"Offerings": A Flexible Technique for Assessment, Therapy, and Education
Joan Bloomgarden, PhD, ATR-BC, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Introduction
Allen (1995) noted, "Art therapy began as a loose collection of individuals from varied backgrounds who invented or discovered ways to use art in the service of others" (p. xv). While we now have the American Art Therapy Association to help unify us, we are still a diverse group with individuals encouraged to find new ways to use art to help others. As is often the case when involved in the creative process, new ideas emerge when least expected. This article describes how a new technique developed and how it was applied in three different settings.
Naumburg (1958, 1980) stated, "The process of art therapy is based on the recognition that man’s [humankind’s] most fundamental thoughts and feelings, derived from the unconscious, reach expression in images rather than words" (p. 511). In addition to using art for the service of others, this technique provided a projective field that inspired me to unravel personal symbolism. My fundamental philosophy, that all people, without regard for color, religion, age, education, background, or gender, have something to offer others appeared unexpectedly as I reflected on how I arranged and adorned my artwork. I call my technique "Offerings" and encourage interested art therapists to further explore its application for their personal growth, creativity, and use in the professional setting.