Got a question about Instant Agony Aunts? Here you’ll find answers about privacy, messaging, payments and talking with our online advisors.
1. Are my conversations private?
Yes. We understand that the things you want to talk about can be deeply personal, so your privacy is important to us.
You’ll need a valid email address to create an account, but your email address is not shown to the advisor you’re talking to.
You don’t have to use your real name either. You can choose a nickname when creating your account, and this is the name your advisor will see when you message them.
This means you can talk about what’s on your mind without having to reveal your identity to your advisor.
For more information about how your information is handled, please see our Privacy Policy.
2. How does Instant Agony Aunts work?
It’s simple.
Browse our advisors and choose someone you’d like to talk to. If they’re online, you can start a conversation straight away.
Create an account using a valid email address and choose the nickname you’d like your advisor to see.
Then add credit to your account and start messaging.
There’s no need to arrange an appointment or use an external messaging service. Your conversation takes place privately through Instant Agony Aunts.
If an advisor is busy or offline, you can leave them a message for when they’re available.
3. What can I talk about?
You can talk about almost anything that’s on your mind.
That might include relationship or dating problems, breakups, family difficulties, friendship issues, work worries, loneliness, personal dilemmas or a decision you’re struggling to make.
You don’t necessarily need to have a specific problem either. Sometimes you simply need someone independent to listen or another person’s perspective on a situation.
Our advisors provide personal, non-judgemental conversation and advice, but they are not a replacement for qualified medical, mental health, legal, financial or other professional services.
If an advisor believes your situation would be better handled by an appropriate professional or specialist service, they may encourage you to seek professional support.
4. How much does it cost?
Each advisor sets their own per-message price.
Their price is displayed before you start messaging, so you can see how much the conversation will cost.
Simply add credit to your account and your available balance can then be used as you message.
There is no need to commit to a long conversation — you’re in control of how much you want to spend.
5. What happens if I have a problem making a payment?
If you’re having trouble adding credit or believe something has gone wrong with a payment, please contact us.
Please provide as much information as you can about the issue, but never send us your full card details or other sensitive payment information by email.
6. What if I’m not happy with the advice I receive?
Our advisors give their personal and independent perspective based on what you tell them.
Sometimes another person’s opinion may be different from what you expected or hoped to hear. You’re always free to ask follow-up questions, explain your situation in more detail or choose to speak with another advisor.
Ultimately, any decisions you make remain your own.
If you have a genuine concern about an advisor or your experience using the service, please contact us and we’ll look into it.
7. What will you use my email address for?
Your email address is required to create and manage your account and for relevant account communications.
It is not displayed publicly and your advisor does not see it when you message them.
For full details about how we collect, use and protect personal information, please read our Privacy Policy.
8. Do I have to use my real name?
No.
You can choose a nickname when creating your account and use that when talking with an advisor.
Your advisor will see your chosen nickname rather than your email address, giving you more freedom to talk openly about personal situations.
9. Can I talk to someone straight away?
If an advisor is showing as Online, you can message them right away.
If they’re Busy, they’re currently helping another customer, but you can leave a message.
If they’re Offline, you can also leave a message for them to respond to when they’re next available.
Look for an online advisor if you’d like to start talking now.
10. Is this therapy or professional counselling?
No. Instant Agony Aunts is a place to have a private conversation, receive personal advice and get an independent perspective from another person.
Our advisors should not be considered a substitute for a doctor, therapist, counsellor, solicitor, financial adviser or other qualified professional.
For situations requiring professional or emergency assistance, you should contact an appropriate qualified service.
Still have a question?
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, contact us.
Or, if something’s on your mind and you simply want someone to talk to:
Find an online advisor and start talking.