It’s a wonderful feeling when you walk away from a conversation feeling inspired and wanting to make the most out of life. That’s exactly how our conversation with AIPC’s first Myanmar Scholarship graduates, May Phyo Thu and Tin Ko Latt, unfolded.

From the very beginning, one thing was clear. Every answer came back to helping others.

Whether they were talking about their clients, their studies or the future of mental health in Myanmar, they spoke with genuine compassion and a shared hope that counselling could continue changing lives within their communities.

Through Counselling Corner Myanmar, AIPC awarded ten full scholarships for the Diploma of Counselling, with May Phyo Thu and Tin Ko Latt becoming the first two graduates to complete the qualification.

Alongside full-time counselling work, they completed the Diploma in a language that isn’t their first, balanced personal commitments, and continued supporting their communities amid the ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges in Myanmar.

Their journey is one of resilience, compassion and a genuine commitment to making a difference.

Finding Their Way to Counselling

Although May Phyo Thu and Tin Ko Latt came from different healthcare backgrounds, they each had their own reason for choosing counselling.

May Phyo Thu previously worked as a paediatric nurse in Singapore before returning home to Myanmar. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began volunteering in psychosocial support through Counselling Corner Myanmar, where she quickly realised counselling was something she wanted to dedicate her life to.

She remembers watching counsellors work alongside healthcare professionals while she was nursing.

“I saw counsellors working with some of my patients and it felt almost magical. Patients who were resistant to treatment completely changed after counselling. I remember thinking, ‘Wow… they’re so cool.’”

As part of her counselling training, May Phyo Thu participated in her own counselling sessions. It was during one of those conversations that something shifted.

“When she listened to me, I felt very safe and accepted. That was when I decided I wanted to become a counsellor.”

Today, May Phyo Thu works as a full-time counsellor with Counselling Corner Myanmar, facilitating workshops, delivering psychosocial support training and supporting clients through counselling.

When asked what counselling means to her personally, her answer perfectly captures the way she approaches both her work and life.

“Counselling is like a treasure hunt. Sometimes the journey is difficult. Sometimes it’s easy. But when you finally find the treasure within yourself, it’s worth everything.”

Tin Ko Latt’s pathway looked different, but the purpose behind it was similar.

Originally trained as a medical doctor, Tin Ko Latt had always wanted to build a career in mental health.

One experience played a big part in that decision.

In 2017, the death of Linkin Park’s lead singer, Chester Bennington, had a big impact on millions of fans around the world, including Tin Ko Latt. From then on, he wanted to better understand mental health and help people who were struggling.

His dream was to become a psychiatrist, but circumstances outside his control meant that path was no longer possible. Counselling became another way to pursue that goal.

“Doctors help people through physical health. I wanted to help people through their mental health.”

He also wants to see attitudes towards counselling continue to change in Myanmar.

“In our country, there are still many misunderstandings about counselling. A lot of people think psychology is only for ‘crazy people’. I wanted to help change that.”

Today, Tin Ko Latt works alongside May Phyo Thu at Counselling Corner Myanmar, supporting clients while helping raise awareness of mental health across his community.

An Opportunity That Changed Everything

When Counselling Corner Myanmar encouraged both graduates to apply for an AIPC scholarship, neither expected to receive it.

For May Phyo Thu, hearing the news came as a complete surprise.

“My honest reaction was shock. I couldn’t believe it.”

She explained that opportunities like this are incredibly rare in Myanmar.

“Our country has limited education, limited resources and financial challenges. I hoped for the opportunity, but I didn’t think it would happen.”

Even now, after completing the Diploma, she says it still feels unreal.

Tin Ko Latt’s excitement came from a different place.

Myanmar currently has no diploma or degree pathways in counselling. For counsellors wanting to continue their education, opportunities are extremely limited, making the scholarship a rare opportunity to gain an internationally recognised qualification.

“When I found out it was an online Diploma of Counselling, I was very happy. I already knew juggling work and study would be difficult, but I wanted to give it a go.”

Learning Through Challenge

Returning to study after years away from education wasn’t easy for either graduate. Balancing full-time counselling work, personal commitments and studying in English often meant long evenings and weekends spent reading, researching and completing assignments.

For May Phyo Thu, every completed unit brought a new sense of confidence.

“Every time I finished a unit, I felt like I’d level up.”

When things became overwhelming, she leaned on her supervisor, colleagues and the other scholarship recipients.

“When I felt really tired, I let myself rest, recharge, then start again.”

Completing the Diploma together also meant May Phyo Thu and Tin Ko Latt quietly encouraged one another throughout their studies.

Then May Phyo Thu crossed the finish line first.

“She finished before me!” Tin Ko Latt laughed. “I thought… I need to finish too then.”

