title: Humor in psychotherapy: a view.
abstract: This paper offers a perspective on the use of humor as both an assessment tool and as a therapeutic tool within the context of a psychodynamic approach to psychotherapy. While mindful of the potential difficulties which attend its introduction into the treatment situation there is an attempt to balance this position through a consideration of the appropriate conditions and modes of operation under which a humor-enriched approach may be efficacious. Ultimately, the paper concludes that proper employment requires an informed awareness of the risks and benefits along with the parameters for its use.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic