Initial release: AI Therapy Starter Kit

Local-first, privacy-focused toolkit for AI-assisted therapy and self-reflection. Features: - Persistent session memory via local markdown files - 3 therapeutic modalities (CBT, ACT, DBT skills) - 3 therapist personas (warm, direct, coach) - Optional AES-256 encryption (Mac/Windows) - Built-in safety protocols and crisis response - Cross-platform setup scripts Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
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+# AI Therapy Starter Kit
+
+A local-first, privacy-focused toolkit for AI-assisted therapy and self-reflection.
+
+Your sessions stay on your computer. Your data is yours. Works with Claude, GPT, or any LLM.
+
+---
+
+## Why This Exists
+
+If you've used ChatGPT or Claude for emotional support, you've probably hit these problems:
+
+- **Sessions disappear.** Start a new chat, lose all context. Copy-paste to Google Docs? That gets old fast.
+- **Privacy concerns.** Your deepest thoughts, stored on someone else's servers, potentially reviewed by humans.
+- **Platform lock-in.** Build a relationship with 4o, then OpenAI deprecates it. Start over.
+- **Inconsistent quality.** Sometimes helpful, sometimes reads from a script. No therapeutic framework.
+
+This toolkit solves all of them.
+
+---
+
+## What You Get
+
+**Persistent memory** — Sessions and insights accumulate in local markdown files. Your AI therapist remembers everything, across sessions, forever.
+
+**Real privacy** — Files live on your machine. Optional encryption (AES-256) for sensitive data. Use a local LLM for maximum privacy.
+
+**Portable** — Works with Claude Code, ChatGPT API, or any LLM that can read files. Switch providers without losing your history.
+
+**Evidence-based framework** — Built-in CBT, ACT, and DBT skills. Structured therapeutic approaches, not just vibes.
+
+**Customizable** — Choose your therapist's communication style. Add modalities. Make it yours.
+
+---
+
+## Quick Start
+
+### Prerequisites
+
+- [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code) (recommended) or another LLM interface
+- macOS or Windows
+- 10 minutes for setup
+
+### Installation
+
+**macOS:**
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/ataglianetti/ai-therapy-kit.git
+cd ai-therapy-kit
+./setup.sh
+```
+
+**Windows (PowerShell):**
+```powershell
+git clone https://github.com/ataglianetti/ai-therapy-kit.git
+cd ai-therapy-kit
+.\setup.ps1
+```
+
+The setup script will guide you through:
+1. Choosing a therapist name and communication style
+2. Selecting therapeutic approaches (CBT, ACT, DBT skills)
+3. Setting up storage location
+4. Optional encryption
+
+### Start a Session
+
+```bash
+cd ~/ai-therapy   # or your chosen location
+claude            # or your preferred LLM interface
+```
+
+Just talk. Your AI therapist will maintain context, take notes, and remember everything for next time.
+
+---
+
+## Features
+
+### Three Communication Styles
+
+| Style | Best For |
+|-------|----------|
+| **Warm & Supportive** | Validation-first, gentle challenges, nurturing presence |
+| **Direct & Challenging** | Socratic questioning, will push back, insight-focused |
+| **Coach** | Action-oriented, goal-focused, accountability |
+
+### Three Therapeutic Approaches (Free)
+
+- **CBT** (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) — Identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns
+- **ACT** (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) — Values-based action, mindful acceptance
+- **DBT Skills** — Emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness
+
+### Session Continuity
+
+Your AI therapist automatically:
+- Reads your profile and recent sessions at the start
+- Takes structured notes at the end
+- Updates your profile as insights emerge
+- Tracks homework and follows up
+
+### Optional Encryption
+
+For shared computers or maximum privacy:
+- **macOS:** Encrypted disk image (built-in, no install)
+- **Windows:** VeraCrypt container (free, open-source)
+
+Setup walks you through it.
+
+---
+
+## How It Works
+
+```
+ai-therapy/
+├── CLAUDE.md        # Your therapist's personality and approach
+├── profile.md       # Cumulative client profile (builds over time)
+└── sessions/
+    ├── 2024-01-15.md
+    ├── 2024-01-18.md
+    └── ...
+```
+
+**CLAUDE.md** — Instructions that shape your AI therapist's behavior. Generated during setup based on your preferences.
+
+**profile.md** — Your ongoing profile. Background, patterns, insights, goals. Updated across sessions.
+
+**sessions/** — Session notes in dated markdown files. Themes, emotional state, homework, threads to revisit.
+
+Everything is plain text. Readable, portable, yours.
