Use of Humor in Crisis Intervention

Abstract

The author explores the possible effects of the worker's use of humor in crisis intervention. A schematic of the possibilities for this type of intervention is presented. Humor has the potential to cause both positive and negative reactions in clients. The author argues that humor is an effective therapeutic tool, providing the practitioner is willing to work with any potential outcome. A set of questions is presented to aid workers in determining whether humor is appropriate in specific situations.