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

His LinkedIn profile indicated he’s been a part-time teacher at C2 Education, a national tutoring and college counseling provider located in Torrance. —Michael Collins, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

The center offers career counseling, resume preparation assistance, advise for interviewing, classes to learn computers programs such as Microsoft Excel or Word and help creating a LinkedIn profile, Portlock said. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

Shahi’s attorney, James Moore, told the court that his client needed mental health support and said Shahi plans to seek counseling whether or not the court mandates it, per the outlet. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

Debt management plans typically involve working with a credit counseling agency to secure lower interest rates and consolidate payments into a single monthly bill. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

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