How Women and Children at Transition House in Prince Rupert were Empowered Through the Use of Spontaneous Art

by Diana Hoffman

A review of existing literature revealed that art therapy had previously been done with children in Transition Houses, but not with adults. This study documents the benefits of art-making for 16 family groups of women and children who were invited to participate in a spontaneous art experience while residing at the Transition House in Prince Rupert. It was found that both the women and children were able to empower themselves in several ways by doing art. They expressed their feelings, established positive relationships, set boundaries, connected with Mother Earth, clarified misconceptions, increased self-esteem, fulfilled wishes through metaphors, and experienced the joy of making things and being happy. The results suggest that including art-making for residents of Transition Houses would be of benefit to them.