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Counselor Questions:
Why Do We Spell It Counselor, While the
Rest of the World Spells It Counsellor?
(and why isn't this site www.counsellingseattle.com?)
 

The following explanation is quoted from the “From the President” column by Samuel T. Gladding, titled "Counseling or Counselling: Internationally Speaking," in Counseling Today, April 2005, a publication of the American Counseling Association.  --I was unable to find this material available on the Web, so I have reproduced the applicable portion here--Webmaster.

“Tradition has it (whether true or not) that the spelling of the word ‘counseling’ and ‘counselor’ is due primarily to a pioneer in the profession—Frank Parsons—who was employed in a number of jobs, one of them being a ‘counsellor-at-law.’ Parsons liked the sound of the word ‘counsellor.’ But when he changed vocations and began working with young people, he spelled ‘counselor’ with one ‘l’ to make sure those whom he knew did not get his present work confused with his former profession.

“In the United States, we have inherited the spelling of counselor and counseling with one ‘L.’ As professional counselor in numerous specialties, we are not confused with attorneys. However, since the American public seems to love the word ‘counselor,’ we do sometimes have to explain how we differ from other ‘counselors’ in our county—camp counselors, carpet counselors, financial counselors, pest-control counselors, etc. That means we also have to explain what counseling is.

“The reasons for such a consideration are twofold. First, by spelling our title as 'counsellors,’ we will be much more in step with our fellow professionals in other countries….we might be wise to adopt the spelling of the rest of the English-speaking world….

“A second reason for changing the spelling of our name is recognition. Attorneys usually put the words ‘at law’ after the word ‘counsellor.’ They even hyphenate the term ‘counsellor-at-law.’ On the other hand, any modifier we might place before or after the word ‘counsellor’ would clearly distinguish us from those practicing law. Even if we didn’t add anything, it might be more gratifying to be mistaken for a lawyer than an exterminator (though there are those who would beg to differ).

“So, even though one letter seems like a small distinction, it could make a big difference. By becoming counsellors instead of counselors, we might also become more international in our outlook and more connected with our fellow professionals….”

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