Counselling: meaning, definitions and examples

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counselling

 

[ ˈkaʊn.səl.ɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

mental health

Counselling is a type of therapy that allows individuals to talk about their problems and feelings in a confidential and supportive environment. It aims to help people understand themselves better, cope with difficult emotions, and make positive changes in their lives.

Synonyms

guidance, support, therapy.

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Word Description / Examples
counselling

Used when talking about professional advice or guidance provided by a trained individual, often in a formal setting.

  • She sought counselling after going through a rough breakup
  • The school offers counselling services for students struggling with stress
therapy

Used when referring to treatment methods, typically for mental health, administered by trained professionals. It can include various practices like talk therapy, physical therapy, etc.

  • She started attending therapy sessions to deal with her depression
  • Physical therapy helped him recover after his injury
guidance

Used in broader contexts to indicate general advice or direction, not necessarily provided by a professional.

  • The mentor offered guidance on how to advance in her career
  • Parents often seek guidance on how to deal with their teenagers
support

Used to describe assistance or help, especially emotional or practical, which may be provided in both professional and informal contexts.

  • After the accident, he received a lot of support from his friends and family
  • The community set up a support group for people facing similar challenges

Examples of usage

  • Counselling can be helpful for those struggling with anxiety or depression.
  • Many people find counselling to be a safe space to explore their thoughts and emotions.
  • During counselling sessions, individuals work with a trained professional to address their concerns.
Context #2 | Noun

education

Counselling in an educational setting involves providing students with guidance and support to help them navigate academic and personal challenges. School counsellors often assist students in setting goals, making career decisions, and developing coping strategies.

Synonyms

advising, coaching, mentoring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
counselling

Used in professional settings where emotional support and guidance are needed, often involving mental health professionals.

  • She is receiving counselling to help her cope with the loss of her grandmother
  • The school offers counselling services for students who are struggling
advising

Common in academic or professional settings where giving recommendations or guidance on decisions is needed.

  • I am advising students on their course selection for the next semester
  • The consultant was advising the company on its new marketing strategy
mentoring

Applies to situations where a more experienced person is guiding someone less experienced, usually in career or personal development contexts.

  • She is mentoring a new employee to help him adjust to the company culture
  • The professor is mentoring several PhD students in their research projects
coaching

Typically used in the context of improving performance, for example in sports, business or personal development.

  • She hired a personal coach to help her prepare for the marathon
  • The manager is coaching his team to improve their sales techniques

Examples of usage

  • High school students can meet with a counsellor to discuss their future plans.
  • Counselling services at universities offer support for students dealing with stress or academic pressure.
  • Effective counselling can contribute to students' overall well-being and success.
Context #3 | Verb

action

To counsel someone means to provide them with advice, guidance, or support. It involves listening attentively, offering insights, and helping the individual make informed decisions.

Synonyms

advise, guide, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
counselling

This is used when discussing professional help from a trained counselor for emotional, psychological, or mental issues.

  • She decided to seek counselling to address her anxiety.
  • Counselling sessions helped him cope with his grief.
advise

This word is used when giving recommendations or suggestions to someone about what they should do in a particular situation.

  • The doctor advised him to exercise regularly.
  • I would advise you to read the terms before signing the contract.
support

This is used when offering help or assistance, often emotional or practical, to someone going through a difficult time.

  • He received a lot of support from his friends during his illness.
  • She needs emotional support after the breakup.

Examples of usage

  • As a mentor, I often counsel young professionals on career development.
  • She counsels her friends with empathy and understanding.
  • It's important to seek professional help if you need someone to counsel you through a difficult situation.

Translations

Translations of the word "counselling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aconselhamento

🇮🇳 सलाह

🇩🇪 Beratung

🇮🇩 konseling

🇺🇦 консультування

🇵🇱 doradztwo

🇯🇵 カウンセリング

🇫🇷 counseling

🇪🇸 asesoría

🇹🇷 danışmanlık

🇰🇷 상담

🇸🇦 استشارة

🇨🇿 poradenství

🇸🇰 poradenstvo

🇨🇳 咨询

🇸🇮 svetovanje

🇮🇸 ráðgjöf

🇰🇿 кеңес беру

🇬🇪 კონსულტაცია

🇦🇿 məsləhət

🇲🇽 asesoría

Etymology

The term 'counselling' originated from the Old French word 'counseler,' which means to give advice or seek advice. Over time, it evolved to encompass the practice of providing guidance, support, and therapy to individuals facing various challenges. The modern concept of counselling emerged in the early 20th century, with a focus on mental health and personal development. Today, counselling is recognized as a valuable tool for promoting emotional well-being and enhancing personal growth.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,536, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.