Tag-Archive for » Applied Humor Therapy «
Charlie's Chaplains' Skool
Fall is fast approaching! Along with it comes wonderful opportunities to become more active, and discover new avenues of interest. For me, fall has always been a sort-of ‘New Year,’ as I launch out on a fresh stretch of months in a ‘New School Year,’ so-to-speak.
What do you have planned? What new things will you be doing? Will you be exploring new interests or adventures? Exciting times ahead! Are you prepared? Will you be ready for Prime Time?
If your heart is leading you toward hospital or caring clowning, or healthcare performing, here are some great resources, regardless of your level of proficiency or experience:
Attend a Live Event:
Frye Regional Medical Center’s Charlie’s Chaplains’ Skool “Work of Heart: Injecting Healing Humor in Healthcare” For Hospital/Caring Clowns, Family Entertainers, Healthcare Professionals, and folks interested in establishing a hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer group, 9th consecutive Skool — Weekend/or Saturday Intensive available on September 24-25, 2010 in Hickory, NC For info, click this link (here)
MultiMedia Training — Always available on your schedule, ongoing…
- Hospital Clowns and Healthcare Entertainers Private Mentorship Training Program, and for those Creative Arts Performers who apply generous doses of Healing Humor in the Healthcare Venue! Immediate access to all necessary materials and BONUS Gifts, upon sign-up! Ongoing program geared for all levels of experience, delivering individual mentoring on mentee’s own schedule, with training videos, audios and tried-and-true resources.
- “How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry Guide” Online Webinar Package, video book companion with downloadable materials, immediately available upon sign-up.
- Work of Heart: Establishing a Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer Group – Train, Prepare & Equip: Video training, paired with 4 EBooks containing 103 pages of training materials; 4 printable booklets for your team or group training; arts enrichment/low-cost play-big group performance activities, more…Perfect companion to How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry Guide! Immediate access at sign-up.
- Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy! Online Audio Program — A self-paced Healing Humor online course with immediately available downloadable materials allows attendees to listen to audios at their convenience, enjoy EBooks and printables immediately! The course is presented in 5 separate audio segements, with related downloadables, all available online, to be listened to and enjoyed indefinitely, from the time of enrollment.
'Being there' isn't enough.
Part Two in a series on Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting…
A healthcare family entertainer has many considerations in performing in the venue — costume, schtick, props, policies, procedures, and much more… but never should the preparations nor the entertainment be put before all else. Showing up in your finery, with all the best stuff and greatest act in the world is not enough. It’s laudable to always put your best effort and clown foot forward, but not before first considering the audience.
Other facets of what entertainers do for patients in the healthcare setting is to empower them. This is done initially by allowing the patient to decide if they would like to have you enter their room for a visit. Remember — they are in the hospital, and you are likely the only person they can refuse or tell “no.” Allow them that blessing.
It is not up to the hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer to barge into the patient’s room anyway — throwing our hat into the proverbial ring (or their room) while completely ignoring their feeble request — because ‘we know they will feel better seeing a clown,’ or whatever reason you have in mind. If they saw you from just outside their door — they saw you, and that may be enough for them in that moment in time.
Sometimes the act you will perform for a patient is a simple act of kindness, from the heart — allowing them the space and time to continue in their healing or preparation process and respecting their response to you, because they know how they feel.
Related posts:
Hospital Clowns and Caring Clowns Offer a Work of Heart for All
What in the World are You Here For?
Next: How patients are a ‘part of the act’ when entertaining in the healthcare setting
'Being there' isn't enough.
Hospital clowns, caring clowns and healthcare family entertainers exist to perform in their venue on the world’s smallest stage. Their entertainment is often at a patient’s bedside, to an audience comprised of one. The act usually debuts in real time, right before their eyes and will likely never be performed quite the same way again.
In most cases, the focus is on the patient because the reason for being there is to brighten their day and lessen their pain if at all possible, through an unexpected interlude of joy and levity. But “being there” is not enough.
“Getting there” may seem a nearly unsurmountable task for most, especially if you are a family entertainer who is wishing, waiting and hoping to become involved in a healthcare humor program. Sometimes, persevering through the seemingly endless maze of training and testing to begin rounds may feel overwhelming. I realize this, but once arriving at the facility for rounds again I say — “being there” is not enough.
Next: How patients are empowered when entertaining in the healthcare setting…
3 big reasons for establishing a Humor Program in your hospital or healthcare facility presented by published author and longtime Humor Therapist Becky Cortino…
These are 3 compelling reasons to establish a Healthcare Humor Program — but wait! There are more…
In addition, Healthcare Humor programs:
In addition to these 3 compelling reasons, Healthcare Humor programs also:
These are 3 compelling reasons to establish a Healthcare Humor Program — but wait! There are more…
In addition, Healthcare Humor Programs:
*Have far-reaching effects inside and outside the facility walls!
*Provide priceless results at little cost reaching patients, staff!
*Build great community goodwill!
*Are NOT Rocket Science to set-up!
