Although humor is a key element of all social interactions and is frequently present in the psychotherapy process, rarely do therapists consciously and purposely use humor with therapeutic intent. Each theoretical orientation helps clients change emotions, behaviors, and/or cognitions. Humorous interventions can activate change in each of these central areas of human experience.A key unanswered question is how therapeutic humor is generated. This question has been virtually ignored. Unless people specify the elements that facilitate the creation of therapeutic humor, they cannot train practitioners to be therapeutic in their use of humor. Using Carl Rogers' (1957) "necessary and sufficient conditions" as a central theme, this article addresses the nature of the practitioner that is necessary for therapeutic humor to be communicated to the client. It further describes the qualities of the client/ receiver of the humor that are necessary for therapeutic humor to be experienced, and, finally, it specifies the nature of the interactive relationship that influences the potential for humor to be therapeutic. It is the interaction of the skills and qualities of the therapist, the qualities of the client, and the nature of the bond of the relationship between them that accounts for the client's experience of therapeutic humor.

The authors compared a skill‐based training method (Carkhuff's human relations development model) with a conceptual‐based training method by measuring (a) trainees' skill application in actual client interviews and (b) client outcomes. Participants were 14 male and 34 female master's degree trainees. Counseling skills were measured by rating segments of audiotaped sessions with field placement clients. Interrater reliabilities of .94 and above were achieved. A self‐report instrument measured client outcome. Although the groups did not differ in responding skills at pretest, the skill‐based group exhibited greater skill application in client interviews and superior client outcome ratings at posttest. Results support the use of skill‐based training methods to increase trainees' skill application in applied settings.

This article encourages psychologists to consider a holistic approach to health and Wellness as part of the treatment equation for clients. The fundamental therapy goals of feeling better and acting differently will be addressed within the context of an interactive, holistic model illustrating how our interactions create change in our clients' physical (including biochemical and behavioral), mental, emotional, and/or spiritual states. While psychologists can provide a broad perspective by integrating multiple psychotherapies, a holistic approach encourages an integration of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the human condition. Then we can also serve as treatment coordinators, to assist clients to locate complimentary health practitioners who can provide interventions outside our areas of expertise. Alternative modalities and resources for alternative approaches are presented as valuable sources that can assist psychologists to integrate a holistic approach into their practices.