Counselling

Definition

Counselling refers to the professional guidance provided by a trained counselor to help individuals navigate personal, emotional, psychological, or relational challenges. It involves discussions, support, and problem-solving strategies aimed at improving the mental and emotional well-being of the client.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ/
• Respelling: KOWN-suh-ling

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ/
• Respelling: KOWN-suh-ling

The pronunciation of "counselling" is identical in both American and British English, though in the United States, the spelling is often simplified to "counseling" with one "l."

Etymology

The word "counselling" derives from the Latin word "consilium," meaning "advice" or "consultation." The English term evolved from the Middle English word "counseil," referring to advice or guidance provided in important matters. The term gained its modern sense, especially in psychological and therapeutic contexts, during the 20th century.

Derivatives

• Counsel (noun, verb)
• Counselor (noun)
• Counseled (verb)
• Pre-counseling (noun)
• Post-counseling (noun)

Synonyms

• Therapy
• Guidance
• Consultation

Antonyms

• Neglect
• Disregard
• Indifference

Usage

The word "counselling" is used in contexts related to mental health, therapy, and emotional support. It is often associated with sessions where individuals, couples, or groups seek help from a professional to address issues like anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship difficulties. For example, "She sought counselling to cope with the stress at work" or "Marriage counselling helped them improve their communication."

Related Terms

• Psychotherapy: A form of therapy focused on psychological healing through communication and relationship-building.
• Advice: Recommendations given to help someone make decisions or solve problems.
• Mediation: Intervention in a dispute to resolve it through communication and compromise.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Professional guidance or therapy provided to help individuals resolve personal, emotional, or psychological difficulties: Refers to the practice of offering emotional and psychological support.
  • Example: "After losing a loved one, many people benefit from counselling to process their grief."
• A formal consultation or advice session: Can also refer to the act of offering advice in non-therapeutic settings.
  • Example: "The company offered counselling services to employees affected by the downsizing."