Can humour help us heal? | Glenn Maloney | #068 Mastering Change

Can something as simple as laughter help us heal? When we think about therapy, humour is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Yet according to clinical social worker and addiction counsellor Glenn Maloney, it may be one of the most overlooked tools available to us. This week on Mastering Change, Glenn explains that humour is far more than comic relief. He explores its role in therapy, trauma recovery and addiction treatment and argues that far from distracting from difficult emotions, it can help reduce isolation, support nervous system regulation and offer new ways of relating to challenging experiences.  At the heart of the conversation is a simple idea: humour is fundamentally about connection. When used thoughtfully, it can help people feel safer, more understood and more able to engage with challenging experiences. We also explores the complexities of humour. Sometimes it helps us engage with difficult emotions. Sometimes it becomes a way of avoiding them. The skill lies in recognising the difference. We discuss: Why humour is fundamentally about connection How laughter can support nervous system regulation The role of humour in addiction recovery and trauma work When jokes become a form of avoidance The risks of humour used poorly Why therapists may need more training in the basic skills of human connection This is a thoughtful conversation about laughter, connection and why healing is often more human than we imagine. Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive topics related to trauma, mental health and distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/masteringchangepodcastFollow us on instagram: www.instagram.com/masterseventsltdVisit mastersevents.com/oxford-2026 for more details.