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

And the school districts allege that the social media companies have contributed to a youth mental health crisis that schools must address by investing in counseling and other resources. —Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025

The school district issued a statement and said counseling services have been provided for students and staff, according to Fox 13. —Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025

The counseling program also offers families free safe storage devices like cable locks, trigger locks, lock boxes, and biometric lock boxes. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 26 Nov. 2025

Potentially eligible programs include a number of other pharmacy degrees, clinical counseling and theological studies. —Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025

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