ABSTRACT
Puppet play therapy has become a mainstream practice in contemporary child psychotherapy. Puppet play therapy is a form of play therapy that involves the use of puppets by mental health professionals for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. By puppet reenactment of stressful or traumatic events, clients can gain: emotional release of blocked affects related to feeling powerless and anxious during the event, and the opportunity to repeatedly practice corrective actions so as to obtain a sense of mastery over the traumatic experience. As a general practice it is best to display a diversified collection of 15–20 puppets. Puppetry and other types of fantasy-based therapy should be used with caution with children who are exhibiting symptoms of psychosis or severe emotional disturbance. The main ways that puppet play can foster therapeutic change in clients are by the following healing processes: Self-Expression, Access the Unconscious, Catharsis, Direct Teaching.
