So what's the difference?

So what is the difference between a Nouthetic counseling program and one that equips for state licensure?  What about a secular licensed counselor and a licensed christian counselor?  And what about an integrationist?  There are certainly significant differences, and these differences can lead to pretty heated discussions!  Ultimately it comes down to conviction.  I am going to explain the differences and also talk a little about how I came to make the decision to pursue the Nouthetic path.
 
In 2005 I began a masters degree in marriage and family therapy at New Orleans Baptist Seminary that would allow me to apply for state licensure when I finished school and the other requirements.  New Orleans and 2005 may ring a bell, that was the same year Katrina hit, to say the least our plans were slightly adjusted!  Four months later we were in Louisville KY at Southern Seminary and I was hoping to continue my degree in counseling.  It was at that time that I came to realize there was no licensure available through the program because it was a "Nouthetic" or "Biblical" program, so what's the difference?  Basically,  a licensed counselor has studied the state required secular theories, and will use those theories in the counseling process.  A licensed Christian counselor will still study and use those same theories, but will attempt to intigrate the Bible and Christian principles as well.  There is also a possibility that the Bible will be absent, but things like divorce would not be considered as part of the process, and that's where the Christian part would come in.

When I first started out in New Orleans, I wanted to be licensed.  I saw potential value in the secular theories, and also saw an ministerial advantage to being licensed and being able to counsel with more unbelievers than without one.  Over time, and a continually growing love and understanding of the power of the Word of God (developed largely at Southern), God has shaped my coniviction to pursue a method of counseling that depends soley upon His Word.  I simply no longer see a way to intigrate secular theories and Biblical truths due to their drastically different presuppositions when approaching life and its messiness.  As you can imagine, that statement is what invites a number of criticisms and points of discussion.

I would like to invite further discussion and provide further explanation to anyone who would request it.  I think "pushing back" is necessary and beneficial, and does not need to breed arguments or dissention.  I hope this has been beneficial whether you agree, disagree, or are in the process of developing your own convictions on the matter.