Humor in psychotherapy: a view.

This paper offers a perspective on the use of humor as both an assessment tool and as a therapeutic tool within the context of a psychodynamic approach to psychotherapy. While mindful of the potential difficulties which attend its introduction into the treatment situation there is an attempt to balance this position through a consideration of the appropriate conditions and modes of operation under which a humor-enriched approach may be efficacious. Ultimately, the paper concludes that proper employment requires an informed awareness of the risks and benefits along with the parameters for its use.