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

Last year, Saint John's helped nearly 400 women and children with housing, meals, and daycare, along with substance abuse and mental health counseling. —James Taylor, CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025

That money will also be used to fund mental health counseling and add up to 125 wigs to its wig bank. —Katie Lauer, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025

Following his death, the Canadian American actor's family launched the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, which helps people struggling to break the cycle of addiction by funding research and providing services like counseling, professional training, addiction treatment, and financial support. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Dec. 2025

The mother of two returned to school to study counseling and began going by her maiden name, Candace Wheeler. —Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 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