Do I need Coaching or Therapy?
A collaboration with Radha Gautam from Lotus Mental Health & Wellness.
The golden question, do I need Coaching or Therapy? Finding the Right Support for Your Journey
When life feels overwhelming, finding the right kind of support can be challenging. You may wonder whether you need therapy or coaching—or perhaps a combination of both. In this blog, I’m joined by my guest co-contributor, Radha Gautam, a Melbourne-based counsellor with a master's in counselling and a background in psychology. Radha brings a deeply spiritual approach to her work, incorporating breathwork, meditation, and tarot into her practice.
If you’re new to my blog, I am ICF certified life coach Jilly, based in Melbourne.
Together, we’ll help you get clear on the key differences between therapy and coaching, followed by a Wellness Check made up of five key questions, so you can make an informed choice about your next steps.
Precious pink lotus flower blooming in muddy waters.
Blooming in Muddy Waters: Building Resilience Over Seeking Answers to the ‘Why me’ Narrative
Radha is the owner and founder of Lotus Mental Health and Wellness— she told me it’s all about how a lotus can grow beautifully despite the mud it emerges from. This symbol of resilience is central to her work. While healers, whether therapists or coaches, cannot always solve every client’s problem or undo what was done, they can help you develop the strength to live with them more peacefully.
A common struggle is the client’s fruitless urge to ask “Why?”—why did this happen to me? Why am I feeling this way? While some insight can be useful, excessive rumination can lead to frustration rather than clarity. A spiritual approach suggests asking instead, What is this here to teach me? Letting go of the mental turmoil of seeking endless explanations can be a powerful step toward acceptance and healing.
Lotus field, Jinan East China Green landscape
Therapy: Therapia (Latin) – Treatment or Healing
Therapy typically involves working with mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, or social workers. It usually starts with a referral from a Doctor, or direct enquiry to ensure appropriate care.
Coaching: Related Terms like Educatio (Education) or Consultatio (Consultation)
According to the International Coach Federation (ICF), coaching is:
"Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential." While healing is often a byproduct of working with a coach, coaching does not focus on looking into the past but rather on moving forward and achieving present and future goals.
We Don’t Fall to the Level of Our Challenges; We Rise to the Strength of Our Support Network
The strength of our own grit and will doesn’t always determine our ability to overcome life’s hardships—our support network plays a huge role. A strong support network can make a significant difference by providing emotional resilience, practical help, and different perspectives. When we feel supported, we’re more likely to have the courage and resources to navigate difficulties, making them seem more manageable.
Understanding the Scope of Support: Coach vs Therapist
Both therapy and coaching have their place, and choosing the right one depends on your current level of well-being and needs.
A general guide only, above are some key check points to help you understand the overlap, and difference.
ICF accredited coaches are trained how to identify and support clients that require referrals or extra help.
The Car Analogy: Repair vs. Optimisation
Think of your mental well-being like a car. If your battery is dead and the car won’t start, you need a mechanic (therapist) to fix the core issue before anything else. Once your car is running, a coach can help you refine your journey—choosing the best fuel, planning your route, and making the ride smoother and more enjoyable.
When to Seek Therapy, Coaching, or Both
If you’re unsure which path to take, consider these signs:
Signs You Might Need Therapy
“Even when I’m in my version of paradise, I still can’t enjoy it.”
Struggling to get out of bed most days
Avoiding basic tasks like showering or eating
Feeling persistently numb, apathetic, or burned out
Losing interest in things you used to love
Experiencing frequent emotional outbursts or deep sadness
Feeling isolated and unsupported
Having thoughts of giving up
Signs You Might Benefit from Coaching
“When I’m in my version of paradise, I have fun, relax, and am grateful for this beautiful moment.”
You’re generally well but feeling stuck or unmotivated
You want support in setting and achieving goals
You’re struggling with consistency and accountability
You’re looking for strategies to manage stress and build resilience
You’re ready to improve relationships, make a career leap or get clarity on your future
You’re ready to grow but need a framework to support you to actually do it
Can You Do Both?
Absolutely. Therapy and coaching can work hand in hand. If you’ve worked with a therapist to stabilise your mental health and now want to build a thriving life, a coach can help. Likewise, some people work with both a coach and therapist simultaneously, focusing on different aspects of their growth. Timing is key, so it is best to ask your therapist if there would be any conflicts—and any ICF certified therapist will ask you.
5 Point Wellness Checker: Do You Need Therapy or Coaching?
Rate yourself on a scale from 0 to 10 for each of the following questions:
How well am I functioning in daily life?
(0 = Struggling to get out of bed, 10 = Managing responsibilities with ease)How often do I feel emotionally stable and motivated?
(0 = Constantly overwhelmed or numb, 10 = Generally balanced and driven)Am I able to maintain basic self-care (hygiene, meals, sleep)?
(0 = Neglecting basics, 10 = Consistently taking care of myself)How strong is my support network?
(0 = Completely isolated, 10 = Surrounded by enriching, supportive relationships)How often do I feel stuck in negative thought patterns?
(0 = Constantly ruminating, 10 = Rarely caught in overthinking)
Interpreting Your Total Score:
0-25 → Therapy may be the best option to help regain stability and well-being.
26-40 → You may benefit from both therapy and coaching, depending on your specific challenges.
41-50 → Coaching could be the right choice to help you refine your goals and build consistency.
This wellness check is a guide only. If you're unsure, we recommend you get advice from your healthcare provider.
Taking the First Step
Whether you’re considering therapy, coaching, or both, the best first step is to ask. Reach out to a practitioner for an intro call and share your concerns—they can guide you toward the right support. Just like asking a shop assistant for help finding an item, mental health professionals can refer you if they’re not the right fit.
Finding the right support is like building a house—you don’t move in on day one. It takes time to lay the foundation and find the right tools, find the right support and structures. The key is patience and commitment to the process.
Thinking about Therapy? Reach Out to Radha
If you think you may benefit from therapy, Radha would be happy to see if she could be of any support, or point you in the right direction.
Email: lotusmentalhealthandwellness@gmail.com
Ready for Coaching? Let’s Chat!
If you’re curious about life coaching, I’d love to chat and help you explore your options. I welcome any and all feedback on my blogs!
Email: hello@lifecoachjilly.com
Four of cups - Tarot card man sits under tree with four cups.
For those that are intrigued by Tarot - we’ve got a special twist for you to read on, and imagine therapy and coaching as the Four of Cups.
Four of Cups (Upright) – Therapy Themes
Apathy
Motional withdrawal
Feeling stuck or uninspired
Disconnection from life and relationships
Ruminating on the past
Ignoring support or opportunities
Dissatisfaction despite external stability
In the context of therapy, the upright Four of Cups reflects someone who is emotionally overwhelmed, disengaged, or struggling to see a way forward. This aligns with those who might need therapy to process past experiences and reconnect with themselves before taking action.
Four of Cups (Reversed) – Coaching Themes
New perspectives
Acceptance of opportunities
Readiness for change
Moving beyond self-limiting beliefs
Emotional re-engagement
Recognising and using available resources
Taking action toward goals
The reversed Four of Cups signals a shift from introspection to action—much like someone who has processed emotional struggles and is now ready to engage with life, set goals, and move forward. This fits well with coaching, as it reflects a willingness to take steps toward change with support and accountability.
Thank you for collaborating with me on this blog post
Radha Gautam from Lotus Mental Health & Wellness!
