The goal of Biblical counseling is to encourage spiritual transformation and align beliefs and actions with biblical principles. In contrast, Christian counseling values psychological and counseling theories and applies them to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and promote emotional well-being.

But Christian counselors will focus on your spiritual health, your relationship with God, and faith, your mental or personal problems and emotional issues will be replaced with spiritual fulfillment and a sense of self-worth.

Since 1993, the movement has renamed itself as biblical counseling to emphasize its central focus on the Bible. The Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling states that "The aim of Nouthetic Counseling is to effect change in the counselee by encouraging greater conformity to the principles of Scripture."

Some key aspects that define Christian counseling include: Focus on the whole person – mind, body, and spirit: Christian counselors address mental, emotional, behavioral, relational, and spiritual components of wellness. They consider how a client's faith impacts their mental health.