Correctional settings might seem like the last place where laughter and humor would seem appropriate. This presentation will demonstrate how humor can be a useful therapeutic tool in the treatment of incarcerated individuals by showing the medical and physiological benefits of humor for both treatment providers and those receiving care. The history of humor in medicine will be reviewed as well as the medical, psychological, physiological, and social benefits. There will also be a demonstration of therapeutic laughter techniques to be used in a variety of treatment settings.

Educational Objectives

• Describe the medical, physiological, psychological, and social benefits of laughter
• Recognize how we can bring more humor into our lives, which in turn can be used to help our clients
• Employ techniques for effectively using therapeutic laughter with incarcerated clients