What is Biblical Counseling?
The question asked more often than not...
This page aims to clarify the often misunderstood term, biblical counseling.
Or it may not...but let's start with what it is not before we move to what it is.
What Biblical Counseling Is Not
Out of the four types of counseling discussed, the first two are what most people commonly think of when biblical counseling is mentioned. However, neither of these would be considered biblical counseling.
**Additionally, the four types and categories listed below originate from Dr. Tim Allchin’s blog post, “4 Types of Christian Counseling“. To be clear, they are not my creation.**
Clinical Counseling
Approach
Approach
Evidence-based clinical treatments and psychological testing to bring relief and higher functioning
Located
Located
Clinical counseling usually takes place within a typical clinical setting.
Goal
Goal
Mental health, symptom relief, and improved function
Bible
Bible
No Scripture engagement
Sin
Sin
Not the counselor's role
Gospel
Gospel
In most settings, the gospel is not shared with their clients.
Groups
Groups
American Psychological Association and Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs school programs
Christian Integrated Counseling
Approach
Approach
Mostly clinical treatments with integrated Christian principles to bring relief and higher functioning
Located
Located
Clinical / Closer to the church
Goal
Goal
Mental health, the client-stated goals, and spiritual growth, if desired
Bible
Bible
Infrequent Scripture engagement
Sin
Sin
Some concern
Gospel
Gospel
Sometimes shared if invited
Groups
Groups
Christian Integrated Counselors are generally associated with the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and/or Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
What Biblical Counseling Is...
The subsequent two categories of counseling are widely recognized as biblical counseling. However, the latter category may call into question the classification of the former as biblical counseling.
When someone asks, “What is biblical counseling?” these are the two types that come to mind.
Clinically Informed Biblical Counseling
Approach
Approach
Addressing the heart with Christian principles, clinical research and physiological treatments
Located
Located
Para-church / Inside of the church
Goal
Goal
Sanctification and experiencing God’s comfort in suffering and problems of living
Bible
Bible
High Scripture engagement
Sin
Sin
High concern
Gospel
Gospel
Consistently shared
Groups
Groups
Association of Biblical Counselors and Christian Counseling and Education Foundation
Classic Biblical Counseling
Approach
Approach
Discipleship conversations that reorient sinful hearts towards God’s glory by ministering comfort & hope amid suffering
Located
Located
Para-church / Inside of the church
Goal
Goal
Sanctification and experiencing God’s comfort in suffering and problems of living
Bible
Bible
High Scripture engagement
Sin
Sin
High concern
Gospel
Gospel
Consistently shared
Groups
Groups
Classic biblical counselors generally are with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors and/or International Association of Biblical Counselors
Which category does Biblical Help and Hope fall under?
It is difficult to say. I (Ryan) would probably be closer to the clinically informed biblical counseling category. However, “clinically-informed” is a buzzword at the moment. I don’t like to find myself in trends.
Understanding the various methodologies, therapies, etc., helps me understand potential counselees’ possible influences. However, “Clinically Informed” may mean different things to different people.
So, I stay within my lane and counsel from Scripture, with the goal of helping my counselees respond more like Christ to their various situations. In that sense, I would be closer to a classical biblical counseling methodology.