Course Description:

This course explores the ethical considerations for incorporating humor into therapy. It focuses on considerations for when humor is and is not appropriate, and how to navigate times when it may be a clinically effective tool. This topic is explored primarily through the lens of a licensed clinical social worker who has written and thought extensively about his own instinct to incorporate humor into his professional interactions, and what that quality means for his clients.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain how humor can build rapport and reduce anxiety in therapy when used thoughtfully and ethically

2. Identify ethical considerations for using humor, including timing, therapeutic intent, and client sensitivity

3. Recognize when humor is appropriate versus when it could distract from therapeutic work or serve the therapist's needs instead of the client's

Audience: Graduate-level psychotherapists

Delivery Method: Online and interactive asynchronous, including a 30 minute audio recording and a 3,000 word written packet

Completion Requirements: Completion of podcast, packet, evaluation, and obtain a passing score of 70% or higher on the post-test will immediately issue a Certificate of Completion through the Learning Management System. Post-test can be re-taken a maximum of 3 times.

Number of Hours: 1

Instructor: Raffi Bilek, LCSW-C

Instructor Bio: Raffi Bilek, LCSW-C is a private practice therapist specializing in couples counseling. He describes himself personally and sometimes professionally a comedic person, and has explored in depth the implications of humor in therapy, including writing about the topic for professional psychotherapy outlets. 

Fees/ Cancellations: There is no charge for any "Save the Therapist" course, therefore fees, refunds, and cancellations do not apply. 

Inquiries: For any questions, complaints, feedback, disputes, or requests for additional accommodations, reach out to info@savethetherapist.com. All disputes, accommodation requests, or other inquiries requiring response will be responded to within 2 weeks from time of inquiry.

Date of Creation/ Modification: 02/06/25

Continuing Education Info:

Save the Therapist has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7676. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Save the Therapist is solely responsible for all aspects of programs.

Save the Therapist, #2288, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) Program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 01/20/2026–01/20/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 1 general continuing education credit.