Humor as a Variable in the Process of Change

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Re: Humor in therapy sessions

From: Walt Manning
Date: 10/20/03
Time: 11:09:55 AM
Remote Name: 141.225.97.53

Comments

Kim- I believe I'm moore comfortable thinking of humor as a characteristic of the therapeutic alliance than as a "tool" to be used in therapy (see also my response just before this one to Amanda, Joni, & Lauren). Sometimes the working alliance is difficult to describe as "good repport" for as we challenge people they push back and they don't always like our stance and how hard we may be pushing them (it's similar to being a parent, instructor, coach, etc.) So repport isn't always "good" or something that is easy or pleasant. But overall, the process of change moves forward and that is good. If the client is using humor in some inappropriate manner then the clinician may need to be the "bad guy" and point out that they are using humor in a nonproductive way (avoiding the issues, making a comment at the expense of someone else or even themselves, etc.). It's hard to say exactly what to do without being there and knowing the participants but I do think it has to do with the relationship between those involved...it could be that silence or a lack of response to something inappropriate would be enough to stop reinforcing the undesired behavior. If not, I would have to go to the next step. Sometimes we have to be very direct and honest if things aren't going well. If we are frustrated with the client (they aren't doing what we both agreed they would do)we probably need to convey this. Being honest about the (therapeutic) relationship - whether it involves humor or anything else - is probably central to the evolution of the relationship. Thanks for your question and I hope my thoughts were helpful.


Last changed: September 12, 2005