. You can also contact me about speaking or trainings.