Inner Child Puppets

Puppetry in Education and Therapy

Paula’s article on the right, Puppets in Recovery, was published in the book Puppetry in Education And Therapy, Unlocking Doors To The Mind And Heart, Edited by Matthew Burneier and Judith O’Hare, 2005

Voices In My Head

Paula Shutman

When I was introduced to the “inner child” in my first therapy group, it was suggested that we each buy a doll to represent our “inner child”. The inner child is a therapeutic method used in accessing the feelings experienced in childhood…

Marcie O'Brien

I’ve been doing inner child work for many years — through journaling, psychotherapy, bodywork and guided imagery. So I’m always on the lookout for healing techniques. I was attracted to the astonishing variety of Paula’s puppets, which vividly represent so many of the emotions and characters we have inside us. Paula’s inner child puppet workshop gave me a safe space to create, acknowledge and embrace my shy inner child. Using cloth and braid and twine, I was guided to put together a hand puppet that represents my dear inner child. And I got to take her home with me!

Testimonials from the Past

Ken Richardson. BSW,LISAC,IADAC

Co-Founder, CoDependents Anonymous, Scottsdale, AZ

I met Paula at an addiction recovery conference and was very impressed with her wonderfully entertaining and profound “inner child” puppets. Her cleaver puppets express the emotions, beliefs, and thoughts underlying addiction. I have been working in the field of addiction counseling for over 42 years and have seen different forms of puppet therapy for addictions come and go quickly, nothing lasting. I suggested she put them on the internet to get them out to the general public because I know many people will identify with them and want to buy and use them. I believe Paula’s passion for therapeutic puppetry and commitment to recovery will have a strong influence on those she works with including the therapists she trains to use her puppets. Her puppetry is a personal, but also universal, expression of healing from childhood trauma and addiction. Her workshop give adults the opportunity to make and use these puppets for themselves or to use in conjunction with their therapists. Though I haven’t had the opportunity to experience one of her workshops, I would recommend others to attend.

Marilyn Barnes

Houston, TX

Paula is a very dedicated and fun-loving person who cares very deeply for her work and demonstrates that in everything she does.

Calista Moore

Tyler, TX

I attended one of Paula's Inner Child Puppet workshops. It was an eye-opening and healing experience. This is an interactive workshop with materials provided by Paula. I would recommend her workshops to anyone wanting to connect with and heal their inner child.

Robert G.

Dallas, TX

Through the meditation, music, and other techniques, the workshop helped me to get in touch with my inner child and get in touch with my inner most feelings. It helped me to get past all the surface level stuff and get right into my roots of who I am