What Is Pastoral Counseling? A Quick, Clear Answer
What is pastoral counseling is one of the most searched questions by Christians who feel something is missing from traditional therapy — and for good reason.
Here’s the short answer:
Pastoral counseling is a form of professional therapy that integrates Christian faith, Scripture, and spiritual care with evidence-based psychological practices — offered by licensed or certified counselors trained in both theology and behavioral science.
It is not simply talking to your pastor about problems. It is structured, professional care that treats the whole person — mind, body, and spirit.
At a glance:
- What it is: Professional therapy rooted in Christian faith and psychology
- Who provides it: Licensed mental health professionals with theological training
- Who it helps: Christians navigating grief, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or spiritual crisis
- How it differs from regular therapy: It honors your faith as central to healing, not separate from it
- Where it happens: Private practice, churches, hospitals, hospices — and increasingly, online
If you’ve ever sat in a therapist’s office and felt like something was missing — like your faith, your prayers, or your relationship with God had no place in the room — you’re not alone. Many Christians carry deep wounds that feel impossible to separate from their spiritual life. Grief that asks “Where is God in this?” Anxiety that wrestles with trust. Relationships that need more than communication tips.
Pastoral counseling was built for exactly that space.
At NuWell Online, we have found that when people finally experience counseling that holds both their emotional pain and their faith with equal respect, healing moves in ways that secular therapy alone often cannot reach. That’s the heart of what pastoral counseling does — and this guide will walk you through exactly how.
What Is Pastoral Counseling and How Does It Differ from Traditional Therapy?
For many people, the term “pastoral counseling” conjures up the image of sitting in a church office, talking to a pastor after a Sunday service. While that type of spiritual guidance is incredibly valuable, professional pastoral counseling is a distinct clinical discipline.
The fundamental difference lies in the integration of holistic healing. Traditional therapy typically focuses on the mind and emotions, utilizing psychological insight and behavioral science to treat mental health symptoms. While this is highly effective, it often leaves out the spiritual dimension of a person’s life.
At NuWell Online, we believe that you were created for more than just symptom management. You are a spiritual being, and your mental well-being is deeply connected to your relationship with God. Pastoral counseling brings spiritual resources—such as Scripture, prayer, and theological reflection—directly into the clinical space. It does not ignore psychology; instead, it uses psychological frameworks to understand emotional wounds while relying on the healing power of the Holy Spirit to bring true restoration.
If you are trying to decide which path is right for your healing journey, it helps to look closely at Pastoral Counseling vs Traditional Therapy What Is the Difference to understand how these approaches diverge in practice.
Defining What Is Pastoral Counseling in a Modern Context
In a modern mental health landscape, what is pastoral counseling? It is officially defined as a professional discipline that integrates faith and the behavioral sciences. It is provided by Professional Pastoral Counselors—licensed mental health professionals who have also received in-depth religious and theological training.
Rather than keeping faith and science in separate boxes, modern pastoral counseling uses them as dual lenses. For example, a counselor might use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you identify negative thought patterns, while simultaneously exploring how those patterns affect your view of God’s grace and your identity in Christ. This clinical-theological integration is what makes the model so powerful. This approach respects the client’s spiritual values as a primary asset in the therapeutic process, rather than treating faith as a secondary detail.
The Core Components of Faith-Based Therapy
To understand how this works in a session, we can look at the core components of faith-based therapy. A primary goal of pastoral counseling is to guide individuals toward greater wholeness within themselves and in their relationships with others.
According to clinical and theological frameworks, this journey toward wholeness involves six dimensions of growth:
- Enlivening the mind: Developing intellectual clarity and cognitive health.
- Revitalizing the body: Recognizing the physical connection to emotional stress and trauma.
- Renewing intimate relationships: Healing marriages, family dynamics, and friendships.
- Deepening relationship with nature: Appreciating God’s creation as a space for peace and reflection.
- Growth in relation to institutions: Navigating church communities, workplaces, and societal structures.
- Deepening one’s relationship with God: Moving past spiritual dryness, guilt, or fear into a vibrant, trust-filled faith.
By addressing all six dimensions, pastoral counseling avoids the trap of “spiritual bypassing” (using spiritual platitudes to ignore real psychological pain) and instead fosters genuine, lasting personal growth. To explore how these dimensions translate into daily mental health support, read our deep dive on Understanding the Power of Pastoral Counseling Integrating Faith and Therapy.
The Historical Roots of Integrating Faith and Psychology
Though it feels like a modern movement, the integration of faith and behavioral science has a rich, structured history. Pastoral counseling as a separate, professionalized discipline began in North America during the first half of the twentieth century. Before this era, pastors offered general spiritual counsel, but they often lacked the psychological tools to address severe mental illness, while early psychiatrists often dismissed religious faith entirely.
The academic development of this field is well-documented. For those interested in the academic evolution of the discipline, The Intellectual Foundation of Pastoral Counseling: A Perspective on the Future of the Profession provides an excellent look at how theology and clinical psychology were first brought into dialogue.
The Blanton-Peale Institute and Early Pioneers
The formal blending of religion and psychiatry owes much to a few key pioneers in the early 1900s.
