Humor in Psychotherapy

Curt and Katie chat about the benefits and challenges of using humor in the therapy room. We look at the research exploring how humor is used, potential risks, and best practices. We work to infuse humor, even as we take our therapeutic humor pretty seriously. This is a continuing education podcourse.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode we talk about how therapists can best work within treatment teams

Anecdotal evidence suggests that humor can have positive effects on therapeutic relationship development and as a skill that can be used for interventions. Concerns that humor may be used incorrectly or be potentially harmful make many clinicians wary of utilizing humor in therapy and empirical research is in its infancy about how it can be used effectively. This podcast episode explores the themes of therapeutic humor, which populations might present with different humor styles, and cultural considerations when using humor.

What are the beneficial uses of humor in therapy?

·      Authenticity versus rigidity

·      Serious versus humorous interactions

·      Irreverence in DBT

·      Humor must come from within your own personality, it is not something that is teachable

·      Within the relationship and the therapeutic alliance, humor can increase connection

·      Using humor as a therapist can address power imbalances

·      Opportunities to challenge beliefs and shift behavior with a lighter touch

·      Diffusing situations, gallows humor, and moving on from challenging situations

What are the risks of using humor in therapy?

·      When clients don’t understand the humor, it can cause iatrogenic harm

·      Confusion on the intent of humor

·      Confusion regarding the connection fostered by humor (i.e., could be seen as seduction)

·      Humor can be a distraction or a way to deflect from the therapeutic work

·      Humor can be seen as reinforcing power imbalances, especially when the client sees the humor as an insult, criticism, or the therapist putting the client down

·      Clients may not be able to give feedback on their reactions to humor

·      Self-deprecating or self-pitying humor is not recommended in therapy

What is in the research on using humor in therapy?

·      Not a lot of research

·      Research on humor in therapy is usually done with western therapists and clients

·      It is important to understand the different cultural impacts on humor

·      There is research on the 7 stages and themes of humor within therapy

·      Assessing the use of banter in therapy

·      Identifying whether aggressive humor can improve outcomes in therapy

·      Misapplication of humor as confrontation versus using it for facilitation

How can therapists use humor effectively in therapy?

·      Assess jokes and humorous interactions from the lens of it being for the benefit of the client

·      Focus on “reading the room,” so you’re not using humor inappropriately

·      Connecting and affirming your understanding of the client’s experience

·      Balancing activities in session (business time versus fun time)

·      Using humor as a diagnostic tool

·      Addressing ruptures or potential ruptures caused by humor

Receive Continuing Education for this Episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide

You can find this full course (including handouts and resources) here: https://learn.moderntherapistcommunity.com/pages/podcourse

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Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/