Adding humour to the music therapist’s tool-kit: Reflections on its role in child psychiatry

Abstract

In this article we reflect on the use of humour in music therapy on a children’s psychiatric unit. We review the current literature and, by providing detailed case vignettes, identify four characteristics of humour in music therapy in this context as well as listing the main functions of humour here. We find that humour is a highly subjective experience and that due consideration of the intention behind any use of humour by the music therapist is crucial. Awareness and attunement to one’s client are considered vital when dealing with such a powerful multi-faceted phenomenon.