Comparing Life Coaching and Therapy in Melbourne – What’s Right for You?
Thinking about life coaching, but not sure how it differs from therapy? You’re not alone. It’s a common question we hear at The Three Seas—especially from people who know they want support, but aren’t quite sure what kind.
Both life coaching and therapy can help you make meaningful changes, but they offer different types of support. Understanding the difference can help you choose the path that’s best suited to where you’re at right now.
What is Therapy?
Therapy, or counselling, is a space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface. It’s focused on helping you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours—often by unpacking experiences from your past.
At The Three Seas, our therapists support individuals, couples and families through a wide range of challenges. Whether you’re working through anxiety, relationship issues, grief, or low self-worth, therapy gives you the tools to navigate life with more clarity and confidence.
Therapy is ideal for you if you want to:
Understand and shift unhelpful patterns
Process difficult life events or past trauma
Improve your emotional wellbeing and mental health
Build stronger relationships or communication skills
Rather than giving advice, therapists work collaboratively with you—guiding you towards insight and change at your own pace.
What is Life Coaching?
Life coaching is about taking action. It’s future-focused, practical, and goal-oriented. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure about your direction, or want to level up in a particular area of life, a coach can help you get clear, create a plan, and stay on track.
It’s not about therapy or diagnosis—it’s about progress.
People often come to life coaching when they want to:
Set and achieve personal or professional goals
Build motivation, focus and accountability
Improve confidence and decision-making
Navigate life transitions or career changes
Life coaching works well when you’re ready to take action, but need structure, support, or a fresh perspective.
Not Sure Which One You Need?
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
| Therapy might be best if you’re… | Coaching might be better if you’re… |
|---|---|
| Struggling with your mental health or emotional wellbeing | Feeling stuck and wanting to move forward |
| Processing past experiences or trauma | Ready to set goals and take action |
| Dealing with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues | Wanting support with clarity, confidence or motivation |
| Unsure why you’re feeling overwhelmed or reactive | Focused on performance, growth or productivity |
When Therapy Should Come First
Life coaching is a great tool—but it isn’t the right fit for everything. If you’re dealing with deeper emotional distress or mental health concerns, it’s important to speak with a registered therapist first.
We recommend starting with therapy if you’re experiencing:
Ongoing low mood, anxiety or emotional overwhelm
A history of trauma, abuse, or addiction
Thoughts of self-harm or hurting others
Behaviour that feels out of your control
Symptoms of a mental health condition
Let’s Help You Find the Right Fit
You don’t need to figure it out alone. Our warm and experienced Client Connect Team is here to listen, talk through your needs, and help match you with the right support—whether that’s a coach, a therapist, or someone who offers both.
We offer life coaching and therapy services both in-person across Melbourne and online via telehealth—so you can access support from wherever you are.
📞 Call us today or reach out online and let’s find the right next step together.
Take a Step Toward the Life You Want
Whether you’re ready to get clear on your goals or work through what’s holding you back, we’re here to help. At The Three Seas, we believe everyone deserves the chance to grow, heal, and thrive—with the right support behind them.
✅ Enquire about life coaching today
✅ Explore therapy options if you’re looking for emotional support or mental health care