Finding the Right Therapist | The Right Therapist Podcast

In this practical and insightful conversation, Melbourne-based psychotherapist Tim Fraser joins Laura Duggan to explore one of the most common questions people face when seeking therapy: How do you find the right therapist for you? Together they discuss the differences between psychology and psychotherapy, the role of attachment in mental health, why the therapeutic relationship matters so much, and how clients can identify green flags and red flags in early therapy sessions. The episode also includes a live therapy demonstration, showing how therapy can move from symptoms and bodily sensations into deeper emotional understanding, attachment themes, and experiences of safety and connection. This episode is for anyone considering therapy, searching for a therapist, or wanting a clearer understanding of how effective therapy works. Timestamps & Talking Points 00:00 – 02:08 Introduction & acknowledgement of Country 02:09 – 05:56 Psychology vs psychotherapy: training, focus, and practice 05:57 – 08:54 Attachment theory and who benefits from attachment work 08:55 – 10:12 Signs of insecure attachment 10:13 – 26:39 Live therapy segment: bodily sensations, imagery, attachment, and co-regulation 26:40 – 36:31 What happened in the therapy demonstration and how the process unfolded 36:32 – 40:27 How to start looking for a therapist 40:28 – 47:19 What to look for in the first few sessions 47:20 – 55:36 Rupture, repair, and feedback in therapy 55:37 – 1:00:16 When therapy drifts and how to talk about it 1:00:17 – 1:05:04 Green flags and red flags when choosing a therapist 1:05:05 – End Closing reflections