THE SOUL OF THERAPY

Theologian Karl Barth wrote: Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God.” Barth's s words dignify laughter, lifting g it up from being considered a silly or shallow part of human experience to being one of life’s most healing gifts.

- KEVIN ANDERSON, PHD

Amusing Grace, How Sweet the Sound

I’ve been in therapy for two years, dealing with lots of childhood trauma and some abusive relationships in adult life. I really like my therapist. My time with her has been so healing. I’m comfortable crying with her, but what surprises me is how much we laugh during our meetings. I told a friend this and she wasn’t sure humor is supposed to be a big part of trauma therapy. She thinks the humor might allow me to cover over some of my pain. I’m curious about what you think. Is there anything wrong with laughing a lot in therapy?

KEVIN: What I think is that your statement that your time with your therapist has been healing is more important than anything I or others might think about your therapy experience!

Your question made me think of a training I attended with a trauma expert that I found to be quite humorous. When the microphone was passed around for questions, I asked her if she used humor as much in her therapy as she did in training sessions with professionals. She responded, “Oh yes. Traumatized people know quite well how to replay their traumatic emotions, but when we laugh together we’re learning that it’s possible to go somewhere else emotionally.”