counseling

American  

[koun-suh-ling] / ˈkaʊn sə lɪŋ /

Or counselling

noun

Psychology.

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

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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

I’ve undergone years of counseling to work through the pain.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Roy, 34, has promised to place a heavy emphasis on the legal process known as diversion, which allows defendants to avoid incarceration and instead obtain court-supervised social services, such as anger management or addiction counseling.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Established in 1970 under the Public Health Service Act, the Title X program has traditionally aimed to provide access to affordable services, including contraceptive methods, pregnancy testing, options counseling, and sexually transmitted infection testing.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

Assuming he is confirmed, Phelan will become chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, counseling the president on economic matters.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

It is a list of practical, achievable goals that can help a newcomer build a stable, productive life; it usually includes English fluency, job training, counseling, and lessons in money management.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden