What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
counselling
Example
She sought counselling after the loss of her father. [counselling: noun]
Example
The therapist is trained in counselling techniques to help clients manage stress and anxiety. [counselling: adjective]
consultation
Example
The doctor scheduled a consultation with a specialist to discuss the patient's condition. [consultation: noun]
Example
The company hired a consultant to provide expert advice on their marketing strategy. [consultant: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Counselling is more commonly used than consultation in everyday language, especially in the context of mental health and emotional well-being. Consultation is more commonly used in professional or technical settings, such as business, law, or medicine.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between counselling and consultation?
Consultation is generally considered more formal than counselling, as it often involves a professional-client relationship and a specific agenda or goal. Counselling, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the nature of the issue being addressed.