Licensed/Clinical vs. Pastoral Counseling

What's the Difference?

Whole Soul provides counseling services through both licensed professional counselors and pastoral counselors who are not state licensed. Our pastoral counselors operate under the “auspices or sponsorship of an established church” and remain accountable to the established authority as many states require. While there is some overlap between these two approaches, there are also important distinctions. We believe it's important for you to understand these differences so you can choose the kind of support that best fits your needs. 

Licensed clinical counselors are legally able to approach care through evidenced base treatments such as ERP, EMDR, TF-CBT, and many others. Clinical counselors are not assumed to be theologically trained though some are. They are clinical first and may integrate spirituality into their care upon the client's request. 

Pastoral counselors do not use clinical treatments in counseling. Instead, their focus is on spiritual formation and discipleship as a means to finding healing and an abundant life. 

Licensed Counseling: A Clinical Approach to Soul Care

When working with a licensed counselor (such as an LPC, LMHC, or LMFT), discussions of faith and spirituality can only be included in your sessions if you specifically request it and feel comfortable doing so. At Whole Soul Counsel, we typically ask about your current spiritual beliefs and any past religious experiences as part of our initial intake process. If faith plays an important role in your life and you’d like it to be part of your therapy, you and your counselor will explore together how you would like it to be integrated—regardless of your particular belief system.

Because all of our counselors at Whole Soul Counsel are Christians (though their theological perspectives may differ), if you ask to include the Christian faith in your sessions, your counselor will work with you to understand what that looks like for you.

To become licensed—whether as a professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker, or substance use counselor—a person must meet rigorous state requirements. These typically include graduating from a CACREP-accredited master’s program, passing national or state licensing exams, and completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours after graduation.

Please note: Licensed counselors are not allowed to provide therapy to clients who are residing, traveling, or vacationing outside of the state where the counselor is licensed. The client must be within the state borders at the time of care. 

Pastoral Counseling: A Spiritual/Biblical Approach to Soul Care

Pastoral counseling is a unique form of support that leads with spiritual guidance, aiming to foster hope, healing, and personal growth. Pastoral counselors are not trained in evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as CBT, EMDR, etc. Pastoral counselors are ordained ministers who provide care and counseling within a faith-based framework rather than a clinical, evidence based framework.

It is best thought of as a deeply personal and contextualized form of discipleship. It is not therapy or mental health counseling. 

While pastors often provide spiritual care and guidance within a church setting, at WSC our pastoral counselors also provide care on behalf of our church partners who trust us with the spiritual care of their people. 

Pastoral counselors have additional education and training in counseling that goes beyond typical pastoral care. At Whole Soul Counsel, our pastoral counselors are ordained and hold graduate-level degrees (master’s or doctorate) in counseling or related fields. Many also hold additional certifications though this may vary. 

Our pastoral counselors:
- Remain under the supervision of a supervisor with a terminal degree in a counseling related field and/or divinity related field.
- Complete 10 hours of Continued Education in both counseling and theology annually. 

What Can Pastoral Counselors Do?
Pastoral counselors provide Christian-based emotional and relational support, focusing on issues like fear, discouragement, grief, emotional pain, relationship difficulties, and spiritual growth. 

While they can walk alongside clients through a range of emotional and spiritual challenges, they are not licensed mental health professionals and do not diagnose or treat mental or emotional disorders. If a serious mental health issue arises, they will refer their client to a licensed counselor who is specialized in the needed modality of care. They also do not create formal treatment plans or offer psychotherapy.

Key Characteristics of Pastoral Counselors:
- Freely integrate Christian beliefs and Scripture into sessions
- Are ordained and theologically trained
- Offer care rooted in a Biblical understanding of suffering and healing
- Help clients work toward their goals without using clinical treatment plans
- Do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions or offer insurance billing/superbills
- Do not treat serious mental illnesses
- Can meet with clients in most states via telehealth.