It really helps to a great extent as most of the problems are only psychological which can be weeded out through counselling. It is discussion which gives insight to the person requiring it and help them come out of any dilemma or mind blocks.
I think counselling helps and don't find anything wrong going for it as the saying goes two minds are always better than one when it comes about taking critical step towards one's goals....
I am not sure if you meant academic counselling and if it is so I consider it to be a very useful aand logical exercise. Students in general stand to benefit out of it.
Recentlly during an interview I met with a counseller who came there as participant.But he was very bad in performance and we wondered what will be the effect of his counselling.
A counselor helps you to realize and recognize your strong points and he tries to find out about your perception of thinking and thereby finds out a solution to problems you are in....