While many pastors receive some training in counseling as part of their theological education, it’s unlikely that they would have received the same level of training and experience as a licensed couples counselor or therapist. Many only receive a couple courses in counseling in their seminary degrees rather than the extensive therapy training of a counseling Masters program. Individuals facing more significant mental health challenges may be outside of the scope of many pastors. Pastors may be able to provide some level of counseling to couples in their congregation, but they may not have the specialized training and expertise needed to address complex issues and provide effective treatments.
Couples counseling is a specialized field that requires extensive training and experience. Their training covers topics from listening skills and providing feedback to effective interventions for addressing unhelpful relationship patterns, to treatment planning and mental health challenges. Licensed counselors and therapists typically have a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field and have to complete thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience.
However, pastors can still provide valuable support and guidance to couples experiencing relationship problems. They can offer spiritual guidance and advice based on their knowledge of scripture and their experience with counseling other couples. Pastors are great resources to give prayer and encouragement, address theological questions, and increase understanding of biblical principals that may apply in your situation. Pastors can also provide referrals to licensed counselors or therapists who can provide more specialized care.
Both pastors and counselors serve important roles and may offer different areas of expertise. Just like you wouldn’t take your car to your accountant, relationship issues may require a different type of professional to address. We will also be the first to refer you back you your pastor if you want to go deep in wrestling with complex theological questions.
Christian counselors can also provide an integration of your faith into the clinical counseling process. While they are generally not trained in theology, they can come alongside you as fellow believers with an understanding of faith principles and some may be able to explore scripture in your work together. 
Levels of integration may differ between different Christian counselors, so it’s important to be direct about what you want in your counseling experience. Some Christian counselors may be willing to incorporate faith practices such as prayer, discussion of faith challenges, and encouraging words of faith into your counseling if you desire, but generally they will want to know your preferences.
In summary, while pastors may have some training in counseling, it’s unlikely that they have the same level of training and expertise as professional couples counselors or therapists. Pastors can provide valuable spiritual guidance and support, but couples with complex or long-standing issues may benefit from seeking help from a counseling professional.
May 2025, Jenny Beall, Counselor, Threads of Hope Counseling