As head of the Hagen-Mark telephone counselling service and managing director of the Institute for Online Counselling, Birgit Knatz combines traditional crisis support with the possibilities of the digital age.
She was the first expert in the German-speaking world to recognise the potential of digital communication channels for professional counselling. Her expertise lies in the synthesis of human presence and technological possibilities: How can ‘the human touch’ be transferred to digital counselling? This question shapes her work.
As the author of several specialist books on online counselling, she is currently working intensively on the introduction of artificial intelligence into counselling practice. Her new book, ‘Understanding, Designing and Taking Responsibility for AI’, shows, among other things, how AI tools can be used responsibly in counselling without losing the human core of counselling.
Birgit Knatz
Speaker and Workshop leader
Understanding, shaping, taking responsibility: Artificial intelligence in emotional support
Speech
Artificial intelligence is rapidly and profoundly changing the world of counseling. Digital tools can enhance emotional support, but they can also cause uncertainty. Where does that leave people when machines are listening? This presentation invites you to understand AI from a professional, ethical, and communicative perspective. The aim is to integrate AI responsibly into our support work, further develop standards, and empower counselors so that they can navigate the digital transformation with confidence. Because only those who feel confident can show genuine presence - even in the age of artificial intelligence.
Prompt, Context, Attitude – AI in the Service of Emotional Support
Workshop
Artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of emotional support, for both those seeking advice and those providing it. Anyone wishing to help shape this development needs a sound understanding and a clear perspective. That is precisely what this workshop is about.
In the first part, we explore the basics: How do AI systems work? How can they be effectively guided through targeted prompts? What role do context, attitude and ethical responsibility play in this?
In the second part, we turn our attention to practice: What happens when humans and machines interact in the counselling process? What potential does this open up, and where are the limits? After all, the counselling relationship remains the central principle of effectiveness. That is non-negotiable.
The workshop combines expert input with hands-on experimentation and peer discussion. No prior knowledge is required, just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.