Guidance vs. Counseling

synonyms

This time, we're gonna learn all there is about these two words. We're gonna learn lots of new things and have so much fun. C'mon.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both words refer to the act of assisting someone, especially when they are having a difficult time. However, 'guidance' is when someone helps another person by giving them a simple piece of advice, but 'counseling' is when someone seeks professional help, usually from a therapist, in order to understand complex feelings and psychological issues.

Differences

'Guidance' is when a person gives another person a piece of advice. It is aimed at helping someone overcome a tough situation. Check out the following examples:

Seek Marianne's guidance and you'll be blessed.

It is not common to ask you boss for guidance in personal issues.

'Counseling', on the other hand, refers to professional assistance that is usually done by therapists with the aim of solving inner problems like understanding complex emotions or healing psychological issues. Look at the examples:

In counseling, you will learn how to solve your problems yourself but in a healthy way.

I'm still attending my counseling sessions.

Similarities

Both of them refer to the action of helping someone in a difficult situation. Look below:

Ever since I've healed my inner wounds, I stopped seeking guidance from other people.

I don't think counseling has been effective for me.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although they are both used when we want to show that we are helping someone, they cannot be used interchangeably because 'counseling' is professional whereas the other one is not. Compare:

✓ In counseling, we must learn to become good listeners.

X In guidance, we must learn to become good listeners.

As you can see, this one makes no sense.