It’s a small moment, but one that perfectly reflects the encouragement and friendship they shared throughout the journey.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

When graduation finally arrived, May Phyo Thu felt two things. Relief and pride.

“First, I felt relieved. Finally.” She paused before adding, “I’m very proud of myself.”

Over the course of the Diploma, she balanced full-time counselling work, study and everyday life. Looking back, she realised just how much she’d achieved.

“I was able to balance all three. I’m very grateful to AIPC and Counselling Corner Myanmar for giving me this opportunity. Even now, when I think about it, I feel emotional because I never expected it.”

One of the most challenging parts of the Diploma came during the units covering grief and loss. Having experienced her own loss, those subjects encouraged May Phyo Thu to revisit experiences that were deeply personal.

“I struggled, but it also motivated me. It reminded me why grief counselling is so important.”

The experience strengthened more than her professional knowledge. It gave her the opportunity to reflect, grow and continue healing.

After more than a year of balancing full-time counselling work, community responsibilities and study, graduating marked an important milestone for Tin Ko Latt.

Looking back, he described the feeling as: “A big relief.” It also gave him something he’d worked hard to achieve.

“I’m proud of myself. It was my first higher education after medical school and my first experience studying online. I proved to myself that I could do it.”

During the Diploma, his studies were briefly interrupted following the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar in March 2025. While his region wasn’t directly affected, the emotional impact was felt across the country. As a counsellor, he stepped into crisis response, providing emergency counselling, psychological first aid and mental health support to those affected.

For almost two months, his studies were put on hold.

When he was able to return, he completed the Diploma while continuing to support his community. Finishing the course was a proud moment and a reminder to himself that he could balance study, work and the unexpected challenges life can bring.

Looking Ahead

Completing the Diploma has given both graduates greater confidence in their work and strengthened their commitment to supporting others.

May Phyo Thu hopes to continue sharing what she’s learnt with clients, colleagues and communities throughout Myanmar.

“I want people to know counselling is normal. Talking about mental health is normal.”

Tin Ko Latt says the experience has changed him both personally and professionally.

“When I compare myself before the Diploma and now… I’m very different.”

“The Diploma gave me reassurance. I’m much more confident working with my clients now.”

Advice for Future Students

When asked what advice they’d give to someone considering studying counselling, both graduates shared a simple message.

For May Phyo Thu, it’s about taking the first step.

“You will never be ready. If you have the opportunity… take it. Trust the process.”

She admits she didn’t feel ready when she began either.

“There will be ups and downs. But just keep going. You’ll get there.”

Tin Ko Latt’s advice came from one of the biggest lessons he learnt throughout the Diploma.

“Don’t try to be perfect.”

At first, he found it discouraging when assignments came back with feedback or required changes. Over time, he realised those moments were all part of the learning process.

“It’s okay to make mistakes. You can learn again. You can try again. You don’t need to be perfect.”

He also encouraged anyone considering counselling not to overthink the decision.

“If you have the passion… give it a go. You’ll discover whether it’s the right path by experiencing it.”

Before the interview ended, Tin Ko Latt shared one final thought. At a time when many communities around the world are experiencing conflict and uncertainty, he spoke about the importance of looking after ourselves and each other.

“Please be kind to yourself and to others at this moment. Support each other, and support yourself too.”

Congratulations to May Phyo Thu and Tin Ko Latt on becoming AIPC’s first Myanmar Scholarship graduates. Everyone at AIPC is proud of your achievement and wishes you every success as you continue supporting your communities throughout Myanmar.

About Tin Ko Latt:

Tin Ko Latt graduated from University of Medicine (1) in 2019 and served as a civil assistant surgeon at Yangon General Hospital until 2021, before transitioning into mental health work. He now works full-time as a counsellor and trainer at Counselling Corner, and holds a Diploma of Counselling from AIPC, completed in April 2026. With over 850 clinical hours and 2,000+ hours of training and facilitation, he’s also active in community outreach to reduce stigma around mental health.

About May Phyo Thu:

May Phyo Thu is a counsellor with a background in nursing and a passion for supporting emotional wellbeing. Her interest in psychology began during her teenage years in Yangon and grew while working as a Clinical Instructor in Singapore, where she saw the need for mental health support firsthand. She completed Basic and Advanced Counselling Skills training at Counselling Corner Myanmar and has contributed to psychosocial support programs, workshops, and webinars across the region.

Facebook – Counselling Corner Myanmar: https://www.facebook.com/share/18smctFJMK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Website – Counselling Corner Myanmar: https://counsellingcornermyanmar.com Website – May Phyo Thu: https://counsellingcornermyanmar.com/may-phyo-thu/

Website – Tin Ko Latt: https://counsellingcornermyanmar.com/tin-ko-latt-counselling-corner-myanmar/