ABSTRACT
Therapists can use each theoretical platform with puppet-assisted play therapy (PAPT) practice as an innate characteristic of their treatment. PAPT provides a basis for a relationship and environment in which the child can begin to heal. The directive approach with the greatest amount of relevance to PAPT is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). One directive approach to CBT is called psychoeducation. The central concept of cognitive behavioral therapy is that most human emotion is the direct result of what people think, tell themselves, assume, or believe about themselves and their social situation. Cognitive behavioral therapy with children is based on teaching a child to change cognitive schemas that control their beliefs and perceptions as well as changing behavioral symptoms. Most puppets can be used specifically for cognitive behavioral therapy. Teaching about CBT through the use of a three headed dragon can be effective for teaching this concept.
