One needs a clear grasp of the individual's problem before accurate advice can be given and accepted. Without this, your great wisdom, wonderful advice falls on deaf ears.
Verbal input is second in importance, and the following are in order of importance.
This calls for paraphrasing and acknowledgement of feelings being expressed by tentatively identifying them. Before giving any advice, inquire as to what ideas, action plans, etc., the student might have. Listening for content and letting the other person know you have heard the main ideas, data, etc. The plugs needed changing and even the wiring is messed up. Advice comes after communicating understanding.