Animal Empathy, Pet Grief, and AI Companions

Dr Kirk and Humberto answer patron emails. June 19, 2026<br /><br /><b>This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/KIRK" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">betterhelp.com/KIRK</a> to get 10% off your first month.</b><br /><b></b><br />00:00 PiS Out of Context<br />03:08 Why might I have such intense empathy for animals?<br />19:47 How can I support my partner in mutual grief?<br />38:23 Is AI sentient?<br />49:37 How might therapists approach clients with AI companions?<br /><br /><br />Support us by... Become a member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOUZWV1DRtHtpP2H48S7iiw/join<br />Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/PsychologyInSeattle<br /><br />Contact us/more info... Email: https://www.psychologyinseattle.com/contact<br />About Dr. Kirk: https://www.psychologyinseattle.com/about-dr-kirk-honda<br />Website: https://www.psychologyinseattle.com<br /><br />Get stuff... Merch: https://psychologyinseattle-shop.fourthwall.com/<br />KIRKgram (like Cameo): https://www.psychologyinseattle.com/kirkgram<br /><br />The Psychology In Seattle Podcast ®<br /><br />Trigger Warning: This episode may include topics such as assault, trauma, and discrimination. If necessary, listeners are encouraged to refrain from listening and care for their safety and well-being. Disclaimer: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes personal or professional consultation, therapy, diagnosis, or creates a counselor-client relationship. Topics discussed may generate differing points of view. If you participate (by being a guest, submitting a question, or commenting) you must do so with the knowledge that we cannot control reactions or responses from others, which may not agree with you or feel unfair. Your participation on this site is at your own risk, accepting full responsibility for any liability or harm that may result. Anything you write here may be used for discussion or endorsement of the podcast. Opinions and views expressed by the host and guest hosts are personal views. Although we take precautions and fact check, they should not be considered facts and the opinions may change. Opinions posted by participants (such as comments) are not those of the hosts. Readers should not rely on any information found here and should perform due diligence before taking any action. For a more extensive description of factors for you to consider, please see www.psychologyinseattle.com