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

Officials said counseling and support services will be available for all city workers. —Nick Lentz, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026

Immediately following the shooting, ODU canceled classes and other campus operations, while also making counseling services available to members of the school community. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026

The shooting is being investigated as terrorism; the university canceled classes through Friday to provide counseling and support to the affected community. —Jonathan Mattise, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026

Students, faculty and staff were being provided with lunch and counseling support after the shooting, an online message from Hemphill, the university president, said. —Holmes Lybrand, CNN Money, 12 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