- Anton Boisen: In the 1920s, Boisen, a Presbyterian minister who had experienced his own psychiatric struggles, realized that theological students needed hands-on clinical training to understand human suffering. He began placing theological students in supervised contact with patients in psychiatric hospitals, effectively founding the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) movement.
- Norman Vincent Peale and Smiley Blanton: In the 1930s, minister Norman Vincent Peale (author of The Power of Positive Thinking) teamed up with psychiatrist Dr. Smiley Blanton. Together, they founded what would become the Blanton-Peale Institute in New York City. This was one of the very first clinics where theology and psychiatry were intentionally blended to treat the whole person.
These pioneers proved that psychology and faith did not have to be enemies; instead, they could work together to unlock deeper emotional healing.
The Evolution of Professional Guilds
As the movement grew, the need for professional standards became clear. In 1963, the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) was founded to provide professional certification for pastoral counselors and pastoral counseling centers. This established rigorous training requirements, ensuring that counselors were clinically competent and ethically accountable.
In 2019, the AAPC consolidated with the ACPE (Association for Clinical Pastoral Education) to streamline training and certification. This merger further solidified pastoral counseling as an accredited, respected clinical discipline within the broader healthcare landscape.
Key Differences: Pastoral Care vs. Pastoral Counseling vs. Biblical Counseling
Because terms like “pastoral care,” “pastoral counseling,” and “biblical counseling” are often used interchangeably, it is easy to get confused. However, they represent very different levels of training, focus, and professional boundaries.
To help you understand where your current needs might fit, here is a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Pastoral Care | Biblical Counseling | Professional Pastoral Counseling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who Provides It? | Pastors, elders, deacons, lay leaders | Pastors, biblical counselors (CCEF, ACBC) | Licensed mental health professionals (LPC, LMFT) with theological degrees |
| Primary Tool | Presence, prayer, encouragement | Scripture, doctrinal application | Evidence-based psychotherapy + Scripture & theology |
| Focus | Short-term crisis support, hospital visits | Addressing specific behavioral issues or sins through Scripture | Deep psychological wounds, trauma, clinical anxiety, depression |
| Licensure | None required | None (usually church-certified) | State-licensed (LPC, LMFT, LCSW) |
| Insurance | No | No | Often accepted (depending on state/license) |
To explore these distinctions further and see how they apply to your personal journey, you can read our guide on Faith Meets Therapy Exploring the Various Forms of Pastoral Care.
Pastoral Care: A Ministry of Presence
Pastoral care is the broad, supportive ministry of the local church. It is a “ministry of presence.” When you are in the hospital, grieving the loss of a loved one, or celebrating the birth of a child, church leaders step in to offer prayer, meals, and spiritual encouragement. It is not structured psychotherapy; rather, it is the hands and feet of the church community bringing God’s hope into daily life.
Biblical Counseling: Scripture-Only Frameworks
Biblical counseling (often associated with organizations like CCEF or ACBC) focuses primarily on using Scripture as the sole framework for resolving life’s challenges. It is typically conducted within the local church. Biblical counselors are highly skilled at applying biblical wisdom to spiritual struggles, helping individuals align their hearts and behaviors with God’s Word.
At NuWell, we honor this dedication to Scripture. We know that God’s Word has the power to cut through the deepest emotional pain. If you are struggling with feelings of unworthiness, we have seen how pastoral approaches can help. For example, you can read about how we address deep emotional struggles in Lifting the Burden How Pastoral Counseling Helps Heal the Shameful Heart.
Professional Pastoral Counseling: Clinical and Theological Integration
Professional pastoral counseling takes the spiritual depth of biblical counseling and integrates it with licensed psychotherapy. These counselors are state-licensed practitioners (such as LPCs or LMFTs) who also hold advanced degrees in theology or divinity. They use evidence-based psychological modalities (like EMDR, internal family systems, or somatic therapy) alongside spiritual resources.
What Do Pastoral Counselors Actually Do? Roles and Responsibilities
If you book an online session with a pastoral counselor, what actually happens?
First and foremost, a pastoral counselor does what any highly trained therapist does: they listen. They create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to share your story. However, their daily duties go beyond traditional talk therapy. They work with you to diagnose root beliefs, create customized treatment plans, and develop healthy coping mechanisms that align with your faith.
At NuWell Online, our counselors are trained to help you look past your surface-level symptoms to find the core issues. If you are struggling with clinical depression, we don’t just give you a checklist of coping skills; we walk with you through both the psychological and spiritual aspects of your pain. To learn more about this integrated approach, explore our guide on Pastoral Counseling for Depression and Mental Wellbeing.
Who Can Benefit from What Is Pastoral Counseling?
Pastoral counseling is highly effective for anyone experiencing major life transitions, emotional distress, or mental health challenges. Specifically, certified pastoral counselors are incredibly helpful for individuals navigating:
- Severe Grief and Loss: Processing the death of a loved one while wrestling with questions about God’s goodness.
- Trauma and PTSD: Healing deep psychological wounds while rebuilding a sense of safety and spiritual trust.
