counseling

1 of 2

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

counseling

2 of 2

present participle of counsel entry 2

Examples of counseling in a Sentence

Noun

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

The college offers career counseling.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Organizers said donations could be used for legal defense, moving the family, basic living expenses, transportation, counseling and security. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Unlike her brooding, clearly depressed husband, who refused counseling after his job loss, Mi-ok is cheerful and easygoing. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026

The Gem State ranked among the five happiest states in America in 2026, according to a study by Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, an online counseling service based in New York City. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026

In a statement on its Facebook page, Wright State University did not directly address the bullying allegations, but said counseling and support services had been made available to students, faculty and staff. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

see counsel entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

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