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What if the hardest part of getting help isn't the therapy itself — it's knowing where to start?

In Part 2 of our conversation with counsellor and psychotherapist John Cuturilo, we go deeper into one of the most common questions people carry about mental health: How do I know what kind of support is right for me — and how do I know if it's actually working?

Whether you've been in therapy for years or haven't taken that first step yet, this episode gives you the tools, language, and confidence to approach mental health support differently.

In this episode:

• Why you don't need a diagnosis to justify seeking help
• How to assess the right level of support — from counsellors and psychologists to social workers and psychiatrists
• The "grey areas" of mental health — when something feels wrong but you can't name it
• How long therapy typically takes, and what ongoing vs time-limited support looks like
• Why culture and personal background must be part of the therapeutic conversation
• How to choose the right therapist — and the red flags that should make you walk away
• What goal-oriented therapy actually looks like in practice

John also shares a personal reflection — a reminder that what we normalise isn't always healthy, and that recognising that can be the beginning of real change.

"Don't think that you're weak or of less value because you need help. We're all human. It's okay to seek help." — John Cuturilo

🎙️ Missed Part 1? Start here

About John Cuturilo John is a counsellor, writer, and podcast host based in Melbourne, Australia, specialising in complex trauma and relational matters. He integrates lived experience with evidence-based practice — aiming to be versatile, educative, empowering, and relatable. 🔗 www.yourlistener.com.au

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