Licensed 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. As a faith-based practice, Whole Soul employs Christian counselors who are committed to working collaboratively, supporting one another, and offering excellent care to those they serve. The ability to incorporate faith into counseling sessions depends on a counselor’s credentials—whether they are state-licensed or ordained and offering counseling within the scope of their ministry.
We emphasize this conversation because some clients prefer to see a licensed counselor who shares their faith but do not necessarily want to include spiritual practices in therapy. Others are specifically looking for a counselor who can actively incorporate their beliefs into the process. Our goal is to understand what matters most to you so that your counseling experience feels safe, respectful, and meaningful.