Our Story

It all started when our founder, David Widerhorn, found himself knee-deep in his own journey of trauma recovery and spiritual growth. At one point, a medical condition caused his Complex PTSD to take over to such a degree that he was juggling four different therapists and nearly daily therapy sessions. All this while running multiple successful businesses and battling intense anxiety and daily panic. Coming out the other side healthy and strong, David looked back to understand what had truly helped him heal. He realized it wasn’t just exposure therapy that trained his nervous system to ease up on fear and panic. It was the deeper work: developing a healthy sense of self, discovering his true values and purpose, and allowing himself to live authentically. This transformation started with one key element – safe people and spaces where he could truly connect, be seen, heard, and grow through intimacy.

The shift was profound. With real connection, addictive habits faded, and a sense of wholeness emerged. One powerful turning point was in an art therapy session where David used art to express feelings and thoughts that were nearly impossible to put into words. Guided by a therapist who fostered a sense of intimacy and acceptance, he experienced authentic connection. This sparked an idea. One of his therapists remarked that it would be impactful to combine different perspectives, and so Brushstrokes of Emotion was born.

Brushstrokes of Emotion is a unique form of art therapy, shaped over time by therapists and healers, that uses painting as a way to delve into one’s conscious and subconscious mind. The process involves meditative painting, group sharing, and collective insights from others. Through this, participants start to connect with their emotions, have breakthroughs, and realize their struggles are often shared by many. They walk away with a sense of deep acceptance, and for some, it’s the first time they experience true intimacy. This safe, shared experience of vulnerability has proven to be a powerful foundation for trauma healing and personal growth.

David started hosting weekly classes in his home to develop the program and watched as participants formed friendships, found healing, and connected. Over time, this grew into the letsconnect.art platform, which allowed the classes to reach a global audience. Now tailored for various groups – from people recovering from addiction to those with anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and vulnerable children and teens worldwide – these sessions have reached thousands and inspired hundreds of breakthroughs. Recently, we’ve focused on programs for children, supporting our belief that teaching kids it’s okay to be authentic without sacrificing themselves for attachment is essential for healthy emotional development.

Today, the foundation is expanding beyond art therapy. We’re developing programs that support nervous system regulation and healing for adults, like breathwork, yoga, and therapy with service dogs and horses. We’re also creating healing centers across the nation so that anyone can access these transformative experiences.