This is Laura sketching at the pond in her backyard.

I have noticed that people I have known are like the pond in my backyard. When it’s stormy, the pond gets full of muck, so it’s not very nice to look at. However, underneath the debris, the pond remains a calm, serene, shining pond, that is always waiting for us. Sometimes it just gets covered by a little muck. I believe we are all like the pond, in that we have the ability to get
beyond our “muck”, to a beautiful, serene, shining beacon in ourselves. As a therapist, I believe there is a beautiful shining beacon in each of us. The beacon is and will be our constant companion. It can inspire us to the life we choose for ourselves. But sometimes really bad things happen to each of us, such as struggles with pain, fear, low self esteem, and depression. In spite of these struggles, I believe that each of us is meant to find our way back to the life we want to live. I have spent my whole career witnessing and encouraging clients to find their beacon.

I also believe that each one of us is not meant to look for a substitute in the form of the next boyfriend, girlfriend, the next job, or the next move, as being our beacon. People, places or things, I believe are not our beacon. I define beacon as our inner light, our true intuitive self. I firmly believe you and I have it.

For people who need to know my Education and Training Information:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Art from Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma Washington, in May 1973
• Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art from University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, June 1976
• Master of Art Therapy from Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, August 1982
• My post-graduate experience in Counseling includes 3000+ hours of direct client contact and 2000 hours of supervised work experience in Counseling.
• I passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (from NBCC) in 7/2000. I became a Certified Mental Health Counselor for the state of Washington in 8/2000.
• I became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington from 7/2001 to present - 2021.
• I am required by the state of Washington and national standards to take 20-30 hours of training in counseling each year.

I recall in 1976, When I started out as a college art teacher, I would see my art students struggle with pain in their art imagery. However, with my encouragement, they continued to make art, and had more positive imagery in their paintings and drawings. As a result, a light started to show up in their eyes that they had not had before. I realized then that this was the kind of work I wanted to do in this world.

I know each one of you has a beacon in you. I look forward to working with you.

Contact me for a free half hour consultation appointment by calling 425 599 8349, or email me at gaiacorinne@gmail.com Laura C. Maakestad Sullivan, M. A., Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Laura C. Maakestad Sullivan, M. A., Licensed Mental Health Counselor