something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action
"After receiving counseling from her mentor, she decided to accept the job offer despite her initial doubts."
Assistance (especially from a professional) in the resolution of personal difficulties.
"After losing his job, Mark sought counseling to help him navigate the stress and find a new direction in his career."
In plain English: Counseling is talking with someone to help you solve problems and feel better.
"She found great comfort in weekly counseling sessions to manage her stress."
Usage: Use counseling to refer to professional assistance provided by a therapist or advisor to help someone resolve personal difficulties or emotional problems. It describes the process of guidance rather than the act of giving advice casually among friends.
present participle of counsel
"The committee discussed the proposal while carefully counseling each member to remain calm during the heated debate."
In plain English: To talk with someone to help them solve problems or feel better.
"The school counselor is counseling the student about how to handle their exam stress."
Usage: Use counseling as the gerund or noun form of the verb to advise; use it as a verb only when referring to the act of giving advice in a formal or professional setting. In everyday conversation about personal guidance, the verb is typically spelled "counseling" with an 's' regardless of whether it functions as a noun or an action.
Derived from Old French conseil (advice) via Anglo-French, this term originally meant giving or seeking advice in a formal setting. It evolved to encompass professional guidance and support through verbal communication.