What it means
A helping conversation, or a series of them, led by someone trained to listen and guide. Mental health counselors and therapists help people with emotions, relationships and stress. Nurses also counsel clients about health, for example about stopping smoking, diet or a new diagnosis. Genetic counseling helps families understand inherited conditions and the choices open to them.
For the nurse
Counseling a client means listening first, giving accurate information and supporting the client's own decisions, not telling them what to do. Refer to a mental health professional when a problem is beyond the nurse's role.
At a glance
| Spanish | consejería |
|---|---|
| Also written | counselling |
Related terms
referral
Sending a client to another professional, service or agency for care or help that they need.
health promotion
Helping people take actions that keep them well and improve their health.
therapeutic communication
Purposeful, client-centered communication that helps a client express feelings and work toward health.