First, what is Nouthetic Counseling?

Nouthetic counseling, or biblical counseling, is often confused with Christian counseling. Though these are not the same. Nouthetic counseling is rooted in the principles and teachings of the Bible. It seeks to address so the totality of life by providing guidance and support based on biblical truth. The term “nouthetic” comes from the Greek word “noutheteo,” which means “to admonish” or “to counsel.” The father of the modern movement was pastor and author, Jay Adams.

Nouthetic counseling emphasizes the belief that the Bible contains all the necessary guidance and wisdom for addressing human struggles and providing solutions to life’s problems. It views Scripture as the authoritative source for understanding human nature, the causes of emotional distress, and the path to healing and personal growth.

In nouthetic counseling, the counselor works closely with individuals, couples, or families, helping them explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through the lens of biblical truth. The counselor seeks to identify areas where a person’s life is not aligned with biblical principles and guides them towards repentance, spiritual growth, and obedience to God’s Word.

Nouthetic counseling consists of lovingly confronting people out of deep concern in order to help them make those changes that God requires.

You can read more about Nouthetic counseling here.

So, how is this different from Christian counseling?

Most Christian counselors would agree on the importance of scripture, faith, and the processes of progressive sanctification as a work and ministry of the Spirit. They may even agree to the sufficiency of scripture in the areas that scripture is self affirming or speaking to. That scripture is sufficient for theology, and even issues of soul care. But many Christian counselors also want to integrate psychological practices and theories into their counseling.

Integrated Christian counseling and psychology, also known as Christian integration, is an approach that seeks to incorporate psychological principles and techniques with Christian beliefs and values. It puts value into both psychological insights and biblical truths while attempting to understand and address human issues.

In integrated Christian counseling, the counselor may use a wide range of psychological tools and techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic or Rogerian therapy, or family systems therapy, while also incorporating spiritual disciplines, prayer, Scripture study, and reliance on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Practitioners of integrated Christian counseling want to address psychological, emotional, and relational concerns in a manner that is consistent with Christian beliefs and values.

The American Association of Christian Counselors is the largest representation in North America, you can read more about Christian Counseling from their perspective here.

So, why do I choose Nouthetic Counseling?

First, it is my conviction as a Christian. I fully understand that in Gods goodness He has provided common grace at different capacities and times through the arts and sciences. That there is some good in psychological study. I know many have felt relief, and have been helped. That many Christians have been helped through “christian pyschology” as it pleased the Lord, our Comforter and Healer. Yet, even though a morsel of bread may satisfy for a short duration – we have a deeper and more insatiable need. As Christians we have a unique opportunity and mission to serve the Church and our fellow man. We can offer the bread of life that satisfies once and for all.

Second, I want to focus on the power and authority Christ, not the client or myself. In modern psychology (and therefore integrated christian psychology) the totality of practice is rooted in person or client focused methodologies, a specific practice, experience or educational training. At the surface this sounds great. We want our client to feel better or overcome whatever ailment or challenge they may face. We should want to be prepared to help them! As a nouthetic counselor I want to help the counselee turn their eyes, their focus on Christ, through a loving and patient ministry of the Word, prescribed and applied. There is nothing inside the counselee from which that can truly help or save themselves. Likewise, there is nothing in me that can truly change them! I don’t want to limit the help that I can offer to my own understanding, experiences, processes or practicing methodology. I want to rely on the authority and supremacy of God, and on His word.

If you want more, there is a great video here or watch the following lecture by Health Lambert.