"Counsellor" as opposed to "Councillor"

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Counsellor: Person who provides counsel
ie; a therapist (see this person for counselling)

Councillor: Person who is a member of a Council
eg; a member of your local/shire council (in this instance, you would perhaps see this person regarding your utilities)


These are the correct usages.


Brendan

I have always heard Counselor with only one L.

Tim

This is because Americans do not know how to spell

Please consult your Oxford dictionary.


Brendan

In America, that person would be called a "council member."

The general rule with adding suffixes to verbs is either to drop the end "e" or to double the last consonant. The exception to this is generally with "half consonants" - W, Y etc that do not double. * eg blow becomes blowing, or blower, try becomes trying.

Some would also use an exception if the last consonant is an "L" (as in Travelling / Traveling -- neither incorrect as far as I know. Personally I prefer the double-letter spelling.)

Since a "counsellor" is "one who counsels" -- or gives advice, there is a chance for correct alternatives. However, I agree it is not the same as a councillor as the latter is from a different etymological source.

City councilor...guidance counselor.

Each gets one L here, 2 Ls in the UK, Australia and Canada (see also "traveling/travelling" and "canceled/cancelled).