*Easily tailored to your facility’s specific needs!
For articles, resources, training, request consultation, visit: AHeart4Clowning.com
Contact: Becky Cortino, AHeart4Clowning.com
Performers sometimes must change their tune! On rounds, often -- if not always, patients inspire!
On rounds, often — if not always, patients inspire! They inspire the perfect joke, schtick or new thought. Coming from the audience’s perspective, this precious insight helps the hospital or caring clown, and healthcare family entertainer do their important work. You know – the ‘work’ that looks like ‘play,’ — as in Applied Humor Therapy.
Longtime entertainers in the hospital or healthcare setting have many memorable moments resulting from captivating folk they meet throughout their meandering journey. These stories and experiences leave indelible heartprints. After the chance encounter, we are never the same, and are immeasurably blessed…
We entered his room gently. He welcomed us in with warm resolution to enjoy this most unexpected visit. He propped himself up for a better view of the spectacle about to take place — that being our meager offering of a performance we tailor to our perceived patient’s receptivity and condition.
After introducing our clown-selves and chatting on a bit, we offered some random fun, as an interlude to the dull sameness surrounding him in his hospital room. My clown partner-not-in-mime plays song requests on her handcrafted kazoo instrument. Upon finishing her piece, he was visibly touched.
The patient shared with us that he couldn’t see so well out of one eye and was blind in the other. He concentrated hard on seeing us, and he heard us just fine! While he didn’t fill us in on what brought him into the hospital, he shared that the experience had led him to see things differently, now. In fact so differently, he knew major life changes were about to take place. He expressed his openess to these changes, embracing them as what he will do for the rest of his life. He shared with us that he did not know where this would take him in this world, but he would go and serve, and do whatever it was to be.
This really touched our hearts, because when we visit patients, they are usually in a dark place, facing test results, surgery, or scary medical procedures. What struck us was that no matter what this gentleman had been through, he was facing a Great Unknown once out of the hospital — and welcoming it! We had a wonderful conversation, and he shared with us his heart-thoughts and thanked us for what we do. He said it means more to others than we would ever know.
Words of patients stay in our hearts and minds a long time — they mean so much. To see a patient so bravely face a totally new life once discharged from the hospital after an obvious life-changing experience, is awe-inspiring!
Do you have a Most memorable Caring Clown Story to share? We would love to hear and share your experience here on AHeart4Clowning.com! Wanta share your story? For submission details, click this link (here)
The health benefits of applied humor therapy have long been recognized, supported by scientific studies and the medical community.
A true visionary, Saturday Review Editor Norman Cousins, is credited as the forerunner in this aspect, treating his painful health condition with doses of humor 46 years ago, long before contemporary thought recognized and embraced this powerful, effective therapy.
Based on a growing understanding of the associated health benefits, humor programs, hospital clowns, caring clowns and healthcare family entertainers are becoming more mainstream, although they are still not widely-available at a majority of facilities.
Here are 7 reasons why healthcare facilities need to host an in-house humor program:
1) Humor and laughter make significant contributions to both physical and mental health conditions of all who receive applications of Applied Humor Therapy, by:
- Strengthening the immune system
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reducing pain, stress and anxiety
- Creating a more positive perspective and optimistic mood
These are but a few of the benefits associated with generous doses of Applied Humor Therapy to the recipient, with undoubtedly a residual spillover-effect to all observing the spectacle, as well as the therapist. In the truest sense, humor program participants are part of the hosting facility’s Wellness Team.
2) It’s Critical Care: Patients are always the primary focus during visitations. In the healthcare setting, the mission is to do nothing more than cheer the patients through a gentle presence, as a means of taking the patient’s mind off their current health condition or painful situation.
Success is measured if only for just a second, after entering the patient’s room they can forget or not think about their condition, through humorous intervention. They are drawn into the performance, become a part of it, empowered to assist, or even refuse a visit.
3) Lift Spirits: Visitors may be treated to entertainment in the patient’s rooms, or sometimes caught by surprise in the hallways, waiting rooms, elevators and lobby. Depending upon the situation or mood, the visitors may become the center of attention, if the patient is unable, and it seems the visitors need a cheerful interlude.
4) Uplift: Staff often welcomes joy-filled, comedic stress-relieving moments. Entertaining the staff at the nurse’s station and in the hallways as time and schedule allow, can become a much-anticipated adventure.
5) Build a Rep for Caring and Taking a Personal Approach: Great good will is established and excellent community relations are cemented when a program is well-executed and becomes well-known for this ‘work’ that-looks like play.
6) It is NOT Rocket Science to Set Up a Program: It can easily and should be be tailored to the hosting facility’s needs. With willing volunteers, the program cost can be next-to-nothing, with greater returns than any monies ever expended.
7) Add an Element of Joy and Wonder Where It’s Least Expected – Most Needed: As an added perk to a facility’s amenities, available at low-cost for the far-reaching effects on all people who come into contact with the program in action.
Does your healthcare facility have a Humor Program?
