counseling

1 of 2

noun

coun·​sel·​ing ˈkau̇n(t)-s(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce counseling (audio)
variants or counselling
Synonyms of counseling
: 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

counseling

2 of 2

present participle of counsel entry 2

Examples of counseling in a Sentence

Noun She is receiving counseling to cope with the death of her husband. The college offers career counseling.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Most students received milder penalties — warnings, probation or requirements to attend counseling or workshops, which together made up 93% of sanctions. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Since late 2025, Texas officials have investigated plans for a Muslim-friendly housing development outside Dallas, as well as a small Dallas organization that offers religious divorce counseling. — Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 Many employers offer financial counseling via employee assistance programs. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 The school encouraged students and staff who need support to contact its counseling services or office of the chaplain. — Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counseling

Word History

Etymology

Noun

see counsel entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counseling was in 1927

Phrases Containing counseling

Browse Nearby Words

counselee
counseling
counsellor seal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counseling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counseling. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on counseling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for counseling

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about counseling

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