What is the difference between Biblical Counseling and Christian Counseling?
July 14th 2025 By Monet Noriega 3 minute read
What is the difference between Biblical Counseling and Christian Counseling?
When seeking counseling support as a Christian, the terms Biblical Counseling and Christian Counseling (sometimes called Christian Therapy) are frequently used interchangeably. While both aim to care for the individual and do so with the Christian worldview in mind, there are distinct differences. It is important to understand these differences as it impacts how you approach the process of change and coping with life’s circumstances. This article aims to distinguish these differences in an easy to understand way, with the hope it will help you decide which route you would like to take.
First, let's talk about the purpose of any counseling as a Christian…
As Christians, we have an intimate relationship with God, by His grace through Christ-we can know Him and His love for us. Being in a fallen world can make living out this truth challenging. The evidence of the world’s fallen state is all around. It shows up in the way we respond, the sin we struggle with, transgressions against us and fractured relationships to name a few. Counseling is meant to guide us into a deeper relationship with the Lord, growing in faith, love and obedience to His will.
Table: What is the differences between Biblical Counseling and Christian Counseling?
*Both modalities have the same concerns regarding growth and well-being, however the primary focus is different. Both Christain and Biblical Counselors have concern for growing in the knowledge of God and His love
What is Biblical Counseling?
Biblical counseling uses the Bible to address challenges and difficulties that arise in life. Oftentimes, the counselor will give instruction regarding a plan and things to do in between meetings in order to contribute to growth and change. Counseling is provided by a Christian, typically he or she has had some training in Biblical Counseling and may be certified.
The Bible is the ultimate authority for guidance. The Bible tells us that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Biblical counseling is based on the understanding that the Bible is sufficient to address moral, spiritual and relational difficulties. It directs people to principles in Scripture for every problem.
Focuses on Christ and His sanctifying work in our lives. This includes growing in the knowledge and belief of the character of God, His promises as well as understanding God’s will for us as is written in Scripture.
It addresses the human condition and the hope we have in Christ. We live in a fallen world, therefore experience the result of sin both within ourselves as well as by the actions of others. Biblical counseling does not shy away from these truths, but lovingly confronts them with the hope we have in our redemption through Jesus Christ.
Biblical counseling will not result in methods to simply “deal” with problems, nor will it stop at understanding why you respond the way you respond-Biblical Counseling seeks to identify these things in light of knowing Jesus, resulting in changes from the heart.
What is Christian Counseling?
Christian Counseling integrates psychology and counseling theories/therapeutic methods with the Christian worldview. The modality does not emerge from the Bible, but rather aims to stay in line with it. Practitioners have formal training and are typically licensed professionals.
Integrates Psychology with Christianity. Christian counseling uses psychological theories and techniques. It seeks to align these methods with the Bible to address concerns. Christian counselors seek to emphasize the person's relationship with Christ in conjunction with these modalities.
Focus on Well-Being: Christian counseling addresses emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual aspects of a person’s life, while integrating Christian principles.
Use of varied counseling techniques. Christian counselors may specialize in different methods of counseling/therapeutic techniques. It is important to learn what techniques your counselor is using. Christian counselors aim to keep their practices in line with the Bible.
In Summary
Biblical Counseling is derived solely on directives and principles found in Scripture, while. Christian Counseling blends psychology and therapeutic techniques with Biblical principles.