Biblical versus Clinical Counseling: What is the difference?
What is the Difference Between a Christian Counselor and a Biblical Counselor?
As clinical therapists who are Christians and active members of our local churches, we get asked a lot about the difference between a Biblical counselor and a Christian counselor. It makes sense–even the descriptors are confusing! Biblical? Christian? That sounds like the same thing, right? However, there are important distinctions and it's a topic that warrants a discussion.
We’ve done our best to describe the differences between the two, but we do so knowing that there is a time and a place for both. Neither is better than the other, but they each serve a different purpose. Here are 5 differences to consider before deciding which would be the right choice for you in this season of life:
Education/Training
Licensed Christian counselors have a Master’s degree in a specific mental health field like Professional Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Social Work. They are licensed mental health counselors licensed through the state in which they live. Being a Christian counselor is simply a way of identifying one’s personal perspective, although some counselors do receive a Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling. A licensed counselor must complete 2 years of coursework before applying for licensure, and then complete around 3000 (depending on the licensure board) hours of supervised clinical practice before they can practice independently.
Biblical counselors often have a degree from a seminary or Bible college, or even have some mental health training, but it is not required. They receive a certification from an organization after completing training and around 50-100 hours of clinical work. Common organizations include the AACC, ACBC, and CCEF.
*This is not to say that a licensed counselor has not pursued additional training in Biblical theology, or that a Biblical counselor has not attended further training on clinical mental health. Both are often true!
2. Purpose
Licensed Christian counselors focus on the overall psychological well-being of their clients through emotional processing, skill building, relationship dynamics, evidence-based interventions, and faith integration at the client’s discretion. Their goal is to meet clients where they are and to promote healing for their minds, bodies, souls, and relationships.
Biblical counselors aim to foster spiritual growth and address struggles explicitly and strictly through a Biblical lens. Their goal is to promote healing through adherence to Biblical principles and a right understanding of theological truth.
3. Process/Approach
A licensed Christian therapist utilizes knowledge from science and psychology and filters it through a Biblical lens–essentially integrating these two realities into the therapeutic process. They adhere to the principle that all truth is God’s truth and that God can use counselors as instruments of healing without threatening the fact that God is the ultimate healer. They incorporate evidence-based interventions, research, and extensive training into treatment for each individual client. They integrate faith to the degree that the client is comfortable with it.
Biblical counselors utilize the Bible as the ultimate framework for healing and growth. They evaluate mental health struggles through a Biblical lens and utilize Scripture application and a client’s relationship with God to foster healing.
4. Treatment
Licensed Christian counselors focus on a client’s psychological, emotional, and physical symptoms that bring them into therapy, and use their training to find root causes and create effective treatment plans. They understand the impact of original sin and a broken world, consider important factors like trauma, family of origin, genetics, and diagnoses, and incorporate appropriate assessments and interventions to understand the whole picture. Each therapist has his or her own preferred approach to treatment, using different theories and modalities, but each will incorporate faith and spiritual elements at the client’s discretion, knowing that it is healthy and conducive to healing to integrate all of our parts since it is how we were designed (mind, body, soul).
Biblical counselors focus on explicit integration of faith and spiritual elements. As God is the ultimate healer and humans are naturally sinful, their approach is to emphasize sin, redemption, and a right relationship with God to foster healing and wholeness. The Bible is their tool of choice and they have much experience in spiritual guidance, growth, and healing.
In an ideal world, we would all work together toward the goal of offering care, support, and healing to those who are suffering. When we understand our different roles, this is possible! Just as you would go to an orthopedic surgeon for a broken arm (not a heart surgeon) or to your dentist for a toothache (not your pastor), so when you are struggling emotionally or going through a difficult season in life, you must consider who can best help you navigate your current struggle. Sometimes it’s a whole team of people (pastor, dietitian, therapist, coach)!
At Dwell, we are licensed by the state of North Carolina as counselors, but we are not un-Biblical in our approach. We are all Christians, members of local churches, and adhere to Biblical principles, but we are not un-clinical in our work. Our goal is always to bridge the gap, knowing that if there is a question of either/or, the answer is usually both/and. No matter what you need in this season of life, we want to be a hub of information and resources for you to pursue healing and wholeness–mind, body, and soul.
Not sure where to begin? We offer a free 20-minute consultation to answer any questions you may have about therapy services. Call 336-864-5435 or fill out our Contact Us form to get started today.
Author: Kalie Moore, MA, LCMHC. Clinical Therapist. Co-Founder of Dwell Ministry, PC.
More Resources:
The Difference Between Biblical Counseling and Christian Counseling - Rachel Miley
Biblical Counseling vs. Licensed Mental Health Counseling - Peace Family Counseling