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Date of Graduation
Spring 2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Educational Specialist (EdS)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
Advisor(s)
A. Renee Staton
Abstract
The premise of this paper is to examine the healing and therapeutic nature of humor in the counseling relationship. Discussion will focus on the cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits of humor, as well as the methods and techniques used to implement humor and laughter into therapeutic practice. The best practices, benefits, and recommendations for using humor in the therapeutic relationship are reviewed, emphasizing type of humor and assessing client for appropriate use. Application of humor in times of grief and loss is explored, offering insight to the resilience that can be found in the human spirit. Humor is studied as a promoter self-care, social connection, optimism, and new perspectives. Criticisms and concerns for the use of humor in therapy are considered, noting the continued need for research on the subject. The aim of this analysis is to revive the topic and use of humor in the mental health counseling field.
Recommended Citation
Whitehurst, Eleanor Barham, "Those who laugh, last: Exploring the use of humor as a vehicle of healing through personal reflection, theory, and practice" (2014). Educational Specialist, 2009-2019. 80.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/edspec201019/80
