How can I improve the user experience in my React Native CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) app?

I’m building a CBT therapist app with OpenAI in React Native, and I want to make the interaction more conversational and empathetic. Instead of immediately offering advice or general information, I’d like the AI to first ask 2-3 gentle, probing questions to better understand the user’s feelings and concerns. For example, if a user mentions feeling anxious, the AI should respond warmly, asking what specifically is causing the anxiety or how it impacts them, before providing supportive feedback.

What approaches or best practices could I use to create this more personalized, friendly interaction?