Chippewa Valley Times

University of Wisconsin-Stout Assistant Professor Heather Hessel has been recognized with the Carl Whitaker Award by the Wisconsin Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT). The award was presented during WAMFT’s annual conference, held virtually from December 6-8. This accolade acknowledges her contributions to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into marriage and family therapy.

Hessel's unique background in information technology informs her innovative approach to therapy. Her research explores how generative AI can enhance therapists' work. Associate Professor Candice Maier noted, “The legacy of this award throughout the years, being received by multiple UW-Stout MFT leaders, speaks to the commitment of our program to the organization and field as a whole."

The Carl Whitaker Award is named after an influential American physician and family therapist. Program Director Kevin Hynes expressed his appreciation for Hessel's recognition: “Her insights into therapy and technology are invaluable to our students and the program.”

Hessel transitioned from a 25-year career in IT to marriage and family therapy, driven by a desire for meaningful client relationships. She remarked on her interest in AI's potential within therapy, acknowledging both its promise and concerns: “The depth and richness in the therapist-client relationship is really meaningful to me... I’ve also become interested in the intersection of therapy and artificial intelligence.”

In "Using AI to Be Better Therapists," published in Psychotherapy Networker, Hessel proposed a personal AI consultant model that could help therapists refine their practice confidentially and ethically. Addressing concerns about AI in therapy, she said, “It’s ok to be cautious and go slow... why not see what it can be used for?”

In UW-Stout’s MFT newsletter, The Courier, Hessel discussed preparing therapists for AI integration. Together with Kevin Hynes, she assessed AI use against ethical standards at the WAMFT conference. Their work highlighted growing interest among therapists in exploring this field creatively.

WAMFT aims to advance marriage and family therapy across Wisconsin while upholding professional integrity. UW-Stout offers various programs through its counseling department, including those focused on marriage and family therapy.