A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to an Induction: When Humor Enhances Hypnosis (Clinical Hypnosis Society of New Jersey)
April 27
Organization: Clinical Hypnosis Society of New Jersey
Website: https://www.clinicalhypnosisnj.org/event-6019239
Event Title: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to an Induction: When Humor Enhances Hypnosis
Agenda: https://asch.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Reid_Timed_Agenda.docx
Dates: 04/27/2025
Location: Virtual
CE: 2.0
Contact: drstaffin@gmail.com
Abstract:
It has been said that, “Laughter is the best medicine.” There is ample empirical evidence that humor promotes immune functioning, enhances quality of life in cancer patients and nursing home residents, and minimizes symptoms of depression and anxiety (Bains et al., 2015; Ko & Youn, 2011; Kuru & Kublay, 2017; Morishima et al., 2019; Takeda et al., 2010). Yet there is limited consideration or research regarding the inclusion of humor during hypnosis sessions (Thomson, 2022). This (two hour) conversation will review the healing properties of humor for medical and psychological disorders, and more specifically, encourage participants to consider embedding (i.e., interspersing) humor during hypnosis sessions with their clients. Case examples and demonstrations will highlight the pairing of humor with hypnosis for enhancing “ego strengthening,” embedded metaphors, story-telling, age regression/progression, and post-hypnotic suggestions.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
1) Identify three (3) positive effects of humor for medical and/or psychological disorders.
2) Identify at least three (3) ways to effectively incorporate humor into hypnosisinterventions.
3) Identify two (2) situations in which humor is appropriate and two (2) situationsin which humor is inappropriate to include in clinical hypnosis.