council, councillor, counsel, counsellor

A council is a governing or consultative body (city council, council of grand chiefs, student council) made up of councillors.

• City council meetings are now webcast on the city’s website.
• The incumbent is a former Toronto city councillor.

Sometimes council is used synonymously with board:

• Council of Egg Marketing Authorities

Counsel pertains to advice and guidance, especially in law (counsel for the defence). In a formal context, counsel is provided by counsellors.

• I suggest that you seek legal counsel before making any further decisions.
• The parents sought the help of a counsellor for issues within the family.