Date of Award

Spring 5-6-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Expressive Therapies

First Advisor

Meg Chang, EdD, BC-DMT, LCAT

Second Advisor

Elizabeth Kellogg, PhD

Abstract

This community engagement capstone explores how expressive arts practices (EXAP) may complement surf-based programming by supporting reflection, empathy, and meaning-making among participants. Research has demonstrated that surf therapy can promote emotional well-being, resilience, and social connection through embodied engagement with the ocean and supportive community environments. Integrating expressive arts practices within surf-based programs may extend these benefits by providing opportunities for reflection, creative expression, and interpersonal exchange. Grounded in expressive arts therapy (EXAT) theory and arts-based research (ABR) paradigms, this project examines how creative expression can support relational and emotional experiences within surf therapy settings. Using an arts-informed community engagement methodology, this project partnered with a nonprofit surf organization on the New England coast. A creative arts activity titled, “Message in a Bottle: Empathy Exchange”, was facilitated during a community surf event, inviting participants to create and exchange messages of encouragement and support. The activity aimed to foster empathy, connection, and positive social relationships among participants while demonstrating how EXAP may enhance community-based surf programs.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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