Words / B1

KOWNS-uh-ling/ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ/

Counselling is professional talking support (UK double l): bereavement counselling; student counselling. Counseling is US. Counsellor is the person. Advice is wider and not always therapeutic. Do not mix it with council / councillor. UK universities often advertise free counselling in exam term.

Meaning

Professional talking support for people with problems (UK spelling).

Examples

• “The university offers free counselling during exam term.”
• “The university offers counselling during the exam period.”
• “She was referred for counselling after the accident, not only for painkillers.”

Good to know

UK: counselling / counsellor. US: counseling. Wider: advice. Mix-ups: council, councillor. Not a casual chat.

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