Counseling
ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsProfessional guidance provided to individuals or groups to help them resolve personal, social, or psychological problems.
ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ
Professional guidance and support
The therapist recommended counseling to address the patient's depression.
💡 Simply: Counseling is like having a friendly guide to help you sort out your feelings or problems. Imagine a coach helping you on a sports team; a counselor helps you with life's challenges. For example, if you're feeling sad or worried, a counselor can help you find ways to feel better.
👶 For kids: Counseling is when a grown-up helps you talk about your feelings and problems so you can feel better.
More Examples
Many schools provide counseling services for students struggling with stress.
Couples who attend counseling can often improve their relationship.
How It's Used
"She sought counseling to deal with her anxiety."
"The school offers career counseling to its students."
"They attended couples counseling to improve their communication."
To give professional guidance, advice, or support to someone.
ˈkaʊnsəl
Providing guidance and advice
The professor counseled the graduate student on their research.
💡 Simply: To counsel means to give someone advice or guidance, just like your parents might counsel you when you're making a decision. For instance, a teacher might counsel you about choosing your classes.
👶 For kids: To counsel means to give someone advice to help them.
More Examples
She decided to counsel others facing similar challenges.
The school psychologist is available to counsel any student with problems.
How It's Used
"The lawyer counseled his client on the plea bargain."
"The doctor counseled the patient on lifestyle changes."
"The teacher counseled the student about their poor grades."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
marriage counseling
Therapy provided to married couples to help them resolve conflicts and improve their relationship.
"They were on their way to marriage counseling when they talked about splitting up."
career counseling
Guidance offered to individuals regarding career choices, planning, and development.
"The university offers career counseling to help students find internships."
From Middle English counsel, from Old French conseil (“advice, counsel”), from Latin consilium (“consultation, deliberation, advice”), from consulere (“to consult”). The '-ing' suffix indicates the gerund or present participle form.
The term 'counseling' has evolved from early forms of guidance to include a wider range of therapeutic and advisory practices.
Memory tip
Think of a counselor guiding you on a path to overcome challenges.
Word Origin
"consultation, deliberation, advice"