Meet the counsellors

Woodlane and Tremough Campuses

We currently have four Counsellors:

• Stephen Parks - Senior Counsellor - based at Woodlane
• Karen Jackson - Counsellor - based at Tremough
• Jeni Scargill - Counsellor - based at Woodlane
• Simon Carpenter - Counsellor - based at Tremough

We're all fully-qualified Counsellors and accredited members of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.

We're also all pretty easy-going and fine people to talk to, though we say so ourselves!

Stephen Parks - Senior Counsellor

As the Senior Counsellor I am responsible for the joint service provision to all students on both campuses, although I can generally be found at Woodlane.

I have worked here for twenty years, and have learned a lot from my experiences over this time, as well as from all the continuing professional development that I have received throughout. I have also formed good relationships with academic staff and have developed a strong awareness of academic and institutional issues.

I am an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, (MBACP Accredited), have a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Relations and Counselling Skills, a Certificate in Education, and a Master Practitioner’s Certificate in Neuro-linguistic Programming and Hypnotherapy.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is paramount, and that this is primarily formed in a welcoming, non-judgemental atmosphere where the client feels safe and supported.

The way that I work varies with each client. The ability to empathise, to be able to put myself in the client’s shoes, is vital. I feel able to work in many ways; some call this “integrative”.

These ways range from Humanistic (Person-Centred) to Analytical and Archetypal models as well as utilising various psychotherapeutic interventions. Having worked with GP’s and psychiatrists over many years, and having received some of my professional development with doctors at the Post-Graduate Centre at RCH Treliske, I have acquired a good, general knowledge of current psychopharmacology, and have worked with many clients in conjunction with their GP or psychiatrist.

For some issues, education and explanation are both important elements in regaining confidence and learning how to deal with them. Gaining a fuller understanding of the issues brought to a session can be a fundamental step towards gaining the autonomy to be able to reach the desired outcome.

It is important for me that the client always has the choice in which way they want to go forward.

I will be happy to help to point out some choices that clients might like to take and will be pleased to support them throughout any route they choose.

Alternatively, I will be happy to be available for whatever support the client needs at the time.

email: stephen.parks@falmouth.ac.uk

Simon Carpenter - Counsellor

I am a fully qualified and experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist working from a Person Centred foundation. For me, counselling offers a place where we can be free to be our true selves without being judged and key to this is the relationship between the client and the counsellor. I like to work creatively and integratively and I am interested in eco-therapy, which embraces the role of the environment to encourage wellbeing.

I have worked in a variety of therapeutic settings such as Broken Rainbow Cornwall, providing a counselling service for same sex domestic abuse and homophobic bullying. I have four years experience working with Cornwall Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre as a volunteer counsellor. At present I am developing a counselling Charity for Children and Young People who are experiencing Abusive Relationships within Cornwall.

I have a Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Therapy and a Diploma in Child and Adolescent Therapy. I am also a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and my accreditation is pending.

I have lived and worked in Cornwall for over six years and was attracted to the wonderful and unique coastline. I have recently joined the Counselling Service at Tremough campus and I am looking forward to working with the students and the Accommodation and Welfare team.

email: simon.carpenter@falmouth.ac.uk

Karen Jackson - Counsellor

I am a fully qualified and experienced person-centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist and I work in an integrative way drawing on a wide range of approaches in Counselling. I am particularly interested in how the body influences our psychological well-being, being a keen practitioner of yoga and how we use our creativity and imagination.

I have been with the University since 2001 working at both the Woodlane and Tremough campuses.

I have a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, a Person-Centred Diploma in Counselling and Therapy, a Certificate in Counselling Supervision and I am an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP Accredited).

My previous counselling experience has included co-ordinating the counselling service for Cornwall Women’s Refuge Trust and I have also worked as a Counselling Supervisor for Cornwall County Council Youth Service.

At the moment I am a group supervisor for trainee counsellors on the Cornwall College Diploma in Counselling and co-facilitate the Professional Development part of the Diploma. I also have a private supervision practice working with trainee counsellors, counsellors who work for Sure Start, Cornwall Women’s Refuge Trust and in local schools.

For me, counselling offers a place where we can be free to be our true selves without being judged and key to this is the relationship between the client and the counsellor.

email:  karen.jackson@falmouth.ac.uk

Jeni Scargill – Counsellor

I am a fully qualified counsellor with over ten years’ experience of working integratively. I use various approaches that are appropriate to the individual that often include art in its various formats. I believe a relationship based on mutual trust, respect and honesty is vital to the therapeutic process and in enabling the client to achieve their full potential personally and professionally. My professional interest is in relating to the individual holistically and I have undertaken various professional development courses including Art Therapy and Colour Therapy.

I have BA (Hons) in Counselling (Integrative), Higher National Diploma in Psychospiritual Counselling, Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and a Certificate in Counselling for Learning and Development and I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) accreditation pending.

I have just relocated from Dorset where I was a staff counsellor at a NHS Foundation Trust Hospital and also at a Foyer – a supported housing project - for young people aged 16 – 24 who are unable to live at home. Previously I was a Student Counsellor at the Arts Institute Bournemouth.

I am very much looking forward to working here at Woodlane as I believe that not only is counselling a therapeutic space for personal exploration and growth, it can also be a creative space to facilitate professional potential.

email: jeni.scargill@falmouth.ac.uk