counseling [L, consulere, to consult] , the act of providing advice and guidance to a patient or his or her family, a therapeutic technique that helps the patient recognize and manage stress and that facilitates interpersonal relationships between the patient and the family, significant others, or the health care team. Therapeutic counseling requires advanced practice skills for nurses and social workers, but is within the scope of practice for psychologists, psychiatrists, and certified or licensed counselors. See also genetic counseling.