Simon Milton - Counsellor
Counsellor in Illogan, Cornwall & Online
My name is Simon, a counsellor based out of Illogan, in Cornwall. In this role, I offer a safe, comfortable, confidential, and private space where you can talk freely.
My ethos in this field is that everyone should be comfortable with who they are; meaning that by working together we can explore how to make that happen.
There is no issue too big or too small for us to work on. There is one phrase I hear often, 'Still, there's other people worse than me.' This may be the case and people may be going through things that may make your situation seem insignificant. I can assure you, regardless of how other people are getting on in their own lives, that your feelings are genuine. If life feels difficult, sad, tough, confusing, a mess, uncertain, or you just can't put your finger on it, then let's talk about it.
My Counselling Journey
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. 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.
Working with PRIDE
I was fortunate that, at the age of 16 when I came out, my life was pretty easy. I wasn't teased or bullied, far from it; I was respected by my friends, family, and classmates.
I soon learned that this was not the case for everybody. During my remaining time at school, on to university and beyond, I witnessed several things happen to friends, colleagues, and individuals in society at large.
People were being bullied, both by people they knew and those they didn't. Families were disowning those that had come out. One friend was a victim of domestic violence from a family member in the name of religion.
This is by no means the total of what I saw going on around me, but it's enough to give you an idea that members of the LGBTQIA+ community can be abused and segregated just because of who they love, who they want to be.
In a previous section I mentioned my ethos that everyone should be comfortable with who they are. That stemmed from my observations of my fellow LGBTQIA+ers. With all the equality they we are gaining, there is still a large amount of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation in the community.
If any of this sounds familiar, or you are trying to work out where you fit into all this, then let's talk.
Type of therapy offered
My training is in Person-centred counselling, a humanistic modality of therapy. Developed in the 1940's in the US by American psychologist Carl Rogers, the core belief is that, given the right conditions, an individual can reach their true potential and become their true self.
As part of this process, I offer three things; unconditional regard, congruence, and empathic understanding. In layman's terms this means that I will not judge you, but will accept you, be honest with you, and view the world as if I was in your shoes.
'The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change.' - Carl Rogers
Qualifications and work
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Level 5 Diploma in Person Centred Counselling (DipHE)
BA (Hons) Music - Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Sessions and rates
It is important that you feel comfortable with me, so I offer a free initial sessions that will last between 30 minutes and an hour.
Session rates
My standard sessions rate is currently £40. Please contact me to inquire about concessions.
Face to face or online?
Online sessions are available, as are face to face 'in person' sessions from my space in Illogan.
Those suffering from agoraphobia or anxiety, for example, may wish to partake in online counselling. I can also facilitate a blended approach.
Testimonials
"Can I just say thank you, btw? You've been fantastic. When we first started our sessions together, I was in an incredibly dark place. Darker than I ever really let on to you. But slowly, as we kept coming back to sessions, my mood got a bit lighter. Thank you for teaching me small ways to cope and being the bounce board that I didn't have to feel bad for when I unloaded. Thank you for actually listening and taking an interest in what was being said. You've helped me more than I ever thought talk therapy would... You're incredibly kind and great at what you do. You've got this.”
Paul
"Even though we've only had a few sessions so far, I feel that you're hearing me and allowing me to work things out in my own time. Between our sessions, I'm always able to think about and process what we've talked about in sessions.
I know there's a long way to go, and it may be tough, but I know I can do it with you."
Chris
Contact me
All rights reserved. Simon Milton - Counselling
© 2022