What’s the Difference Between Christian Counseling and Biblical Counseling?
"If we don’t define things, we have a hard time responding rightly."
I. Why Definitions Matter
Definitions are important in life. Without them, we struggle to respond well to situations, relationships, and decisions. Imagine you’re shopping for a new car. You find the perfect model, negotiate a deal, and just as you're signing the paperwork, the dealer casually says, “Here’s your new used car.” Confusion follows, because “new” and “used” aren’t the same thing—and the difference matters.
In the same way, clarity in terminology matters deeply in the world of counseling. Two terms that often get used interchangeably are Christian Counseling and Biblical Counseling. While both sound similar, they are rooted in different foundations and serve distinct purposes. In this article, I aim to clarify the key differences between these two approaches so believers can choose counseling that aligns with their faith and spiritual goals.
“Christian Counseling integrates faith with clinical methods.”
II. What Is Christian Counseling?
Christian counseling generally seeks to address mental health issues through a Christian worldview, integrating both clinical and spiritual resources. According to Houston Christian University:
“Christian counseling incorporates spiritual resources, Bible teachings, and faith traditions into therapy while employing established clinical techniques. Christian counselors view their clients’ difficulties through the lens of a Christian worldview rather than from a strictly naturalistic perspective.”
This approach is often practiced in private or institutional settings by licensed therapists. These professionals use psychological theories and evidence-based techniques as the foundation of treatment and then integrate Christian beliefs into their work with clients.
For many believers, this kind of counseling is appealing—they want help from someone who shares their faith but still uses well-known therapeutic tools. It offers a bridge between mental health care and spiritual values.
“Biblical Counseling is the interpersonal ministry of the Word.”
III. What Is Biblical Counseling?
Biblical Counseling takes a different approach. Rather than integrating psychology with theology, it is centered entirely on God’s Word and the ministry of the local church. In an interview titled “Journey to Biblical Counseling”, counselor and theologian David Powlison described it this way:
“Biblical counseling is part of the interpersonal ministry of the Word. God means for us to bear each other’s burdens… Wise counseling brings that personalized relevance of interpersonal ministry of the eternal Word of Truth that turns our lives upside down and inside out.”
The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) defines it more fully:
“Biblical counseling is the personal discipleship ministry of God’s people to others under the oversight of God’s church, dependent upon the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word through the work of the Holy Spirit… applying Scripture to the need of the moment by comforting the suffering and calling sinners to repentance.”
Biblical Counseling sees Scripture as wholly sufficient and foundational. It is less concerned with clinical symptom reduction and more focused on restoring people to a right relationship with God. Often practiced within churches, it is a form of discipleship that recognizes emotional and mental struggles, but interprets them through the lenses of sin, suffering, and sanctification.
“Same vocabulary, different dictionary.”
IV. Key Differences
To better visualize the contrast between these two approaches, here’s a side-by-side comparison:
Christian Counseling
Uses clinical methods
Integrates psychology and faith
Licensed therapy model
Often practiced in private practice
Biblical Counseling
Uses Scripture as primary tool
Grounded in the sufficiency of Scripture
Church-centered discipleship approach
Often practiced within church ministry
It’s important to note that the goal here is not to demonize one model over the other. Both approaches seek to help people. However, they begin with different presuppositions.
Christian Counseling sees faith as a supportive addition to therapy. Biblical Counseling sees faith—and specifically God’s Word—as the foundation and framework for care. These are not small differences. They change how problems are understood, how goals are set, and what “healing” ultimately means.
“All counseling is soul care, but not all counseling directs the soul to Christ.”
V. Why This Matters for the Church
The distinctions between these approaches have real implications for the church.
All counseling involves soul care—but not all counseling points the soul toward Christ. Many counselors, even well-meaning ones, may direct people back to themselves instead of toward their Savior. As the church, we must be discerning about how we care for each other. Our counseling must be consistent with our theology.
When believers seek help, we want to guide them clearly. We want to help them clarify their expectations and goals. If therapy doesn’t seem to be “working,” it could be because the root issue isn’t merely emotional—it may be spiritual.
Church leaders and members alike should be equipped to understand these distinctions so they can shepherd wisely and refer responsibly. In a world full of options, biblical clarity is a gift.
“Choose counseling that reflects what your soul truly needs.”
VI. Conclusion: Choose with Clarity
Both Christian and Biblical Counseling aim to offer help—but they operate on different foundations.
If you’re looking for counseling that uses clinical methods while honoring your faith, you're likely looking for Christian Counseling. If you're seeking counseling that holds Scripture as the ultimate authority and Christ as the center, then you’re looking for Biblical Counseling.
Reflect deeply on what kind of care your soul truly needs in this season. Don’t just ask, “Do they believe in Jesus?” Ask, “What do they believe about the problem I’m facing and how I’m changed?” The goal isn’t just comfort—it’s Christlikeness.
In Him
Christian Bringolf MA LMHC