Understanding Addiction
Addiction can refer to a situation in which a person finds it increasingly difficult to control their use of a substance or engagement in a behaviour, even when it begins to affect their daily life, health, or relationships.
When we hear the word “addiction,” we often think of alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or gambling. However, addiction can also involve behaviours that become difficult to control and start to negatively affect a person’s life.
Examples may include:
– Working excessively without allowing time for rest
– Spending excessive amounts of time on the internet or gaming
– Repeatedly purchasing unnecessary items
– Engaging in sexual behaviours that become difficult to control and begin to affect one’s life or relationships.
How Can Addiction Affect Our Lives?
Addiction does not affect only a person’s physical health. It can also have an impact on their work or education, relationships with family and loved ones, financial situation, emotional wellbeing, and everyday life.
Over time, a person may begin to feel, “I can no longer manage without it.” When they cannot access the substance or engage in the behaviour, they may experience discomfort, irritability, or other difficult emotions. This can draw them further into the cycle of addiction.
It is important to view addiction not as a matter of simply “lacking self-control,” but as a complex situation that requires understanding, support, and appropriate help.
If you or someone you love is experiencing addiction-related difficulties, you do not have to face them alone. Reaching out for support can be an important first step towards recovery.
Through our Addiction Group Counselling, participants can work towards recovery by sharing their experiences with others who understand, while receiving empathy, encouragement, and support in a safe and non-judgmental space. Read this article in Myanmar.
Join Our World Mental Health Day Social Media Campaign
To mark World Mental Health Day, Counselling Corner is inviting companies and organisations to join our workplace mental health social media campaign.
Participating organisations will receive campaign photo props and are invited to take and share a team photo using the following hashtags:
#WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAtWork #CounsellingCorner #YourOrganisationName
By taking part, your organisation can show its commitment to workplace mental health, encourage positive conversations among staff, and help create a more caring and supportive work culture.
Benefits for Every Participating Organisation
Every participating organisation will receive one complimentary staff workshop or webinar, with the opportunity to choose from:
- Clay Workshop
- Art and Emotional Wellbeing Workshop
- Mental Wellbeing Webinar
Contest and Grand Prizes
Participating organisations will also have the chance to win exciting grand prizes, including webinars, workshops, individual counselling sessions for staff, and a premium mental-health-friendly food basket. Winners will be selected based on the creativity of their photo, the strength of their mental health message, logo inclusion, staff participation, and overall engagement with the campaign. Prizes are subject to scheduling, availability, and applicable terms and conditions.
Join Our 5-Day Mental Wellbeing Challenge
As part of our World Mental Health Day activities, we are inviting you to take part in our 5-Day Mental Wellbeing Challenge through social media.
Over five days, we will share simple and accessible activities that encourage you to pause, be present, practise gratitude, move your body, express yourself creatively, show kindness, and reflect on your wellbeing. These small actions can help us notice our thoughts and feelings, reconnect with ourselves, and develop healthier everyday habits.
You do not need any special preparation to participate. The activities are designed to be easy to include in your daily life, with everyone welcome to take part at their own pace.
Follow the Counselling Corner Facebook page and get ready to join us. Together, let’s make space for small moments of care and greater awareness of our mental wellbeing.
Unlock Me: A Space to Open Up
Counselling Corner is partnering with Mandalay FM for “Unlock Me,” a programme where listeners can share their thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences through an anonymous Google Form.
Our counsellors respond to these letters with care, understanding, and practical guidance during the programme. It can be an opportunity to express something you have been carrying and hear a compassionate perspective in return.
If you missed the programme during its broadcast time, you can listen to the episode on our YouTube channel using the link below.
If there is something you would like to open up about, you can submit your letter anonymously through the Google Form here.
Advance Your Skills: Basic Counselling Skills Training – Batch 57
Have you ever considered becoming a professional counsellor, or would you like to develop stronger communication skills to support the people around you?
Registration is now open for Basic Counselling Skills Training – Batch 57. This online programme is designed for anyone interested in learning foundational counselling skills and gaining a deeper understanding of how to offer compassionate, supportive communication.
Two scholarship places were offered for this intake. Scholarship applications may have closed, but those who are passionate about mental health are warmly welcome to join as regular students.
Course Details
Format: Zoom Online
Duration: 11 days
Time: 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Start date: 16 October
Course fee: 350,000 MMK
For questions or further information about the course, please contact us at 09 785 074 173 or 09 969 054 978.
World Mental Health Day 2026: Elevating Counselling Standards & Client Rights in Myanmar
To mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, the Myanmar Professional Counsellor Pathway is raising awareness about safe, ethical, and accessible counselling.
Counselling offers a private and non-judgemental space where people can talk openly about stress, relationship difficulties, loss, life changes, and other personal challenges. Rather than telling clients what to do, counsellors support them in understanding their thoughts and feelings, recognising their strengths, and finding their own way forward.
As a client, you have the right to:
- Receive clear information about the counselling process, fees, session length, and counsellor’s approach
- Have your privacy and personal information treated with care and confidentiality
- Be treated with dignity, respect, and understanding
- Make your own decisions about your counselling journey, including pausing sessions or changing counsellors when needed
- Ask about your counsellor’s qualifications, experience, and professional practice
Professional counsellors should work within their area of competence, follow ethical guidelines, receive supervision, and continue developing their skills. Clear feedback and safeguarding processes also help promote accountability and protect clients’ wellbeing.
Through this campaign, the Myanmar Professional Counsellor Pathway hopes to build greater public understanding and trust in counselling, while supporting safer and more responsible mental health care in Myanmar.
To learn more about the Myanmar Professional Counsellor Pathway’s World Mental Health Day campaign, please contact us:
Email: professionalcounsellormm@gmail.com
Phone: +95 (0) 975 795 2981
Website: myanmarprofessionalcounsellor.org
Mental health and psychosocial support
Understanding Your Emotions – 2 Hrs Class
Seit Mate Swe is currently offering Understanding Your Emotions, a two-hour class held three times a week for the community. The class provides a safe, supportive, and welcoming space to learn more about emotions and how they can influence our thoughts, behaviours, and daily lives.
Through reflection and discussion, participants will have the opportunity to recognise and express their emotions, understand their emotional responses, and explore healthy ways to manage difficult feelings. Whether you are experiencing emotional challenges or simply want to develop a better understanding of yourself, you are warmly welcome to join us.
Free Consultation
Perhaps you have noticed ongoing sadness, loss of interest, low energy, persistent worry, intrusive thoughts, or repetitive behaviours that are affecting your daily life.
If these experiences feel familiar, you do not have to face them alone. Counselling Corner is offering free counselling consultations for individuals who would like a safe and supportive space to talk about their emotional wellbeing.
These consultations provide an opportunity to explore what you are going through, better understand your experiences, and consider what kind of support may be helpful.