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 shelter is currently collaborating with staff from the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, which has extensively studied the disease and provided counseling to other shelters, according to shelter officials. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado january 30, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026

The monthly fee is where costs may vary more widely, but most credit counseling agencies charge between $25 and $50 per month for ongoing program management and the amount is actually capped nationwide at $79 per month nationwide. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026

Still others invest in subscriptions for mental health apps or on-site counseling. —Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Attendees will also be able to receive resume assistance, career counseling and support with Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims, according to the release. —Maria Salette Ontiveros, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 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