Overview
According to the American Psychological Association, counseling refers to:
“professional assistance in coping with personal problems, including emotional, behavioral, vocational, marital, educational, rehabilitation, and life-stage (e.g., retirement) problems. The counselor makes use of such techniques as active listening, guidance, advice, discussion, clarification, and the administration of tests.”1
The American Counseling Association offers the definition:
“a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.”
Wex, a legal encyclopedia supported by the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School, also covers a definition of counsel:
“To counsel is to provide legal advice or guidance to someone on specific subject matter. Counsel is also a lawyer giving advice about a legal matter and representing clients in court. ” 2
So generally, “counseling” has the implication of advice given by a trained professional who can come from various specialities or fields. In informal usage, we might say that a friend counsels you with good suggestions, but it heavily suggests that the person giving counsel or being a counselor has some degree of credentials or qualification that provides legitimacy to their authority or expertise.