1. Corey, G. (2016). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy.
> "Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers individuals to take responsibility for their lives and make changes they desire. It is a collaborative process in which the counselor helps the client to identify goals, develop strategies for change, and overcome obstacles."
* Emphasizes: Client-centered approach, empowerment, responsibility, collaborative effort.
2. Gladding, S. T. (2014). Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession.
> "Counseling is a professional relationship that aims to facilitate the personal, social, emotional, and spiritual development of the client. It is a process of helping individuals to clarify their goals, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop skills to cope with life's challenges."
* Emphasizes: Holistic development, goal-oriented, client-centered.
3. Egan, G. (2013). The Skilled Helper: A Problem-Management and Opportunity-Development Approach to Helping.
> "Counseling is a helping process in which a trained professional assists a client to identify, explore, and address their concerns, develop strategies for change, and improve their well-being."
* Emphasizes: Skilled intervention, problem-solving, addressing concerns, improving well-being.
4. Ivey, A. E., & Ivey, M. B. (2016). Intentional Interviewing and Counseling: Facilitating Client Development in a Multicultural World.
> "Counseling is a collaborative process in which the counselor and client work together to understand the client's experience, explore their options, and develop solutions to their challenges."
* Emphasizes: Collaboration, understanding, exploration, solution-focused approach.
5. Patterson, C. H. (2017). Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice.
> "Counseling is a dynamic process that involves building a trusting relationship with the client, identifying and exploring their presenting concerns, and developing strategies to address those concerns. It is also about empowering the client to take charge of their life."
* Emphasizes: Relationship-building, dynamic process, addressing concerns, empowerment.
6. American Counseling Association (ACA).
> "Counseling is a professional relationship that emphasizes client empowerment, growth, and well-being. Counselors facilitate positive change in clients' lives by helping them understand their experiences, explore options, and develop strategies to address their concerns."
* Emphasizes: Client empowerment, well-being, facilitating positive change, understanding, exploration, strategy development.
These definitions illustrate that counseling is a diverse field with different approaches. However, they share common threads:
* Focus on client well-being and empowerment
* Building a trusting relationship
* Collaborative process involving both client and counselor
* Emphasis on understanding the client's needs and goals
* Developing strategies and solutions to address challenges
Remember, these are just a few examples. The specific definition of counseling can vary depending on the theoretical orientation and the specific context.