and the FICO score does not treat credit counselling negatively: it is not a bigger hit to your credit report
"mpact on your credit score
There was a time many years ago when paying off a credit card through a debt management program could lower your credit scores. The credit card account was reported to the credit bureaus as being paid through non-profit financial counseling. That notation was considered negative.
That is not the case today. Going into a debt management program is benign to your credit scores. And, while the credit card issuer is being paid through the program they will report you to the credit bureaus as being “paid as agreed,” which is also good for your credit scores. When you exit the program you do so without any credit card debt and solid credit scores, which has to be a great feeling."
https://www.creditsesame.com/blog/does-credit-counseling-hurt-my-credit-score/
AVOID DEBT SETTLEMENT...that is different and that will hurt worse.
How does credit counseling affect my FICO® score?
Published 01/08/2006 01:22 PM | Updated 05/20/2015 03:24 PM
How will enrolling in a debt counseling program affect my FICO score?
Using a credit counseling service and having this situation reported in your credit report should not have any negative impact to your FICO® score. However, the actions you take based on the recommendations of a credit counselor may sometimes affect your score. For example, choosing to make partial payments or agreeing to settle for less than the full amount on accounts may be regarded negatively by the FICO® scoring model. Additionally, any late payments occurring either before or after you began the plan may also be regarded negatively.
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