counseling

noun

coun·​sel·​ing ˈkau̇n(t)-s(ə-)liŋ 

variants or counselling

: professional guidance of the individual by utilizing psychological methods especially in collecting case history data, using various techniques of the personal interview, and testing interests and aptitudes

career counseling for high schoolers

counseling for drug addicts

Examples of counseling in a Sentence

She is receiving counseling to cope with the death of her husband.

The college offers career counseling.

Recent Examples on the Web

Prince William’s office at Kensington Palace said the funds are thought to have helped nearly two-thirds of NHS staff with counseling, rest areas and projects in the community. —Simon Perry, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025

For us, this meant swiftly addressing the human and emotional toll of the attack and providing extensive support to our employees, including grief counseling, special personal leave allowances and mental health resources. —Ziv Biron, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists can provide counseling to address gambling problems. —Simon Spichak, Health, 1 Mar. 2025

As its budget grew during this period, so did its outreach programs, such as Family Life Education Project in School District 131 and counseling sessions for pregnant girls at Fox Hill Homes. —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see counsel entry 1

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing counseling

• genetic counseling
• marriage counseling

Medical Definition

counseling

noun

coun·​sel·​ing

: professional guidance of the individual by utilizing psychological methods especially in collecting case history data, using various techniques of the personal interview, and testing interests and aptitudes