Need answers but don't have time for clinical visits? Have symptoms that articles won't diagnose? Want an insight into your health through a more personal online touch? Ask A Therapist is your online therapist portal bringing you fast, relevant and human opinions from professional practitioner's, giving you the answers you need.

Our team of qualified therapists’ work to bring you the information you seek through online seminars and question and answer briefings. If the online system is not enough, we will refer you directly to a therapist in your area to diagnose and help you with your symptoms. Browse through the following therapist information with reference to your specific area of need. Our online panel of experts are here to help you

How it Works

Our panel treats a broad range of conditions and you may click on your particular condition to be directed to the therapists that deals with that condition or you may wish to browse through their details before deciding to make an appointment. When you click on ‘BOOK NOW’ you will be directed to the Online Chat page where you will be able to book an appointment taken from the available times shown for that therapist. Fees are as shown, using our secure payment gateway with your valid credit card. Please note all appointment times shown are Australian Eastern Standard Time. Standard appointments are for one hour and you are advised to prepare questions prior to your appointment to make the most of this service.

The DONT'S of Online Counselling As convenient and helpful as online counselling is, it is not a tool for all people...

While online counselling can be a very beneficial tool in terms of convenience and comfort, it is not considered to be a method that is suitable for all people. Online counselling is generally applicable to conditions that do not require the immediate, hands-on attention of a specialist. People with a case of mental illness, sufferers of severe depression, or debilitating physical ailments should contact an emergency hotline or directly visit a specialist pertaining to your needs. Due to the impersonal nature of online counselling, there are certain conditions of a severity that cannot be helped, read further if you feel you may fall into this category.

Online Counselling may not be for you if:

* You have a case of mental illness - direct contact in appointments with specialist's can give a much more concise diagnosis of your condition and your needs.

* You are suffering from a severe bout of depression - online counselling can help ease your mind through online chats with a therapist, but if your depression is approaching dangerous levels and has been an occurence for an extended period of time, then a full diagnosis with a specialist is needed. If your depression is causing you to have suicidal feelings, it is recommended that you call an emergency hotline (details below).

* Your safety is an issue - there are times when the threat of domestic violence or outside danger can put a halt to seeking help. If you are in this situation, then it is recommended that you phone an emergency hotline (details below) and visit a therapist in person.

* You have a worsening or debilitating physical condition - online counsellors can recommend exercises or products for minor physical ailments, but for physical injuries of a more debilitating level it is recommended you visit your local practitioner to obtain entry to a specialist.

The Pro's & Con's of Online Counselling Efficient yet impersonal - online counselling, like all things, is not perfect...

Like all things, online counselling has it's down-points that can't be configured. While Ask A Therapist strives to create as best an environment as possible for our users, there are still some general disadvantages to the online counselling system of use that we wish to make known.
The advantages of online counselling can be:

• Convenience - if you are living in a remote area, or a suburb with little facilities for your needs, then online counselling can act as the perfect substitute without the need for travel.
• Comfort - instead of sitting in the office of a practitioner, you can receive expert advice right from the comfort of your own home, in your chair.
• Anonymity - not being face to face with a therapist can actually be a benefit for some people. If you suffer from a social disorder (such as Anxiety or acute shyness) or simply find it difficult to open up, then online counselling offers you a remedy where your answers will be sought while you remain anonymous.
• Efficiency - time constraints keeping you from searching for acquiring sessions with a therapist? Online counselling acts as the solution for this. You can obtain expert advice without the need to factor in travel and time off work.
• Money saving - the best aspect of online counselling comes from the fact that it is actually cheaper than a regular visit. You don't need to worry about paying for bulk sessions set by a therapist; instead, take as many or as few sessions as you want with the added bonus of a cost efficient session that does not entail such things as finding a babysitter or travel expenses etc.

The disadvantages of online counselling can be:

• Impersonality - some conditions need a more personal, face-to-face approach from a therapist. Online counselling strips away the intimacy of a hands on session leaving only the computer screen.
• Text - due to the conversing through online counselling being only in text format, there can be many misunderstandings between the therapist and the patient. For this reason, wordings and phrases must remain concise between the two parties.

You should tell your counsellor if:

* You have mental health issues or adictions.
* You have been drinking before the session.
* You are in a domestic violence situation, or have issues that have transpired into physical arguments.
* You fear for your safety.
* You are in a crisis situation.
* You need clarification from a therapist about what they are saying.
* You have concerns about the system of online counselling.
* Emotions (such as anger or sadness) come up through the session.