Simon Milton - Cardiff

As a member of the queer and neurodivergent communities, I have hands on experience of what it's like to be different. I don't assume that we're the same, but there's a common language that we speak. 

In 2014, I found myself in a very dark place due to events that were out of my control. After talking with a friend, I sought out a counsellor. I struck lucky in that the first one I tried made me feel very comfortable, and I talked for hours. I came away from those sessions feeling lighter and being able to see the world more clearly; I better knew how I fit into it. A few years later, something else happened, and I didn't hesitate to return to counselling; again, the sessions allowed me to put my thoughts in order, recognise what was important to me, and for the second time in my life, I felt lighter. My professional life up until this point was in the world of classical music. I studied clarinet and piano, and then composition, at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. For many years I taught, performed, and had my work performed by, some great musicians. Upon reflection I have learned two things about this part of my life. Firstly, the ability to interpret and perform music from through the ages and around the world allowed me to give something back by giving audiences and colleagues alike something emotional and powerful, and often beautiful. Secondly, I could listen to people, and this skill is something that has held me in good stead not just through my musical career, but also my counselling one. As the musical world suffered with several periods of financial recession, I was looking for another career. After a period of some time, I had my eureka moment. Counselling. I started studying at Cornwall College, successfully completing my Level 2 Certificate and then my Level 5 Diploma. Those few years of study exposed me to some great people, both tutors, peers, and later on, clients. I have worked with dozens of individuals, both male, female, non-binary, or trans, and given them a voice. I am now doing something I love; helping others by listening to them; helping them to be the best people that they can. 

Since completing my core training, I have partaken in a Psychosexual Course with Tavistock Relationships, as well as my clinical supervisors training with Counselling Tutor.