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.

Since 1993, the movement has renamed itself as biblical counseling to emphasize its central focus on the Bible. The Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling states that "The aim of Nouthetic Counseling is to effect change in the counselee by encouraging greater conformity to the principles of Scripture."

The Christian counselling approach A Christian counselling approach encourages individuals to explore their spirituality and faith to overcome challenges and find hope and meaning through social, emotional, mental, spiritual and cultural engagement with the gospel.