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

Grief counseling through the university is available if needed, fire officials said. —Aaron Valdez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025

The agency said that during a shutdown, the VA stops providing career counseling, closed down regional benefit offices and certain call centers. —Selina Wang, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2025

Grief counseling is also a central part of the café’s mission. —Diana Hubbell, Saveur, 16 Oct. 2025

While adopting can bring a deeply meaningful connection with an animal into one’s life, the letter writer would be wise to wait until the home is more stable — either through counseling or through separation — before pursuing pet adoption. —R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 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