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

The Illinois Small Business Development Center offers free counseling services for entrepreneurs and small businesses. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

According to Cynthia Vejar, PhD, program director & associate professor of clinical mental health counseling at Lebanon Valley College, daycare can have some clear benefits for children. —Wendy Wisner, Parents, 17 Mar. 2025

He was enrolled in Avenues, a youth counseling program, and mental health therapy. —Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2025

Kaley Chiles’s challenge to Colorado’s efforts to censor her counseling conversations with her clients is a chance for the Court to stem a dangerous trend. —Aaron Kheriaty, National Review, 13 Mar. 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