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

Combining medication with behavioral counseling increases the chance of successfully quitting. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026

Jacobs was ordered to avoid contacting the victim, attend counseling and pay restitution to the victim. — Zach Powell, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Apprisen Learn More Highlights Founded in 1955, Apprisen offers budgeting workshops, debt management plans, credit counseling, housing seminars and bankruptcy education in person and online. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs program provides free Medicare and health insurance counseling and information to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers. — Michelle Marchante september 15, Miami Herald, 15 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