Draw It Out Therapy combines the liberating power of creativity with self-guided therapeutic practices to foster personal growth and emotional healing. Unlike Art Therapy, which requires a certified practitioner to aid in diagnosis and treatment, Draw It Out Therapy empowers individuals to explore their emotions independently. This article delves into the nuances of this transformative practice, highlighting the barriers, breakthroughs, and profound impacts it has on individuals and communities, brought to life through real-world stories.
Misconceptions and Barriers in Draw It Out Therapy
A common misconception about Draw It Out Therapy is the idea that every brushstroke or mark must be psychoanalyzed like a crystal ball revealing hidden truths. In reality, it’s a deeply personal space for self-expression and mindfulness.
Founder Shawn Ashman encourages integrating Draw It Out Therapy with talk therapy, allowing individuals to channel their feelings creatively while enhancing their ability to articulate and be understood. It’s not about creating masterpieces; it’s about making peace with your inner world.
The Roots of Draw It Out Therapy
Shawn Ashman, an artist and innovator from Kingston, Jamaica, coined the concept of Draw It Out Therapy. Since becoming a professional artist in 2005, Ashman has relied on art to navigate life’s storms—family crises, challenging work environments, and struggles with self-efficacy.
Her journey began with painting sessions and art summer school programs in Kingston, where art became an outlet for self-expression. Over the years, these initiatives evolved into the widely popular "Paint, Sip, and Inspire" events and, finally, into Draw It Out Therapy in 2020.
Ashman’s commitment to this work has been unwavering. With three years of hands-on experience in Jamaican schools under the D&G Foundation, she honed her skills through workshops and summer classes. She also earned certifications from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Florida, equipping her with Psychological First Aid skills and expertise in Healing with the Arts.
As a multidisciplinary artist, Ashman works with diverse media, including recycled materials, to craft tailored interventions that resonate with her clients. Her rich background—spanning a Bachelor’s degree in Business, a Master’s in Information Technology, and over 20 years of corporate experience—adds depth to her practice. Through Draw It Out Therapy, she shares her transformative journey, often weaving in inspiring stories of her clients’ successes.
While her approach continues to evolve, it has gained recognition as a powerful tool for fostering emotional well-being and improving mental health.
The Healing Garden
The therapeutic impact of Draw It Out Therapy shines in non-clinical settings, offering comfort and hope in times of crisis. After the Fukushima earthquake, a group of volunteers transformed shattered dishes into intricate mosaics—a poignant metaphor for resilience, where broken pieces were repurposed into symbols of strength and beauty.
For Ashman, a similar transformation unfolded during a personal ordeal. When her mother faced a serious medical emergency, Ashman found solace in creating a mosaic she titled The Healing Garden. Unable to visit her mother after falling ill herself, she spent evenings breaking tiles under the glow of a lamp, arranging them into a vibrant, restorative design.
This act of creative restoration became a beacon of hope, proving that beauty can arise from tragedy if we’re willing to create it.
A Journey of Learning and Growth
Ashman describes her work as a "symphony of learning and growth." She reflects, “I benefit just as much as my clients. Every session feels like therapy for me. I sometimes have way too much fun—it doesn’t feel like work! I immerse myself to give my best and to truly connect. The outcomes are often miraculous, and I give the Most High all the glory.”
The Transformative Potential of Draw It Out Therapy
Time and again, Draw It Out Therapy proves its ability to transform lives. It creates a sanctuary for self-expression, helps individuals process trauma, and builds connections that heal communities.
As this field continues to grow, education and advocacy are vital. By demystifying Draw It Out Therapy and investing in its potential, we unlock a powerful force to heal, empower, and inspire.
Art reminds us that broken pieces, like life’s challenges, can form something extraordinary—a mosaic of hope and renewal. It teaches us to upcycle our lives, add meaning to our stories, and find the courage to move forward.