Humor in therapy: the case for training therapists in its uses and risks

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy
• Clinical Intervention

Background:

• Humor in therapy is a controversial but advocated clinical intervention.
• There is a lack of rigorous empirical research on humor training effectiveness.
• Therapists currently lack formal training opportunities in applying humor techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recommendations for incorporating humor in psychological therapies.
• To define therapeutic humor and discuss its application.
• To explore reasons for professional resistance and propose research perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Review of advocate recommendations for therapeutic humor.
• Definition and discussion of therapeutic humor concepts.
• Exploration of therapist qualities and professional resistance.
• Presentation of research perspectives and empirical questions.

Main Results:

• Therapeutic humor has potential salubrious effects on clients.
• Humor training may prevent or minimize professional burnout in therapists.
• Therapeutic humor is an under-evaluated and largely untapped resource.

Conclusions:

• Formal humor training for therapists should be considered for academic curricula.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic humor.
• Integrating humor into therapy offers benefits for both clients and practitioners.