Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems: A "counsellor" is someone who provides professional support and advice to help people manage challenges, make decisions, or improve their well-being.
   • An advisor, especially in a specific field: A "counsellor" can be someone who offers advice or consultation in a particular area, such as a legal, financial, or career counsellor.
   • A supervisor or leader at a summer camp or similar institution: In this context, a "counsellor" is responsible for overseeing and guiding a group of children or participants in a recreational setting.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She decided to see a grief counsellor after her loss. (She sought professional support for her emotional pain.)
  • The student met with her career counsellor to discuss future options. (The student consulted an advisor about her professional path.)
  • My son's camp counsellor taught him how to build a fire safely. (The supervisor at the camp provided instruction and oversight.)

Advanced Usage

• "To act as a counsellor": to perform the role of giving guidance or advice.
  • In her volunteer work, she often acts as a counsellor to at-risk youth.
• "In a counsellor-client relationship": referring to the professional dynamic between an advisor and the person receiving advice.
  • Confidentiality is paramount in a counsellor-client relationship.

Variants and Related Words

• Counselor: An alternative spelling, especially common in American English.
• Counselling (British English) / Counseling (American English) (n): The process or profession of giving guidance or therapy.
  • She is studying to go into counselling.
• Counsellor-at-law (n, archaic): A lawyer; an attorney.
  • He was a respected counsellor-at-law in the 19th century.

Synonyms

• Advisor: A person who gives recommendations.
• Therapist: A professional who treats mental or emotional issues (a more specific type of counsellor).
• Mentor: A trusted guide or teacher.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Counsellor" is primarily a noun and does not commonly form phrasal verbs. The related verb is "to counsel.") - To counsel someone: To give advice or guidance to someone. - The lawyer will counsel her client on the best course of action.

Related Idioms

• A counsel of perfection: Advice that is ideal but very difficult or impossible to follow.
  • Telling him to remain completely calm was a counsel of perfection.
• To keep one's own counsel: To keep one's thoughts, plans, or opinions secret.
  • She listened to everyone's arguments but kept her own counsel.

Noun

1. a lawyer who pleads cases in court
2. someone who gives advice about problems
3. someone who has supervisory duties at a summer camp