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

Enroll in a debt management plan A credit counseling agency can work with you and your creditors on your behalf to establish a debt management plan, which consolidates your unsecured debt into a single, reduced monthly payment with lower rates and fees. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

The subjects had individual hour-long counseling sessions to figure out what tactics might work best in their lives, such as getting a standing desk, taking stairs instead of elevators, or going for light walks. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 5 Mar. 2026

Holistic wellness touches are now front and center, with many resorts offering post-race cryotherapy, nutrition counseling, hydrotherapy circuits, and spa rituals focused on muscle recovery. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

The organization previously used the funding for counseling and shelter for victims of crime, outreach programs and to pay the salaries of two additional counselors. —Maddy Keyes, The Frontier, 5 Mar. 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