09/15/2025
How is professional counseling different from pastoral counseling? Can I do both or should I choose one or the other?
Professional counseling is therapy with a licensed counselor with a master's degree or higher who has been trained in mental health diagnosis and proven effective treatments. A professional counselor can have specialized skills and training in working with a mental health diagnosis, trauma, domestic violence, or a specific area such as sexual abuse or bipolar disorder. A Christian professional counselor applies an integration of Biblical concepts, morals, and values within application of psychological treatments. It is applying psychological insights within a Christian framework. The licensed therapist is required to work within their scope of knowledge and to abide by ethical laws and state laws. Professional counseling costs but insurances may be accepted by some.
A pastoral counselor may or may not be degreed and is trained to apply Biblical principles to life's needs and challenges and to encourage spiritual growth. A person with a master's degree in biblical counseling has completed coursework in addressing basic couple's counseling, premarital counseling, and general counseling for supporting others when facing major decisions such as career changes or family illnesses and grief. A pastoral counselor is not bound by a legal entity regarding application and knowledge. They are not usually professionally trained in mental health disorders such as narcissistic personality disorder or major depressive disorder. Pastoral counseling can be free of charge.
It is okay to see both a pastoral counselor and professional counselor. If you are experiencing domestic violence, it is wise to seek counsel from a professional, but you may also receive support from your church. Couples with abuse happening should NOT be seen together in couple's counseling until the abuse is addressed individually.
