Psychological support and advice provided by a trained therapist or health professional. The aim is to help an individual manage a particular personal or family problem: this may be a diagnosis of cancer, mental and physical trauma following an accident or assault, or a bereavement. Counselling can help people cope with a wide range of demanding circumstances. It is usually done on a one-to-one basis – sometimes in small groups – and needs to be provided with skill and sensitivity or there is a risk of worsening the individual's difficulties. There has been rapid growth in counselling services and it is vital that those providing them have been properly trained.