The only difference between good "Christian counseling" and "mainstream counseling" is that good Christian counselors are licensed, qualified counselors who openly incorporate biblical and theological principles into their counseling (for those who desire it). There is no inherent incompatibility.

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."