Counseling has its root in the word, counsel, which suggests to consult or confer with a counselor. This in turn, implies the presence of a counselee together with his or her presenting problem or self-defeating behaviors and or inhibiting attitudes.
This brings us to its settings. These vary depending on the type of counseling adopted or sought out. For example, group counseling has as its setting as the title suggests, a group setting.
Psychological counseling is more likely to be one-on-one; while psychiatric counseling may either be confined to the relevant doctor’s chambers, or the institution in which he or she practices.
Traditionally, psychoanalytic counselling may involve a setting where the counselee is reclined on a settee or recliner, with the counselor seated either behind or to one side of the counselee.
Pastoral counselling can occur in any of several settings. Usually it is offered by pastoral workers within their offices during normal business working hours. However, it could take place in a home setting after hours, or any other setting which is conducive to privacy, confidentiality, and security.