Laughter Therapy

Unfortunately, I was not able to make today's therapeutic program of laughter yoga. However, I made sure that I talked with my fellow classmates to hear what I missed. From what I heard from the class, the 252 laughter yoga session was a similar to my experience with laughter therapy. They said that it was fun, but that it was obvious that the laughter may have been a little forced at times and that they found it hard to truly get into character. Last Spring, in facilitation techniques (RTH470) one of the groups presented on the topic of laughter therapy. I remember enjoying it but thinking that there could be some things that I would do differently. This is only because facilitated laughter can be difficult to achieve the expected results. It can be difficult to predict what your clients will think is funny. In a structured setting- laughter may be hard to come by. Ideally, you want to break down the barriers or the structure to decrease the tension and awkwardness. Effective and appropriate icebreakers, will allow the clients to be open and willing to participate. In choosing tricks and activities I believe it's important to take into account your population and what they might think is funny. In order to reach, them it may take external sources or props to pull them in. I recommend using props such as a mustache, or a piece of costume to make everyone look silly. This helps the clients get into character and feel silly. If you're population is a group of college students, the approach may have to be a little different if you want the same reaction as other populations. However, in the sense that the laughter yoga was to be a typical session for general populations. The session is great to take away as quick tools for building rapport or lifting the spirits for clients. I enjoy laughter therapy and thoroughly believe it has a purpose. It can be very beneficial and used on a multitude of populations. Personally, I feel like I utilize laughter therapy without trying. It is a great way to build and maintain friendships, increase mood and get a workout ! Doesn't get better.

In the words of ee. cummings: the most wasted of all days, is one without laughter! :D