Topical Panel 10 from the Evolution of Psychotherapy 1990 - Therapeutic Uses of Humor
Featuring Arnold Lazarus, PhD; Miriam Polster, PhD; Carl Whitaker, MD; Cloe Madanes, Lic Psychol.
Moderated by Michael Yapko, PhD.
Erving Polster (1995) demonstrates with Delisa, who is troubled by her work with geriatric patients. Polster leads Delisa quickly and deeply into her own fears of death and loss. Polster jokes, confronts, and directs Delisa into a greater self-awareness. Following the demonstration Polster explains his work and addresses questions.
Underachieving adolescents present a significant challenge to the therapist. Traditional therapies are often slow and may be ineffective and frustrating both to the therapist and the client. Provocative Therapy is an active humor-based therapy that often elicits significant changes quickly. Case studies will help illustrate principles and techniques therapist can use with adolescents and other client who may present a challenge.
This workshop explores Ericksonian approaches to weight loss, including paradox, metaphor, utilization, humor and possibilities. Motivational Interviewing will be utilized. The metaphor of weight loss as a journey is central. Departure, initiation and return are highlighted, noting obstacles and struggles encountered during this exciting adventure! A transformational journey representing a higher level of conscious-ness with increased meaning that makes change possible will be presented.
For many, Erickson set the prototypical example of how to be creative and often evoked a You Said What?! (YSW?!) reaction from clients and students. As we describe in the new book, Creative Therapy in Challenging Situations: Unusual Interventions to Help Clients (Hoyt & Bobele, 2019), such YSW?! interventions are particularly useful and effective when approaching unusual client problems.
Zeig (1995) demonstrates the Ericksonian approach to psychotherapy while working with Carol, a woman whose nail-biting habit is rooted in anxiety. After gathering information on her personal history, Zeig helps Carol utilize her values and history to affect change. The process is both humorous and dramatic. After working to change associations linked to the problem behavior, Zeig offers Carol an ordeal that will produce a "guaranteed cure." Hypnosis is offered as the "dessert", rather than the main course. Ericksonian approach to psychotherapy.