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

Credit counseling agencies charge a flat enrollment fee plus a monthly fee. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

In 2006, the IRS revoked or moved to revoke the tax-exempt status of 41 credit counseling agencies, including some of the largest, after finding that many were operating more like businesses than charities. — Lucy Jones, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

The expansion project will increase lab capacity, reduce wait times, and provide more counseling space, among other improvements to the facility. — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Credit counseling can't lower the principal balance, but in some cases agents can negotiate with creditors to lower interest rates or waive certain fees . — Dan Avery, CNBC, 27 Oct. 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