This show belongs to the Adelaide Fringe 2026 season. This season is now over.

Unhelpful therapist
Adelaide Fringe 2026

The Unhelpful Therapist: Solve Your Problems Badly

Ever wished therapy involved more revenge and less emotional growth?

Welcome to The Unhelpful Therapist.

Dave Crisante, the former columnist who once gave real people real advice (sorry Australia) now offers a comedy therapy experience that no one asked for and everyone secretly needs

Think stand-up meets a group session led by someone whose only qualification is that his mum is a psychologist*.

Come armed your pettiest issues: dishwasher crimes, loud chewers, partners who breathe too loud.

  • Share your problems. 
  • Get terrible advice.
  • Feel unexpectedly better.

Warning: may encourage pettiness, revenge fantasies, and emotional healing by accident.

Book early - sold-out shows across Australia.

*His mum is NOT a well-known therapist and this show is definitely NOT a cry for attention.

Presented by: Dave Crisante

Dave Crisante is a comedian, journalist, and possibly the only performer at the Adelaide Fringe who has been rescued from actual pirates. By day, he partners with tech companies and scientists as a trainer, MC and keynote speaker. By night he brings chaos, history, and questionable life choices to the stage. Dave blends sharp comedy and self-depreciating honesty with deep research and his journalistic flair. He is the Director of the Sydney Comedy School and Future Science Talks, Dave teaches others how to present with charisma and humour. Dave runs four types of shows at the Adelaide Fringe: (1) Alcohol + tasting shows (eg Vino Vibes), (2) History and true crime shows (Dumb Inventions), (3) Crowd work shows (Unhelpful Therapist), & (4) Science comedy shows (Future Science Talks)
Comedy • Interactive
New South Wales

Suitability & warnings

Content rating: PG
Family friendly: No
Target audience: Middle School (12-14) | High School (15-17)

Accessibility

 
Audience members have the opportunity to interact or join artist on stage

Presenter

Presented by: Dave Crisante

Dave Crisante is a comedian, journalist, and possibly the only performer at the Adelaide Fringe who has been rescued from actual pirates. By day, he partners with tech companies and scientists as a trainer, MC and keynote speaker. By night he brings chaos, history, and questionable life choices to the stage. Dave blends sharp comedy and self-depreciating honesty with deep research and his journalistic flair. He is the Director of the Sydney Comedy School and Future Science Talks, Dave teaches others how to present with charisma and humour. Dave runs four types of shows at the Adelaide Fringe: (1) Alcohol + tasting shows (eg Vino Vibes), (2) History and true crime shows (Dumb Inventions), (3) Crowd work shows (Unhelpful Therapist), & (4) Science comedy shows (Future Science Talks)