Expanding the Range of Puppetry in Expressive Play Therapy

Abstract

This chapter focuses on expanding the therapeutic application of using puppetry as a communicative tool in the service of psychological growth and integration for children. A continuum of more than thirty descriptors of puppetry formats are presented that each hold specific value within therapeutic interventions. The types of materials used to construct the puppet and their cognitive, emotional, and sensory connections are explored, as is the impact of uniquely created productions versus commercial products. The authors also define the limitations and challenges of certain types of puppetry, which can evoke or incite different reactions within different stages and phases of psychosocial treatment. Examples of case vignettes are provided from a Child and Adolescent public services agency in an inner-city environment.