Laughter Therapy

Laughter/Magic therapy creates an environment that is conducive to healing. An atmosphere of joy, wonder, compassion, and playful fun, substitute the stereotypical view of health care as having a sickness only focus.

As a Laughter/Magic Therapist, I focus on the patient as a whole being, concentrating on their emotional, mental, and spiritual needs.

This is done naturally, through humor, which occurs during a magical performance. My objective as a therapist is to focus the patients mind off of their sickness, pain, anxiety, and refocus on their wellness.

By using mental misdirection and visual reinforcement I pattern their thinking in the same way I would use misdirection do divert their eyes from seeing how the trick is done! Instead of the patient focusing on one aspect of their condition(usually the negative!), I work with them to think on the reality of their healing process. (the positive)

By using a magic trick that is profound and in their control empowers the patient to take responsibility for pain management, and work forward in the healing process. The thought "How did you do that?" starts the patients mind on a new path. The mind is set on a course of wonder and possibility. In this state the mind is very open to suggestion and positive reinforcement. Positive words, and actions reinforcing a state of mind that encourages the body to heal effectively.

"Laughter/Magic Therapy" is a mind body practice that incorporates imagination, visualization, humor, and breathing exercises. Done in an informal setting, the patient is unaware of "therapy", though they are active participants.

Example: pain management by use of sleight of hand, breathing, suggestion, and imagination: When a patient is suffering pain, I will show a black handkerchief, and ask them to imagine their pain is represented by it . I will talk with them, focussing on the color, and shape of the handkerchief, as it is their pain, while they practice deep, slow controlled breathing. I give them the handkerchief to hold in their fist, and have them squeeze it tight, while maintaining the breathing pattern. I will suggest to them that the color of their pain is changing, and that they are in fact controlling the shape of their pain. I will suggest a color that is pleasant, manageable, changing. They are to open their hand when they feel the change take place. Slowly they open their hand, and instead of a black handkerchief, they are holding a large red (or whatever color!) ball. The impact and humor of this is magnificent. The ball is now a positive, which they achieved! Next they squeeze the ball and it multiplies to two, then three! Laughter abounds while breathing technique and use of imagination are discussed, equipping the patient with a very effective pain management tool. The patient links mind and body, creating a positive environment for healing.

This is one example while countless others exist, which can be utilized for a variety of situations and needs.

In closing, I have been practicing as a Laughter/Magic therapist for the past seven years. I know it to be effective, enjoyable tool for stress and pain management and is a positive addition to any health care facility.

Arthur T. Atsma Laughter/Magic Therapist. (and very nice guy!)