How Pastoral Counseling Differs from Licensed Counseling

A licensed counselor helps you explore your path.
A pastoral counselor additionally helps you apply God’s truth.

Licensed Professional Counseling

Licensed counselors play a valuable role in mental health care. They are:

Bound by a code of ethics that prohibits giving direct advice.
Focused on helping you explore your own thoughts and feelings.
Skilled in providing support, but they do not offer answers about sin, eternity, or spiritual matters.

In short: a licensed counselor will walk with you as you discover your own solutions—but they will not prescribe direction

This is what we do in Pastoral Counseling: We take what we know from the truths of theology, and we apply it to people who are suffering under the weight of all the kinds of pain this world has to offer. (Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling: The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry)

Biblical Counseling is a conversation where one party with questions, problems, and trouble seeks assistance from someone they believe has answers, solutions, and help. (Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling: The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry)

Pastoral Counseling

Pastoral counseling takes a different approach:

Biblically grounded & Christ-centered — every conversation is guided by God’s Word.
Directive and caring — if you are practicing what the Bible describes as sin, we will address it honestly, heart to heart.
Encouraging & supportive — if you need comfort, prayer, or guidance, you’ll find a listening ear and a compassionate presence.
Practical & problem-solving — together, we seek biblical solutions that strengthen your relationship with Christ.

As Professor, and Pastor Siang-Yang Tan (PhD) observes, Christian counseling uniquely integrates professional wisdom with Scripture. Pastoral counseling goes a step further—it is intentionally directive, spiritual, and Christ-focused, pointing you toward lasting transformation.