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.

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.

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."