Improvisation in a Permanent Supportive Housing Community

Abstract This chapter examines the use of music therapy—specifically clinical improvisation and improvised songs—with adults who have experienced homelessness and who reside in a permanent supportive housing community. Providing music therapy to individuals with lived experiences of being unhoused is an important and emerging area of clinical practice and research, especially in exploring improvisation as a therapeutic tool. Many people who have faced housing instability also live with trauma and co-occurring health conditions that significantly impact their overall well-being. From a trauma-informed and client-centred perspective, the authors explore how improvisation, a creative way to connect with others and express emotions, can support healing and engagement within this population.