Pastoral counseling and Christian counseling are not the same discipline, but they are related. Anyone who wishes to learn about the disciplines must have a heart for helping people, and they will find that sitting in sessions with counseling clients may be quite a help.

The main differences between therapists and Christian counselors are their education and practice approaches. Therapists usually have at least a master's degree and a state license to practice, but a Christian counselor may not need either.

Practitioners of this style of counseling incorporate religious scripture and teachings to guide you through challenging life issues. When facing turbulent life events, integrating and strengthening your faith may be the missing piece in finding proper treatment.

Christian counselors incorporate faith values for clients who desire it, understand a Christian worldview, and are clinically trained. Alternatively, Biblical counselors typically have a degree from a Seminary or Bible College where they received extensive training in theology and God's word.