This is a kind of general question. What age is the helpless? How much helpless s/he is (e.g. disabled or autonomous)? Are animals included in this description of the helpless? As a certified coach, I can give my opinion about an adult with full mental capacities in need of help to solve a problem or achieve a goal. The rule says, as a coach, don't help the helpless. Only show them the way (through a set of questions), and they will help themselves. The situation might differ between a therapist and a patient.