counseling

noun

coun·​sel·​ing ˈkau̇n(t)-s(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce counseling (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In many communities, public schools are valued hubs for community life and services, including meals, socializing and counseling. Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025 Any player investigated for breaching the sport’s anti-doping or anti-corruption rules will receive financial assistance, confidential third-party counseling and additional free legal support. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 Sharing love after tragedy In the weeks and then months after Rashaad’s death, Chinara found solace in faith and family and through the counseling urged by her mother. Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025 If your student would like to talk with someone, our counseling and mental health team is always available. Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counseling

Word History

Etymology

see counsel entry 1

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counseling was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counseling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counseling. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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