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Description

Background: Women experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence face significant occupational disruptions, including challenges related to emotional regulation, identity, social participation, and engagement in meaningful occupations. Occupational therapy (OT) can support recovery by addressing these occupational needs through trauma-informed and occupation-centered interventions.

Purpose: This doctoral capstone project developed and implemented Express & Empower Studio, a six-week expressive arts program designed to promote emotional expression, self-efficacy, social participation, and engagement in meaningful occupations among women residing in a domestic violence shelter.

Methods: Program development was guided by the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) within a trauma-informed framework. A needs assessment informed program content, which incorporated creative expression, movement, mindfulness, journaling, meditation, and art-based activities. Pre- and post-program self-report surveys incorporated MOHO-informed measures addressing occupational engagement, roles, quality of life, stress, mood, and self-efficacy. Qualitative feedback was also collected to examine participants’ experiences.

Results: Participants demonstrated positive engagement with expressive and creative occupations and reported perceived benefits related to emotional expression, self-regulation, connection, and personal reflection. Findings supported the feasibility and perceived value of integrating expressive arts into OT programming within a shelter setting.

Conclusion: Express & Empower Studio demonstrates the potential for trauma-informed, occupation-based expressive arts programming to support meaningful participation and empowerment among women experiencing homelessness related to domestic violence. The project highlights an opportunity for OT practitioners to expand services addressing psychosocial and occupational needs within underserved populations.

Publication Date

Summer 8-17-2026

Publisher

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Occupational Therapy; Expressive Arts; Homelessness; Trauma-Informed Care; Model of Human Occupation (MOHO); Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC); Occupational Participation; Self-Efficacy; Emotional Regulation;

Medical Subject Headings

Occupational Therapy

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the OTD Capstone Symposium, held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

Expressive Arts for Women Experiencing Homelessness

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