A Keynote Address Overview

Those trees are growing upside down!

I.                    The Therapeutic Value of Humor

II.                  Types of Humor

III.                Helpful vs. Hurtful Humor

IV.               What does the Bible and/or the religious world have to say about humor?

V.                 Why are we reluctant to laugh in the face of grave illness or disability?

VI.               Granting Ourselves Permission to Laugh

Rationale

Extended time in the presence of a gravely ill or disabled person can lead to depression and sorrow.  While the end results of many illnesses cannot be changed, finding humor wherever possible can be therapeutic to patient and caregiver alike.

Humor will be used whenever possible to illustrate the point at hand.  Near the end of the session, if feasible, time will be allotted to allow participants to share their own humorous experiences.  If possible, these will be recorded and included in a future mailing to each interested party.

Materials needed:  projection screen

Time:  time will be adjusted to meet the needs of the conference