Understanding Behavioural Addiction
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your phone when you didn’t really want to? Or perhaps you’ve felt a pang of regret after a shopping spree, only to find yourself browsing again the very next day?
It’s important to know that this isn’t a sign of “weakness.” It’s actually down to how our brains are wired.
What is Behavioural Addiction?
Addiction isn’t limited to substances like cigarettes or alcohol. Losing yourself for hours in social media (doom-scrolling), compulsive shopping, binge eating, or even overworking are all forms of “behavioural addiction.” Often, these habits are our mind’s way of trying to fill a void or escape an underlying emotional need.
The Dopamine Reward System
When we do something that feels good, our brain releases Dopamine the “feel-good” hormone. If we repeat that action often, the brain starts to crave that constant hit. We might feel restless or irritable if we can’t do it. For example, the “rush” of getting likes on a post can become something we desperately seek out to avoid feelings of pain or loneliness. In psychology, we call this a maladaptive coping mechanism.
Can the Brain Reset?
The wonderful news is that the brain is incredibly adaptable, a concept known as Neuroplasticity. While addiction can feel like a “short circuit” in your reward system, you can build new pathways. By slowly replacing old habits with healthier ones, you can physically retrain your brain to find balance again.
This is especially helpful for those who are neurodivergent (such as those with ADHD). By understanding how your unique brain works, you can break the cycle of impulsive habits more effectively.
We’d love to hear from you. Do you have a habit that’s been difficult to shake, even though you know it isn’t serving you? How are you working toward a healthier change? Feel free to share your thoughts with us.
Addiction Group Counselling
As our first group counselling draws to a close, we have seen how much it helps to work through these challenges within a supportive and understanding community. We are now opening registrations for our next 8-week online group journey, led by our psychotherapist, Ko Aung Min Thein.
This is a safe, non-judgmental space designed to help you set aside self-blame and explore the root causes behind addictive behaviours with compassion. Over the 8 weeks, we focus on understanding the emotional triggers, finding practical ways to reduce harm, and building the resilience needed to regain control of your daily life.
Price: 120,000 MMK
Dates: 2 May to 20 June (Every Saturday)
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Online (Zoom)
Celebrating Thingyan at Counselling Corner
There is something truly special about taking a proper moment to pause before the Thingyan festivities begin. We recently spent some time together as a team using our own Well-being Package, and it was exactly the reset we all needed. Seeing everyone play with the Emotions Game and share a laugh around the “Splash Away” board turned into a brilliant bonding experience. It’s amazing how much lighter the office feels when you can let go of the year’s stress alongside your colleagues.
If you’d like to help your team feel truly appreciated and clear-headed before the holidays, we are making these packages available to other organisations too. Each one is designed to look after your team’s mental health while celebrating our beautiful traditions. The full well-being package is available for 800,000 MMK, which includes the items for your office and an exclusive well-being webinar for your staff. Feel free to reach out to us at 09-785074173 (or 09-969054978) if you’d like to bring this experience to your team.
Training with a Volunteer from Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
We believe that staying connected with the global counselling community is essential for our growth. Recently, we were honoured to host Judith Shepherd-Pemell, a volunteer from the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), who spent time working closely with our team.
During her time at Counselling Corner, Judith shared her extensive expertise through specialised training on addiction support—a vital area of development for our counsellors. It was a wonderful opportunity for our team to learn from a seasoned professional with such a deep background in clinical practice.
In this interview, Judith sits down with us to discuss her journey as a counsellor and her experience volunteering here in Myanmar. She also shares some thoughtful advice on how to stay grounded and resilient while supporting others. Watch full interview at this link: https://youtu.be/gAp6LQpFihk?si=lA2XTFAjiO8G4pYA
Trauma Writing Training
We recently finished the second batch of our Trauma Writing Training, and it was a truly moving experience. The participants shared so much of themselves, using writing as a way to explore their own stories and the healing process.
A huge thank you to our guest speaker, Robert Win Htein, a talented scriptwriter and teacher from AES Myanmar – Creative Media Institute. His insights into character depth and storytelling added a wonderful creative dimension to the training.
Following the success of our first two groups, we are opening a third batch this May. This training is for writers and storytellers who want to understand the impact of trauma on their characters while also learning how to look after their own well-being during the creative process.
Price: 120,000 MMK
Dates: 11 May – 15 May (Mon – Fri)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Platform: Online (Zoom)
Mental health and psychosocial support
Free Emotional Wellbeing Workshop
Seit Mate Swe hosts a weekly workshop every Saturday designed to provide a safe, supportive space for anyone looking to manage intense emotions and mental fatigue.
This workshop is ideal for those who struggle with daily stress and emotional exhaustion and wish to find healthy ways to manage intense feelings.
Addiction Group Counselling
As our first group draws to a close, we have seen how much it helps to work through these challenges within a supportive and understanding community. We are now opening registrations for the next group, providing a safe, non-judgmental space to understand the roots of addiction and build practical ways to move forward.
As the Thingyan Festival begins, we wish you a time of peace, refreshment, and joy. Just as the water washes away the dust of the old year, we hope this holiday brings a sense of renewal to your mind and heart. May you stay safe, healthy, and surrounded by those who care for you.
Happy Myanmar New Year!