Showing results for "counseling"

• present participle of counsel.

counseling

American  

[koun-suh-ling] / ˈkaʊn sə lɪŋ /

Or counselling

noun

Psychology.

1. professional guidance in resolving personal conflicts and emotional problems.

---

Etymology

Origin of counseling

counsel + -ing ¹

Explanation

When you go for counseling, you're getting advice to help you make a decision or figure out what to do. Before getting married, you and your intended may see your minister for counseling about how to have a happy marriage. Usually counseling takes the form of talking with someone who has experience or training in specific areas where you need help. For example, if you need financial counseling, you'll find an expert in managing money. People who go to therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist, to get help with whatever is bothering them, may also refer to that therapy as counseling. Counseling comes from the Latin root consilium, meaning "advice."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

counseling

But for now, Chris and Diarra are in counseling.

From Salon ● Aug. 1, 2026

Parents and children received dietary counseling and nutrition education from the time the children were 7 months old through early adulthood.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 31, 2026

“Reproductive goals counseling should be developmentally appropriate and designed to help adolescents reflect on their future aspirations related to relationships, childbearing, and family formation.”

From Slate ● Jul. 28, 2026

The court agrees to dismiss the charges entirely if the defendant completes the required terms — such as community service, counseling or restitution.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

We walk out of the counseling center and make our way to the bus stop.

From "Piecing Me Together" by Renée Watson