A therapy center in Cos Cob will host a free seminar next week on hidden risks and potential benefits of adolescents and young adults turning to AI companions and chatbots for emotional support.
— an announcement from the Growth & Resilience Group
The Growth & Resilience Group seminar, “When Teens Turn to AI for Advice: What Parents Need to Know,” is an hour-long interactive session to help attendees:
• Understand why teens are drawn to AI companions and what needs these tools appear to meet.
• Explore the hidden risks: misinformation, unhealthy attachments, privacy concerns, and distorted development.
• Hear about the possible benefits of AI for learning, creativity, and safe exploration — and how to encourage healthy use.
• Learn practical questions and conversation starters to use with your child.
• Walk away with strategies to set boundaries, model resilience, and keep your teen grounded in real-world relationships.
2018 Photo by Curtis Potvin on Unsplash.com
This picture of a street sign light and woman in Hangzhou, China actually has nothing to do with teens, AI and dangers of modern tech — but it sure looks like it might.
Attendees are invited to learn how fast-moving technology is shaping teen identity, relationships, and mental health, and what they can do to guide teens toward healthy choices.
The presentation is designed for:
• Parents of teens and young adults
• Educators and school staff
• Youth workers, clergy, and community leaders
• Anyone concerned about how AI is shaping the next generation
“Social media caught us unprepared as parents and professionals, and the consequences
have been profound,” said Melissa Murphy.
“We can’t afford to miss the moment with AI. Parents need to understand both the dangers and the opportunities, and this seminar is designed to give them practical tools.”
If You’re Going …
The hourlong seminar takes place at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025,
at River House Adult Center, 125 River Road Extension near I-95 Exit 5 in the Cos Cob section of Greenwich.
The program is free, but advanced registration (here) is required.
About the Presenters
MELISSA MURPHY, MA, CMHC, LPC is a seasoned psychotherapist and group facilitator, and the founder of Growth & Resilience Group.
With extensive clinical experience, she specializes in supporting young adults, women, and families navigating transitions, emotional overwhelm, and healing from eating disorders and attachment wounds.
Melissa integrates psychotherapy with trauma-responsive, holistic approaches to help clients reconnect with themselves and live more authentically.
ANTHONY A. CERNERA, M.Ed., M.A., LPC-A is a trauma-focused psychotherapist who works with children, teens, and adults. He specializes in trauma, PTSD, attachment wounds, and grief, integrating EMDR and parts work to help clients heal deeply and build resilience.
A longtime nonprofit leader and researcher in habit formation and behavior change, Anthony also brings personal experience as a hospice volunteer and three-time altruistic organ donor. His work has been featured on Good Morning America, Men’s Health, and Apple News.