Is the staff at your healthcare facility:
- Supported by an established in-house Humor Program?
- Provided the tools and knowledge for Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting?
Whatever stage of development or operation your Humor Program may be, there are lots of articles, resources, and links included on this site to assist. Please feel free to explore and check out what is offered here to help the cause of injecting Healing Humor in the healthcare setting.
My heartfelt mission is very simple: I want to help further clown arts and humor programs in hospitals and healthcare settings globally. Together in the collective sense, we are doing that – but I strive to encourage it on a much broader scale than what we are currently doing.
Please let me know how I can help you… feel free to contact me, or to submit your question by way of this online Contact Form (click this link)
MultiMedia Resources on: Applied Humor Therapy, Healing Humor, Establishing a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group, Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting. More info on materials written, produced and published by me: click this link (here)
Here’s a great read on Humor in the Hospital, click on this link here
Attending conferences and ongoing training is good for all of us. It inspires, informs and our networks branch out in new, meaningful ways.
I’m still relishing the wonderful memories and enjoying people I met at the AATH Conference last month. What a thrill to present “Establishing a Hospital Clown or Family Entertainer Group: Train, Prepare, Equip and Promote” at this year’s Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor Conference at Disneyland in Anaheim, California!
It was a stellar gathering of folks from all over the world, involved in many different aspects of Applied Humor Therapy. The free-flow of ideas and encouragement was tremendous. I had heard there was a lot of energy in this group — and I can attest to that! It picked us up and carried us throughout our time there, from the time we stepped off the plane…
Because there were so many aspects and venues for Applied Humor Therapy represented by the attendees, this gave me an excellent opportunity to video several for an exciting new segment on Humor Bit-TV, on the Healing Humor Channel!
The new segment will present a good handful of representative applications of humor in various aspects of everyday life — in the words of the experts! I am truly grateful for all who embraced this special project, and gave a few precious moments of their time and to sharing their hearts on this topic.
Currently, we are in production mode and will soon be releasing these new episodes on the Healing Humor Channel. Last year’s ‘Humor Bit-TV’ theme was “Memorable Healing Humor Moments” featuring several well-known clowns and family entertainers. This year’s focus is on various venues for Applied Humor Therapy, and benefits.
Please stay tuned — more to come soon!
Meantime, tune-in any time 24-7…
Humor Bit-TV on the Healing Humor Channel:
“Memorable Healing Humor Moments” Playlist
- AATH 2010 Conference Clowning Outreach
What a thrill, honor and privilege to be a featured speaker-presenter at the 23rd annual Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) Conference in Disneyland April 22-25!
With my years (since 1997) in the aspect of Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting, the Tribute to Norman Cousins, was especially meaningful. A true visionary, he is credited with being the forerunner in this aspect, first treating his painful health condition with doses of humor, long before contemporary thought recognized and embraced this powerful, effective therapy.
My presentation topic was based on my AHeart4Clowning book: Establishing a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group — with an add-on: Train, Prepare, Equip and Promote!
It was gratifying to present to a wonderful group of interested participants from all over the world, encouraging them in their efforts of applying healing humor in the healthcare setting.
The conference provides tremendous educational and networking opportunities. It was great to meet and share with others in this field! I really enjoyed hearing about their programs and the free-flow of shared ideas from every direction!
In addition, I was pleased to help with the traditional AATH Clowning Outreach with the talented, witty and way-fun Danny Donuts and Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino added some magic to our visit! You can see a part of our group pictured here. It was a fabulous experience…
Held in April as part of the global celebration of Humor Month, the AATH Conference draws participants from around the world. For more information about AATH, click this link (here)
Are you planning a program on Applied Humor Therapy in the Healthcare Setting, or do you want to establish a Healthcare Humor Program? I am available and currently booking speaking engagements on a variety of topics, and would welcome the opportunity to connect with you and discuss your program. Please contact me using this online form (linked here)
Blast off for National Humor Month!
Join the laughter, join the FUN
– National Humor Month is for everyone!
Share a joke here, and a laugh there
– help spread levity everywhere!
NO joke — April 1st — “April Fool’s Day” kicks off National Humor Month!
Launched in 1976 by best-selling humorist Larry Wilde, Director of The Carmel Institute of Humor, National Humor Month is now joyfully promoted and orchestrated by event director Steve Wilson, Founder/President of World Laughter Tour aka “Cheerman of the Bored” and well-known as America’s Favorite Joyologist.
Here are some great links, to get you started… National Humor Month
Join in all the FUN — help share the mirth for all you’re worth 
Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor
Show your support and help spread the word for “Healing Humor” as a Way of Life — NOT a Band Aid, by wearing your “Healing Humor” button, along with a smile!
50% of all sale proceeds for each button sold is contributed to Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH).
Great for every day wear, as well as on Clown Rounds! Quantity discounts are available. Eye-catching new multi-color ”tie-dyed” background with our “Healing Humor” logo and saying.
For more information, click on this link (here) for: HealingHumorButtons