The Use of Humor in the Client–Practitioner Relationship

Abstract

Increasing recognition has been given to the relationship between the client and practitioner as a means of facilitating successful consultancy outcomes. Within sport psychology, the use of humor within applied practice has recently been highlighted as an important creative effort impacting the client–practitioner relationship. This chapter provides a conceptual understanding to humor and draws upon the three main theoretical propositions: relief, superiority, and incongruity. Following this, support for the use of humor in the client–practitioner relationship from allied professions (e.g., nursing, educational, and clinical psychology), are synthesized, alongside an overview of the recent research undertaken within the applied sport psychology field. Practical applications of humor are structured into three key areas: (1) being my authentic self; (2) facilitating models of working; and (3) aligning to the sporting culture, with each considered in relation to impacting the client–practitioner relationship. The information presented and discussed will be useful for both trainees and experienced sport psychology practitioners to reflect upon their own humor use, experiences, and intended purposes. Finally, the chapter concludes by offering a reflective exercise through completing the humor styles questionnaire and questions for the reader to consider.