Christian counseling is distinct from secular counseling in that it specifically incorporates the spiritual dimension and the Bible. Christian counselors work from the idea that the Bible has a lot of practical wisdom. Christian Counselors answer to the church.

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."