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Counseling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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counseling

[ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

professional help

Counseling is a type of therapy where a trained professional helps individuals or couples deal with emotional or psychological issues. It involves talking about feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in a safe and confidential environment.

Synonyms

advice, guidance, therapy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
counseling

Used when someone seeks professional help for emotional, psychological, or personal issues. It usually implies formal sessions with a trained counselor.

  • She has been going to counseling to cope with her anxiety.
  • The school offers counseling services for students in distress.
therapy

Specifically refers to treatment aimed at remedying mental or physical health issues. It usually involves regular sessions with a therapist and is often more intensive than counseling.

  • He started physical therapy after his knee surgery.
  • She attends therapy sessions to manage her depression.
guidance

Used when referring to support or direction, often in a more formal or structured setting, such as educational, career-related, or moral guidance.

  • The career center provides guidance for students seeking internships.
  • He sought guidance from his mentor on ethical matters.
advice

Appropriate for general recommendations or suggestions given informally. It is often used when someone seeks practical or everyday guidance from another person.

  • Can you give me some advice on how to improve my writing?
  • His advice was very helpful in making my decision.

Examples of usage

  • Counseling can help people manage stress and improve their relationships.
  • Many people seek counseling to work through past traumas.
  • Some types of counseling include marriage counseling, career counseling, and grief counseling.
Context #2 | Noun

legal advice

Counseling can also refer to the process of giving legal advice to clients. In this context, a counselor is a legal professional who provides guidance on legal matters, such as contracts, disputes, or court cases.

Synonyms

consultation, legal advice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
counseling

This word is mostly used in situations where emotional or psychological support is provided. It often involves a professional giving guidance on personal or psychological issues.

  • She went to counseling to deal with her anxiety
  • They offer counseling services for couples
legal advice

This phrase is specifically used in situations where legal expertise and guidance are required. It involves a lawyer or legal expert providing information and recommendations about legal matters.

  • Before signing the contract, you should seek legal advice
  • She needed legal advice to understand her rights after the accident
consultation

This word is generally used in a professional context where expert advice is given on various subjects such as business, healthcare, or academic matters.

  • After a thorough consultation with the doctor, he decided to undergo surgery
  • The company sought consultation to improve their marketing strategy

Examples of usage

  • A lawyer may provide counseling to a client on the best course of action in a legal dispute.
  • Legal counseling often involves explaining complex legal concepts in a way the client can understand.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Counseling can help people cope with stress, anxiety, and depression through understanding and communication.
  • It often uses techniques like active listening, which helps clients feel heard and valued.
  • Research shows that talking through problems in a safe environment can lead to significant improvements in mental health.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have varying approaches to counseling, with some valuing family involvement while others focus on individual therapy.
  • In many communities, traditional healers or elders serve similar roles to modern counselors, providing guidance based on cultural values.
  • The rise of mental health awareness has made counseling more accepted around the world, leading to new methods that are culturally responsive.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict counseling as a pivotal scene where characters reveal their inner struggles, helping to normalize mental health discussions.
  • Talk shows frequently feature life coaches and counselors who provide advice to guests, bridging the gap between entertainment and mental health insights.
  • Popular characters like 'Dr. Phil' have become synonymous with counseling in popular culture, emphasizing its relevance in everyday life.

Education

  • Counseling in schools supports students in addressing academic and personal challenges, promoting overall well-being.
  • Many universities offer counseling services that encourage students to seek help for study-related stress and personal issues.
  • Programs like peer counseling empower students to support each other, fostering a community of care and understanding.

Origin of 'counseling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'consilium', meaning 'advice' or 'plan', showing its focus on giving guidance.
  • In the 14th century, it started being used more in English to refer to giving advice, particularly in a formal context.
  • It has roots in both the legal and psychological fields, reflecting its importance in various forms of decision-making.

The word 'counseling' originated from the Old French term 'counseler' which means 'to give advice'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass both psychological therapy and legal advice. Counseling has become an essential service in helping individuals navigate personal and legal challenges.

See also: counsel, counselling, counsellor, counselor, counselors.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,806 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.