Therapy with a Puppet

How it works

A puppet in therapy serves as an object into which the client projects a part of themselves—a process professionally known as externalization. Our personality consists of numerous smaller “subpersonalities” that we can project into a puppet to facilitate communication. Each subpersonality can activate in different situations, influencing our thoughts, decisions, and behavior. For example, we might feel like a carefree child one moment and like a hero who helped someone the next. These subpersonalities are healthy aspects of the psyche.

However, let’s focus on the wounded subpersonalities. These might be the part of us that mourns a lost loved one, represents a traumatized child, a betrayed partner, or someone with deep fears (e.g., claustrophobia). These are often referred to as traumatized, dissociated, or false subpersonalities.

The Puppet as a Shield for the Client

Our wounded subpersonalities often hide from others; this is natural. Few people would openly share their fears of crowded spaces or a betrayal by their partner. Similarly, we tend to avoid revisiting painful emotions or memories ourselves, even though they influence our behavior. For therapists, this is a challenge because clients may hide the truth, distort it, or struggle to open up. Building a safe environment for honest communication in therapy is an effective but time-consuming process.

A puppet can play a key role here. What the puppet says isn’t perceived as being said by the client but by the puppet itself, allowing for freer expression. The puppet can say much more than the client might otherwise feel comfortable expressing.

The Puppet as a Shield for the Therapist

Therapists, too, can benefit from using a puppet as a “shield.” For example, they can use it to ask difficult or uncomfortable questions. In such cases, the puppet acts as the intermediary, softening the interaction. The therapist can also address the puppet directly to create a more relaxed and less confrontational dynamic.

How to Introduce Puppets to Clients

Adults often distrust this technique at first. However, this skepticism can make the tool even more effective. Imagine giving a puppet to a high-powered manager, explaining it will help uncover deeper issues. Initially, they may feel offended, claiming they are not a child and have no time for “experiments.” To address this, we developed a specific puppet and technique through the Erasmus+ project in collaboration with Puppet Uni Prague and the Moreno Institute.

The puppet must be simple to operate, allowing clients to focus on the therapy itself, not its mechanics. It should also be relatable, helping clients identify with it.

What are we working on?

I am part of the team within Puppet Uni Prague, where we are dedicated to exploring this technique with the goal of teaching it. In the following two paragraphs, I will mention two key approaches we have undertaken.

The Guardian Puppet

This puppet was designed as a simple, accessible tool for therapists. Traditional puppet sets are often too complex for general use. The Guardian Puppet is neutral, easy to operate, and humanized enough to project various subpersonalities onto. It is available as a 3D printable file or in wooden form.

It has been well-received by adult clients, particularly those skeptical of puppetry. Most are convinced of its efficacy when introduced as a sophisticated tool developed by Puppet Uni Prague. The puppet was created and tested as part of an Erasmus+ project, for which we are grateful to the EU.

The “Third Eye” Method

As mentioned earlier, there are many ways to use puppets in therapy. I chose to focus on a specific approach known as the “Third Eye” Method. This highly effective technique has been validated by experts and practitioners. In essence, the client works with the puppet as a mirror of themselves. The therapist plays a passive role as an observer and listener. The method involves the client externalizing their issue into the puppet, enabling them to communicate with and understand their problematic subpersonalities. This process helps the client explore, accept, and integrate these aspects into their life.

It’s like talking to yourself through the puppet, revealing truths you might otherwise avoid acknowledging. During the therapy, clients enter a light trance, accessing their subconscious more effectively.

We plan to continue studying this method and hope to establish it as an official therapeutic technique.

Other Examples for Better Understanding

1.Client Avoids Discussing a Problem

The therapist gives the client a puppet, shifts the conversation to another topic, and later asks, “What would the puppet say about this?” This allows the therapist to see if the client has formed a bond with the puppet and is using it to express themselves.

2.Client Distorts Information

The therapist asks, “How would the puppet say it?” This often helps the client describe situations more honestly or from a new perspective.

3.Client Uses Defensive Language

If the client continues to speak defensively through the puppet, it indicates they are not yet ready to open up. However, the puppet still provides a channel for gradual communication.

4.Creating a Puppet

Making a puppet is a more time-consuming process but can deepen the client’s engagement. By creating their puppet, clients reveal their own narratives and form stronger connections.

5.Using Two Puppets for Dialogue

The client can use two puppets to simulate conversations, a method often combined with techniques like family constellations.

Collaboration

If you’re interested in this topic or are a therapist, we would be delighted to connect with you and explore possible collaborations.

To all puppet enthusiasts: May your journey with puppetry bring you joy and inspiration.