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：大型语言模型（LLMs）通过熟练处理认知重构这一关键任务，并克服羞耻感、不信任感、治疗师技能差异及资源稀缺等挑战，能在心理治疗中发挥至关重要的作用。以往应用于认知重构的LLMs主要将负面情绪转化为正面情绪，但这些方法效果有限，往往未能促进来访者自主发现替代性视角。本文提出“通过适应性语言实现心理增强的帮助与赋能”（HealMe）模型。这一新颖的认知重构治疗方法能有效应对根深蒂固的负面思维，并培养理性、平衡的认知视角。与传统LLM方法不同，HealMe基于心理治疗框架采用共情对话模式，系统引导来访者区分客观情境与主观感受、进行多视角头脑风暴，并形成具共情力且可操作的建议。此外，我们首次采用全面且由专家设计的心理评估指标，专门用于严格评估认知重构在AI模拟对话和真实治疗对话中的表现。实验结果表明，我们的模型在共情能力、引导性和逻辑连贯性方面均优于其他模型，证明了其有效性及对心理治疗的潜在积极影响。