L.A.U.G.H.S. is a program that was created to help women who have survived breast cancer, in their fight against the disease and its implications for self-image.

Breast Cancer Survivor

The role of humor in healing for survivors of breast cancer is rarely discussed or prescribed by physicians. It is an important and valuable tool to help women re-define the breast and re-claim their bodies psychologically. Using humor and laughter to help patients heal from the ravages of breast cancer continues to evolve.

This is due in part to the significant numbers of women being diagnosed with this disease. Individually, a woman's experience with breast cancer is unique. Fear, sadness, and despondency often produce negative outcomes while a humorous outlook can help in the healing process. Positive results are being shown as survivors of breast cancer are being offered humor and laughter as one strategy to address the issues of a "woman's self-image".

Therapeutically speaking, humor is one of the healthiest and most powerful methods available to help cancer patients gain a new perspective on life's most difficult experience. Laughing At & Understanding Good Humor Seminars is an innovative health program designed to assist women through their recuperative and recovery period from breast cancer. Within the context of a mutually understanding, loving, and supportive environment, the women will learn and understand the therapeutic power of humor and laughter.

PROGRAM DESIGN AND CONTENT

Funtroductions: Songs, poems, and laffirmations

Funtastic: What funny thing did you do, see, or were privy to?

Group Purpose: Review purpose of group and group agreements.

Laughing pairs: Every one gets some time to answer a question that has to do with humor, laughter, or comedy. This is important because there may not be enough time for every one to share their funny story in front of the group. Laughing pairs is also good for some participants to get into the groove of things. Some participants may have to be taught the fine art of laughing at the world and all of its problems.

"What's So Funny": Each person gets an equal amount of time to receive the attention of the group and tell their funny, humorous, witty, or silly story.

Laffirmations: Make any announcements, share appreciations and validations; say one thing you learned or enjoyed during the meeting.
L.A.U.G.H.S. Self Help Program is an invitation to explore in depth the key elements of the psychological and physiological benefits of laughter and humor to our emotional and physical well being. It was designed to go beyond the traditional self-help concept and be part of an on-going challenging opportunity for personal growth. LA.U.G.H.S. is most appropriate for people who want to develop their capacity for humor, fun, and laughter.

L.A.U.G.H.S. can be separate workshops or can be incorporated into combination workshops.