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

Debt management Credit counseling agencies offer access to debt management plans, which can consolidate unsecured debt payments into one monthly payment, generally with reduced interest rates and fees. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 18 May 2026

The district is providing counseling and other support services for students and staff at three campuses. —Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026

The opener will be Vrabel’s first game since the reigning AP Coach of the Year missed Day 3 of the NFL draft to seek counseling following the publication of photos of him and longtime football reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort. —Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026

But then also the third thing was counseling — finding someone who could help me get rid of those negative things in my life and finally put those to rest. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 May 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