Health / B2

KOWNS-uh-l-uh/ˈkaʊnsələ/

A counsellor is trained to listen and help with personal problems (UK spelling). A councillor (already in the dictionary) is an elected local politician — a famous trap. Therapist is related. Counselling is the uncountable noun (already in the dictionary). Results-day counsellors for students in distress.

Meaning

A person trained to listen and help with personal problems (UK spelling; not a councillor).

Examples

• “A counsellor is available after results day for students in distress.”
• “Write to your councillor about bins, not to a counsellor, which is the spelling trap.”

Good to know

UK: counsellor (advice). Mix-up: councillor (elected). Noun: counselling. US often counselor. Schools and NHS. Not a friend who “gives counsel” only.

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