Humor in Psychotherapy

Описание: 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.
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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


Who we are:
Curt Widhalm, LMFT
Learn more at: http://www.curtwidhalm.com

Katie Vernoy, LMFT
Learn more at: http://www.katievernoy.com


A Quick Note:
Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves – except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We’re working on it.
Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren’t trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don’t want to, but hey.