C1noun formal 5K

Counselling

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Counselling

professional advice about a problem

In simple words: Helping someone talk about their problems or feelings.

Counselling in a sentence

• She sought counselling to help manage her stress and anxiety.
• The university offers free counselling services to students struggling with personal issues.
• Career counselling can provide guidance on choosing a suitable profession.
• Marriage counselling helped them resolve their conflicts and improve communication.
• She attended grief counselling after the loss of a close family member.
• Counselling often involves listening, empathy, and advice to support individuals.
• The counselling session focused on developing coping strategies for depression.
• Youth counselling programs aim to help teenagers deal with peer pressure and emotional challenges.

How to use Counselling

Usually used in professional contexts, such as mental health or career advice. Not appropriate in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

counselling + object

Memory hint

Think of 'counsel' as giving help – like you are counting on someone to talk with.

Related words

Collocations with Counselling

• group
• individual
• professional
• give somebody
• offer (somebody)
• provide (somebody with)
• centre/​center
• service
• session
• counselling  for

Synonyms for Counselling

• therapy
• guidance
• advice
• support
• consultation

Opposites of Counselling

• neglect
• abandon
• ignore

Common mistakes with Counselling

• Confused with 'counseling' (American English spelling).
• Using 'counselling' as a verb instead of a noun.
• Misunderstanding it as a chat instead of a structured process.

Frequently asked questions about Counselling

What does Counselling mean?

Helping someone talk about their problems or feelings.

What is the definition of Counselling?

professional advice about a problem

How do you use Counselling in a sentence?

She sought counselling to help manage her stress and anxiety.

Can you give another example of Counselling?

The university offers free counselling services to students struggling with personal issues.

What are synonyms for Counselling?

Common alternatives include therapy, guidance, advice, support, consultation.

What is the opposite of Counselling?

Opposite meanings include neglect, abandon, ignore.

What words go with Counselling?

It commonly pairs with group, individual, professional, give somebody, offer (somebody), provide (somebody with), centre/​center, service, session, counselling  for.

What are common mistakes when using Counselling?

Confused with 'counseling' (American English spelling). Using 'counselling' as a verb instead of a noun. Misunderstanding it as a chat instead of a structured process.

How do you pronounce Counselling?

US: /["/ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Counselling formal or informal?

"Counselling" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Counselling?

Usually used in professional contexts, such as mental health or career advice. Not appropriate in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Counselling?

"Counselling" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.