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ForwardHumor and Psychotherapy
Abstract:
"Humour fulfils multiple purposes. There is a sizeable and growing literature on the subject. The practice of psychotherapy is enhanced by the therapist who maintains a sense of humour, who appreciates its development in his/her patients, and who respectfully uses it to assist in building the therapeutic alliance. Therapy is not so serious that laughter need be excluded from it. Humour can represent a celebration of shared humanity and it can provide insights and allow one to carefully approach topics in a non-threatening manner. Humour, altruism, and sublimation represent mature ego defence mechanisms. Psychological growth is represented by a movement from immature to mature defences. Until the 70's the psychology of humour attracted very few writers/researchers, but particularly in recent years there has been a substantial growth in publications dealing with the psychological aspects of humour.
This presentation seeks to bring a sense of balance in how one integrates humour psychotherapeuticaly. It draws on life experience, the burgeoning literature on humour, and on clinical examples of the use of humour in therapy. This Webinar is meant to be enjoyable, interactive, (and even on occasions, humorous)."
Potential to Distress: No
Target Audience
Beginning/Introductory
Those seeking to participate in this webinar must be licensed mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, accredited psychotherapists, etc.). ISSTD staff will audit license information prior to the start of the course and may request additional documentation for your license.
We do accept students enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation. Students must submit proof of student status such as a transcript or registration record. For those who have completed their degree and are currently in the pre-licensure stage practicing under the license of another clinician, you must provide the name and license information for the person you are working with. Documentation should be sent to ISSTD staff at cfas@isst-d.org before registering.
Learning Objectives
Upon Completion of this webinar, participants will be able to
- Explain the use of humour in the hierarchy of ego-defence mechanisms
- Identify the differences between laughing with someone and laughing at someone
- Describe the ways in which humour can enhance the therapeutic relationship and provide a frame that can lead to the processing of difficult issues, traumas etc
- Discuss the ways the use of humour can have "antidepressant" effects
Presenter: Professor Warwick Middleton MD
Professor Warwick Middleton MD, past-President and fellow, ISSTD, and recipient of the ISSTD Lifetime Achievement Award, holds appointments with the University of Queensland, and the University of Canterbury et al. Since 1996, he has directed the Trauma and Dissociation Unit, Belmont Hospital, Brisbane, and is the first researcher to publish a series outlining the abuse histories of Australian patients with dissociative identity disorder, as well as being the first researcher in the world to systematically examine ongoing incestuous abuse during adulthood. He is with Professor Martin Dorahy, co-editor of the recently published book, “Contemporary Perspectives on Freud’s Seduction Theory and Psychotherapy: Revisiting Masson’s, ‘The Assault on Truth’". He graduated from the University of Queensland in 1996 with his MD.
Available Credit
- 1.50 APAThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- 1.50 ASWB ACEThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
- 1.50 ISSTD Certificate ProgramThis program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Price
"Your Price" above reflects your final price based on your membership status and career level.
- ISSTD defines a student as those enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation.
- ISSTD defines an emerging professional as mental health professionals who have completed an advanced degree and are in the first three years of their career (or first three years after graduation for researchers).
- If you do not fall into one of the above categories please register as Professional/Retired.
These prices are for Tier I countries. For a list of countries by Tier click here. If you are located in a country that falls into Tier II-VI please contact ISSTD at cfas@isst-d.org to receive the appropriate discount code.
Registration Policies
Cancellations prior to the webinar are subject to a $10 cancellation fee. No refunds are provided for no shows. The deadline for cancellations with a refund is December 16, 2025 at 5:00pm US Eastern Time. Requests for cancellation should be sent to cfas@isst-d.org.
For additional webinar policies including completion requirements, filing grievances, requesting a disability accommodation, and awarding of certificates of credits, please visit our Webinar Policies page.