+
+---
+
+## Safety Features
+
+This toolkit includes built-in safety protocols:
+
+### Crisis Response
+- Recognizes crisis language (suicidal ideation, self-harm, psychosis)
+- Provides immediate crisis resources (988, Crisis Text Line)
+- Does not attempt to "treat" acute crises
+
+### Scope Limitations
+- Will not diagnose conditions
+- Will not advise on medication
+- Recommends professional help when appropriate
+
+### Ethical Guidelines
+- Maintains appropriate therapeutic boundaries
+- Promotes autonomy, not dependency
+- Acknowledges AI limitations honestly
+
+---
+
+## Important Disclaimer
+
+**This tool is for self-reflection and emotional support. It is not a replacement for professional mental health care.**
+
+- The AI cannot diagnose mental health conditions
+- The AI cannot prescribe or advise on medication
+- If you're in crisis, contact a crisis line or emergency services
+- Consider sharing that you use this tool with your therapist
+
+**Crisis Resources:**
+- **988** — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text, US)
+- **741741** — Crisis Text Line (text HOME)
+- **911** — Immediate emergencies
+- **[findahelpline.com](https://findahelpline.com)** — International directory
+
+---
+
+## Expansion Packs
+
+The core kit is free. Additional modalities and personas available:
+
+### Modality Packs ($5+ each)
+- **Schema Therapy** — Early maladaptive schemas, parts work, reparenting
+- **IFS (Internal Family Systems)** — Parts work, exiles/protectors, self-leadership
+- **Somatic/Trauma-Informed** — Body-based awareness, window of tolerance
+- **Psychodynamic** — Defense mechanisms, unconscious patterns, insight-oriented
+
+### Persona Packs ($3+ each)
+- **Peer/Friend** — Casual, non-clinical, conversational
+- **Narrative Therapist** — Story-focused, externalization
+- **Existential** — Meaning-focused, philosophical
+- **Mindfulness Guide** — Meditation-integrated, present-moment
+
+**Get them at:** [gumroad.com/ataglianetti](https://gumroad.com/ataglianetti)
+
+---
+
+## Support This Project
+
+This toolkit is free and open source. If it helps you, consider supporting development:
+
+☕ **[Buy Me a Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/ataglianetti)** — One-time donation
+
+💚 **[Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/ataglianetti)** — Name-your-price or expansion packs
+
+Your support helps me maintain the project and create new content.
+
+---
+
+## Privacy & Security
+
+### Your Data
+
+- All files stored locally on your machine
+- Nothing uploaded, synced, or transmitted by this toolkit
+- No analytics, telemetry, or tracking
+- Delete anytime by removing the folder
+
+### API Considerations
+
+If using a cloud LLM (Claude, GPT), your messages go through their API:
+- **Claude API:** [Anthropic's privacy policy](https://www.anthropic.com/privacy) — Data not used for training
+- **OpenAI API:** [OpenAI's privacy policy](https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy)
+
+For maximum privacy, use a local LLM (Ollama, LM Studio). See [SECURITY.md](SECURITY.md) for setup.
+
+### Encryption
+
+Optional but recommended for shared computers. Setup script walks you through it.
+
+---
+
+## FAQ
+
+**Can I use this with ChatGPT instead of Claude?**
+
+Yes. The CLAUDE.md file works as a system prompt for any LLM. For ChatGPT, paste it into Custom Instructions or a GPT Project.
+
+**What if I'm already in therapy?**
+
+Great! This tool works well as a supplement. Consider sharing that you use it with your therapist.
+
+**Is this HIPAA compliant?**
+
+This is not a healthcare product and doesn't fall under HIPAA. You're running it on your own computer. We don't store or access any of your data.
+
+**Can I customize the therapeutic approach?**
+
+Yes. Edit CLAUDE.md directly, or purchase expansion packs for additional modalities.
+
+**What if I need more than self-reflection?**
+
+This tool is designed for everyday emotional support. If you're dealing with severe symptoms, trauma, or crisis situations, please seek professional help. The AI will also recommend this when appropriate.
+
+---
+
+## Contributing
+
+Issues and PRs welcome. See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md).
+
+Areas of interest:
+- Additional modalities (with clinical grounding)
+- Improved crisis detection
+- Local LLM integration guides
+- Translations
+
+---
+
+## License
+
+MIT License. See [LICENSE](LICENSE).
+
+---
+
+## Acknowledgments
+
+Built with inspiration from the [r/therapyGPT](https://reddit.com/r/therapyGPT) community and their creative workarounds for AI therapy persistence.
+
+This project incorporates principles from evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
+
+---
+
+*Take care of yourself.* 💚