Ally Gunton
Belper,Derbyshire
Summary
rainee counsellor currently undertaking professional counselling training, with a strong commitment to providing an empathic, ethical and client-centred therapeutic space. Through academic study, personal therapy and reflective practice, I am developing an integrative approach grounded in curiosity, authenticity and respect for each individual's unique experience.
I am particularly interested in relational approaches, attachment, neurodiversity and the ways in which a person's relationships, environment and lived experiences shape their sense of self. As a neurodivergent trainee, I bring an appreciation of the diverse ways people experience and make sense of the world, alongside a commitment to meeting clients without assumptions or judgement.
I value self-awareness, ongoing professional development and the effective use of supervision to ensure safe and ethical practice. I am seeking a placement opportunity within a supportive organisation where I can continue to develop my clinical skills, contribute meaningfully to client work and grow as a reflective practitioner.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Social Media Lead and Retail Assistant
Lucy Coulthard Interiors
Belper, Derbyshire
2021.02 - 2024.12
- Participated in brainstorming sessions; resulted in innovative ideas.
- Adhered strictly to company guidelines whilst managing various social media platforms.
- Raised brand awareness with the creation of engaging multimedia content.
- Designed visually appealing graphics for increased audience retention.
- Monitored and responded promptly to user queries, ensuring high standards of customer service and improvement.
- Maintained an organised shop floor.
- Assisted customers with products with a focus on customer experience.
- Trained new employees
- Oversaw cash handling procedures, ensuring accuracy and security.
- Inventory management.
- Designed window and floor displays.
- Assisted with on-site project installations.
- Communicated with clients to understand needs and preferences.
- Maintained communication and relationships with suppliers.
- Participated in client meetings, contributing to design discussions.
Owner of Bridal Design and Retail Studio
Alexandra Anne
Chatsworth, Derbyshire
2014.02 - 2018.05
- Oversaw maintenance of the shop's appearance, promoting a positive image of the brand.
- Managed and coordinated all administrative aspects of the bridal shop, ensuring a smooth customer journey.
- Organised special promotional events.
- Pursued new business opportunities by forging strong networks.
- Streamlined appointment bookings to enhance efficiency in customer service delivery.Collaborated closely with seamstresses on alterations to ensure excellent customer experience.
- Collaborated and coordinated with designers to ensure smooth running of the service.
- Established a strong rapport with clients through attentive service, leading to further business.
- Social media management.
- Management of all finances.
- Monitored sales and market trends to inform purchasing and marketing strategies.
- Focussed business development on excellent customer service.
Administration Manager
Ramsay Healthcare
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
2013.09 - 2014.05
- Leading the reception and bookings teams to ensure high service standards are provided and maintained at all times
- Ensuring all surgical and medical admission bookings are entered onto the PAS within agreed timescales and agreed with relevant departments
- Ensuring all additional items / increased length of stays or other changes during the patients admission are appropriately amended and authorised
- Ensure effective communication of theatre bookings information to all relevant departments
- Providing an efficient front of house service, excelling in customer service as the first point of call for all hospital visitors
- Leading the team in ensuring all customers, both internal and external, have all required information in sufficient time
- Managing the hospital telephone system, ensuring all calls are answered in agreed timescales and directed accordingly
- Ensure each patient has completed the required patient information form prior to each visit and that this information is updated onto PAS within 24 hours of receipt
- Responsibility for ensuring the effective co-ordination of NHS services, including analysis of Choose & Book and other data quality reports to meet national and corporate deadlines
- Provide weekly, monthly and quarterly reports demonstrating awareness of any gaps found in the service provided
- Maintaining all training requirements are met for all members of the team
- Creating a rota for the team ensuring all needs are met to provide an efficient and excellent service
- Budget, procurement and recruitment control
- Ad hoc data quality analysis projects as required
- Ad hoc support to the Marketing team as and when required
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Psychotherapy
Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute
Nottingham 2024.09 - 2025.06
Diploma of Higher Education - Business Management
Buckinghamshire New University
Wycombe 2009.09 - 2011.06
Diploma of Higher Education - Art and Design
Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire 2005.09 - 2006.06
Diploma of Higher Education - Music
Nationwide Music Examinations
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire 2005.09 - 2006.06
A-Levels - Fine Art
Dr Challoner's Grammar School
Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire 2004.09 - 2005.06
A-Levels - Geography
Dr Challoner's Grammar School
Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire 2004.09 - 2005.06
A-Levels - Biology
Dr Challoner's Grammar School
Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire 2004.09 - 2005.06
AS-Level - Photography
Amersham College
Amersham, Buckinghamshire 2003.09 - 2004.06
Skills
- Curiosity
- Capacity for reflection
- Tolerance of complexity
- Compassion balanced with realism
- Commitment to personal development
- Ability to see the person beyond the problem
References
Lucy Coulthard (Previous Employer) - lucy@lucycoulthard.com
Jo Dean (SPTI Tutor) - jo.dean@spti.net
Jill Green (SPTI Tutor) - jill.green@spti.net
Timeline
Certificate of Higher Education - Psychotherapy
Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute
2024.09 - 2025.06
Social Media Lead and Retail Assistant
Lucy Coulthard Interiors
2021.02 - 2024.12
Owner of Bridal Design and Retail Studio
Alexandra Anne
2014.02 - 2018.05
Administration Manager
Ramsay Healthcare
2013.09 - 2014.05
Diploma of Higher Education - Business Management
Buckinghamshire New University
2009.09 - 2011.06
Diploma of Higher Education - Art and Design
Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College
2005.09 - 2006.06
Diploma of Higher Education - Music
Nationwide Music Examinations
2005.09 - 2006.06
A-Levels - Fine Art
Dr Challoner's Grammar School
2004.09 - 2005.06
A-Levels - Geography
Dr Challoner's Grammar School
2004.09 - 2005.06
A-Levels - Biology
Dr Challoner's Grammar School
2004.09 - 2005.06
AS-Level - Photography
Amersham College
2003.09 - 2004.06