Product Description

Laughter Therapy is a two-part book. Part one is a theoretical framework for understanding laughter and other forms of catharsis. Included are case studies and examples of laughter. Part one and two are liberally sprinkled with appropriate quotes. Part two contains 25 ways to help yourself laugh and how to relearn to laugh without ridicule in order to maximize healing and connection with ourselves, each other and the universe.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #306410 in Books
• Published on: 1994-01-01
• Binding: Paperback
• 149 pages

Review
"Annette Goodheart's book can open your life to the vital, spacious dimension of laughter. The possibilities become endless. Goodheart knows the healing power of hilarity, and nothing -- not the most profound sadness or the most tormenting trouble -- can long withstand the light she brings with her to light the darkness with our lives." -- Janet Roach, Screenwriter Prizzi's Honor

"I am thrilled that Dr. Goodheart's work is finally in print! Her work is indeed unique and wonderful!" -- Violet Oaklander, Ph.D., Gestalt Therapist; Author, Windows to Our Children

Dr. Annette Goodheart is a real pioneer in helping people throughout the world realize the healing power of laughter. She has developed techniques that have allowed her clients to heal deep emotional wounds and then move on to healthier and happier living. In her book, Laughter Therapy, she explains that her goal in writing it is to empower one to bring more healing laughter into one's life and to become "laughter independent." She outlines three myths about laughter that keep us from laughing. The first myth is that we must have a reason to laugh; the second is that we laugh because we are happy; and the third is that a sense of humor is the same thing as laughter. She dispels these myths and reveals what she believes to be the reality of laughter.

This book is a must for those who want to learn more about the effects of laughter on our well-being. It has practical suggestions on how to begin your own laughter therapy, a much needed commodity in today's world. -- Kathie McWilliams, Executive Director of Joyful Child

Goodheart's book shows us that "life is terribly real and sad. It's too easy to believe that's all the story. Life is also very, very funny." -- Charles T. Tart, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley; Author, Waking-Up!

About the Author
Annette Goodheart, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist in private practice in Santa Barbara, California. She has worked with cathartic processes - particularly laughter - since 1970. Dr. Goodheart conducts training intensives for professionals and lectures and leads workshops nationally and internationally. She has been featured on numerous radio and television programs and is an expert at helping people relearn the art of laughing, without ridicule, about those aspects of their lives that aren't really funny.

Customer Reviews

Groucho was right!
Save your money and for sure don't buy this book! The only funny thing stated in this book was from Groucho Marx. He said, "From the moment I picked your book up until I laid it down I was convulsed with laughter. Someday I intend reading it." In respect for Groucho, I would have this to say to him, I read the book and there was nothing funny or laughable except for your quote.

There isn't ANYONE who won't benefit from this book!
Every single line in this marvelous book contains wisdom, good sense, and simple yet profoundly logical advice that we should apply to every day of our lives. You'll find yourself reading lines over several times to better remember what they say about the importance of laughter, how it can be misused, and how it can add immeasurably to our quality of life. Written with intelligence and humor in easy-to-read, conversational style, the author shows us that laughter should not be "laughed off" as unnecessary, unproductive or frivolous. I found myself repeatedly saying "what a great thought" or "what a fabulous idea." For those with problems, illnesses or aspects of their lives that are not really funny, this book offers rock-solid solutions for using laughter therapy to help you deal and cope in dramatically better ways. Few, if any, of us don't have stress or problems that drain our physical and emotional reservoirs -- and so, this book has inspiring, universal appeal. Light bulbs will go on for you when you read this unique book that will help you communicate more deeply, directly and enjoyably with others -- and with yourself. Life is often tragic and very real, and this book proves that it is also enormously funny. I would buy this book as a gift for everyone you know! There won't be anyone who won't thank you a thousand times over for it!