The use of irony and humor in psychotherapy

What role do humor and irony play in psychological therapy sessions?

Irony is a serious thingIt is a great human resource, even though Freud labeled it as a defense mechanism.

Lately, its importance has been reevaluated in therapy, and this element has been considered as a facilitating resource. has been considered as a facilitating resource for the construction of the therapeutic relationship..

The role of humor in psychotherapy

Humor stimulates laughter and, as we know, physiological stimulation through laughter carries a number of health benefits. It is associated with a reduction in stress, and also appears to increase Pain tolerance.

But, in addition to this, laughter also helps us to have a satisfying emotional experience. It not only induces states of intense physiological arousal. If a person is angry or sad and starts laughing at a humorous comment made by someone around them, their mood will instantly change from anger and sadness to a more pleasant feeling, even if only for a moment.

That is why irony, as part of humor, can be a powerful weapon in combating moodiness and sadness..

In fact, recent research by the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor has highlighted the positivity of therapeutic humor, defining it as "an intervention that promotes health and well-being through the stimulation, discovery, expression and appreciation of life's incongruities and absurdities. These interventions can be used to improve health or be used as a complementary treatment for illnesses either to cure or cope with physical, psychological, emotional, social or spiritual difficulties."

What is irony used for in psychotherapy?

Irony is an excellent therapeutic toolBecause the fact of being able to laugh at something that is oppressing us, even if only for a moment, is a bit like decompressing accumulated tension.

The basic functions of irony in psychotherapy are these:

1. It is adaptive

It represents an adaptive and effective coping strategy to contrast painful mental states, offering an alternative view of critical events. Through an ironic intervention, which leads to a modification of the rigid view of a problem, the therapist can teach ironic aspects of an event by helping the patient to live it with greater detachment and lightness and by teaching the adaptive management of negative emotions..

2. Increases the ability to cope with problems

Increases problem-solving skills. As Borcherdt says, "if we can laugh at a problem, it is solved". Most situations, even the most difficult ones, have an ironic side to them, but but the experience of certain negative emotions prevents us from perceiving the funny side of them.. Over time, the decrease in the intensity of negative emotions puts the critical and painful aspect in the background, allowing us to appreciate the humorous side.

3. Increases optimism

It functions as a mediator between positive emotions and a humorous commentary, which can lead to confidence, optimism and happiness. In addition, irony allows the expression of certain feelings that are experienced intensely. This expression occurs in a controlled and confident manner. Irony also allows the expression of emotions and feelings that otherwise would have remained silent.

4. Improves the patient-therapist relationship

Helps to increase the therapeutic alliance, helping to establish and maintain a positive therapeutic relationship.. During a psychotherapy session, a humorous comment expressed by the therapist can help the communication between the therapist and the patient, also decreasing the resistance to the sessions, since it leads to establish a more relaxed and open conversation.

5. Helps to improve self-esteem

It helps to increase self-esteem: laughing at oneself represents a useful mechanism for the patient to reach self-acceptance and acceptance of his or her defects. Those who are able to laugh at themselves show a higher level of well-being, as they develop fewer depressive symptoms and increase their tolerance towards negative emotions.

Indications for the good use of irony in psychotherapy

It should be kept in mind that humor and irony should be used as a complement to make the recovery process easier and smoother, and not as something to be used simply because "it is fun", as this could disrupt the dynamics of psychotherapy. It is used as a way of interpreting in a more adaptive way facts that produce discomfort..

In addition, it should be remembered that irony and humor should be used once the therapeutic bond has been established and consolidated as such, when the patient can also use it in his or her comments to the psychologist. Otherwise, comments of this type can be taken as a lack of respect or professional seriousness, which would greatly damage the progress of the therapy.