Phenomenologizing Humour Amongst Filipino Psychotherapists: A Cultural Lens

ABSTRACT This study investigates the role of humour in the context of psychotherapy from a phenomenological and cultural lens. Previous studies have delved into the benefits and risks of humour in fostering the therapeutic relationship in psychotherapy as well as its impact on achieving therapeutic goals. More specifically, we focused on humour's benefits and costs from the perspective of Filipino psychotherapists. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis as a conceptual and methodological frame, this study explored the lived experiences of Filipino psychotherapists in their use of humour in their practice. Themes of (1) the Distinct Nature of Humour, (2) Language of Comfort, (3) Pagtitimpla (Approximations of Appropriateness), and (4) Instrument for Processing emerged from the lived experiences of Filipino psychotherapists. Despite previous assumptions of humour being spontaneous, its use is more deliberate and thoughtfully considered than previously discussed. Furthermore, the sociocultural inclination of Filipinos towards humour poses significant impacts on how humour is used in Philippine psychotherapy. Additional research may build on examining humour use in therapy specifically anchored in its cultural and contextual nuances.