Large Language Models (LLMs) can play a vital role in psychotherapy by adeptly handling the crucial task of cognitive reframing and overcoming challenges such as shame, distrust, therapist skill variability, and resource scarcity. Previous LLMs in cognitive reframing mainly converted negative emotions to positive ones, but these approaches have limited efficacy, often not promoting clients' self-discovery of alternative perspectives. In this paper, we unveil the Helping and Empowering through Adaptive Language in Mental Enhancement (HealMe) model. This novel cognitive reframing therapy method effectively addresses deep-rooted negative thoughts and fosters rational, balanced perspectives. Diverging from traditional LLM methods, HealMe employs empathetic dialogue based on psychotherapeutic frameworks. It systematically guides clients through distinguishing circumstances from feelings, brainstorming alternative viewpoints, and developing empathetic, actionable suggestions. Moreover, we adopt the first comprehensive and expertly crafted psychological evaluation metrics, specifically designed to rigorously assess the performance of cognitive reframing, in both AI-simulated dialogues and real-world therapeutic conversations. Experimental results show that our model outperforms others in terms of empathy, guidance, and logical coherence, demonstrating its effectiveness and potential positive impact on psychotherapy.

翻译：摘要：大语言模型（LLMs）在心理治疗中可发挥关键作用，通过熟练处理认知重构这一核心任务，克服羞耻感、不信任感、治疗师技能差异及资源匮乏等挑战。以往的LLMs在认知重构中主要将负面情绪转化为积极情绪，但此类方法效果有限，往往无法促进患者对替代视角的自我发现。本文提出帮助与赋能心理增强自适应语言（HealMe）模型，这是一种新颖的认知重构疗法方法，能有效应对根深蒂固的消极思维，并培养理性、平衡的观点。与传统LLM方法不同，HealMe基于心理治疗框架运用共情式对话，系统性地引导患者区分情境与感受、头脑风暴替代观点，并制定具有共情性和可操作性的建议。此外，我们首次采用了全面且经专家精心编制的心理评估指标，专门用于严格评估认知重构在AI模拟对话及真实治疗对话中的表现。实验结果表明，我们的模型在共情性、引导性和逻辑连贯性方面优于其他模型，展现了其有效性及在心理治疗中的潜在积极影响。