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

Hilaria Baldwin isn't afraid to speak up on the importance of marital counseling. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 14 Nov. 2025

The campus reopened Friday with mental health and counseling services available, the college said. —Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 14 Nov. 2025

Shortly after news broke of the tragedy last week, the NFL sent counseling and grief resources to the Cowboys headquarters which arrived on Monday and have been with the team throughout the week. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Nov. 2025

The funds have given hundreds of rural students access to counseling and even free family therapy sessions. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 13 Nov. 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