- Anxiety and Depression: Using both clinical tools and spiritual practices to find peace.
- Shame and Guilt: Moving past toxic self-condemnation into the freedom of God’s grace. You can read more about this journey in Lifting the Burden How Pastoral Counseling Helps Heal the Shameful Heart 2.
Addressing Mental Health and Spiritual Struggles
What makes pastoral counseling truly unique is its ability to address “implicit theological dramas.” Often, our psychological pain is deeply intertwined with our spiritual beliefs. For example, if you grew up with an earthly father who was distant, critical, or demanding, you might unconsciously project those traits onto God, viewing Him as a harsh judge rather than a loving Father. This false image of God can lead to constant anxiety, perfectionism, and spiritual burnout.
Pastoral counselors are uniquely equipped to help you untangle these projections. They also provide a sacred space to resolve marital conflict, helping couples build relationships on a foundation of biblical grace and effective communication. If you are looking to strengthen your marriage, discover how we support couples in Nurturing Marital Bliss Discover the Power of Pastoral Counseling at NuWell.
Training, Certification, and Licensure Requirements
Because pastoral counselors deal with both clinical mental health issues and deep spiritual matters, their training is extensive. They are not lay volunteers; they are highly educated professionals.
To build a professional career in this field, candidates must follow a rigorous pathway. If you are interested in the professional journey, you can read more about the educational steps in How To Become A Pastoral Counselor.
Educational Pathways and Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
To be certified as a professional pastoral counselor, an individual typically must have:
- A Bachelor’s Degree: Usually in psychology, theology, or behavioral science.
- A Graduate Degree: A theology-based master’s degree (like a Master of Divinity) or a master’s/doctoral degree in pastoral counseling or clinical mental health counseling.
- Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE): This is a key part of hands-on training. CPE generally involves closely supervised work as a chaplain in high-stress, real-world environments like hospitals, hospices, or rehabilitation centers. This training helps counselors learn how to offer deep, non-judgmental support in the midst of acute crisis.
State Licensure and Professional Standards
In addition to theological training, professional pastoral counselors must meet state licensing requirements to practice psychotherapy legally and facilitate insurance reimbursement.
In Pennsylvania—where NuWell Online is rooted—practitioners typically hold licenses such as:
- LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
- LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
- LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
Holding these state licenses ensures that your counselor meets the highest clinical and ethical standards of safety, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pastoral Counseling
Navigating mental health can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to have questions about how faith-based therapy works. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
Is pastoral counseling appropriate for those struggling with their faith?
Yes. Pastoral counseling is designed to meet individuals exactly where they are in their spiritual journey. If you are experiencing doubt, spiritual dryness, or struggling with your Christian faith, a pastoral counselor provides a safe, grace-filled space to process these challenges without judgment. They integrate evidence-based psychological practices with Christian theology to support your mental and spiritual well-being. For a broader clinical perspective on when this model is appropriate, see Pastoral counseling: What is it, and when can it help?, which discusses how counselors navigate clinical care within a spiritual framework.
Can a pastoral counselor diagnose mental health conditions?
Many pastoral counselors who are licensed mental health practitioners (such as LPCs or LMFTs) can legally diagnose and treat mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
They are trained to recognize the warning signs of serious psychiatric concerns. If a client’s needs require medication or specialized psychiatric care, a professional pastoral counselor will coordinate referrals with local medical professionals to ensure holistic, safe treatment. If you are looking for local clinical support, you can read Understanding Pastoral Counseling for Local Support to see how we coordinate care.
Where do pastoral counselors typically work?
Pastoral counselors work in a wide variety of settings, including:
- Private practices and counseling clinics
- Local churches and ministry organizations
- Hospitals, hospices, and care facilities
- Correctional institutions and military bases
For those living in Pennsylvania, there is a growing demand for these integrated professionals. You can view current opportunities and settings by browsing Pastoral Counseling Jobs, Employment in Pennsylvania.
Conclusion
At NuWell Online, we believe that true healing is a holistic journey. You do not have to leave your faith at the door to get high-quality, professional mental health care. By integrating Biblical truths with evidence-based practices, our virtual counseling services are designed to help you find emotional wholeness and spiritual restoration from the comfort of your own home.
If you are ready to take the next step toward healing, we invite you to read A Guide to Online Pastoral Counseling to see how virtual sessions work, or visit our main Pastoral Counseling page to book an online session with one of our licensed, compassionate professionals today. You were created for wholeness—let us walk with you on the journey.
This article was researched with AI and heavily edited by Jordan Oliver for accuracy and relevance.
Jordan is an author, ordained minister, and online host for His Glory TV, sharing biblically grounded insights on faith, prayer, and spiritual growth. She is the co-founder of Triple-Braided Cord Co., an intercessory prayer and healing ministry inspired by Ecclesiastes 4:12.
Jordan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Religious Studies from High Point University and is a certified Spiritual Life Coach through iCoachLife in Nashville, Tennessee. Drawing from her ministry, coaching, and academic experience, she creates trustworthy, faith-based content that helps readers grow in their relationship with God. Learn more about Jordan here.
