The use of humor in counseling

Abstract

The use of humor in counseling can be seen from three major perspectives. The client and counselor represent unique variables in the effectiveness of counseling. A client’s pattern of humor use can provide a counselor with invaluable information. Humor may be used for self-preservation, personal defamation, as a defense mechanism to hide emotional issues and anxiety. Counselors who can identify the intentions of a client’s use of humor can be proactive in counseling. The use of humor by counselors has payoffs and risks. The counselor may use humor as a tension breaker to overcome resistance in a session. The ideal outcome of humor use is the forward progress of the counseling relationship. The research surrounding humor use in counseling suggests that humor is a powerful tool. The proper interpretation, climate of the session and personality of the client must be considered for successful use of counseling humor. This study identified the many uses of humor in counseling. The focus of the research also provided insight into the unique perspectives of the counselor and client. Numerous recommendations were made to improve pre-professional training programs and counselor awareness for humor use in counseling.