“My belief is that we are going to eventually discover that the most dramatic health
benefits of humor are not in laughter, but in the cognitive and emotional management
that humorous experiences provide. The experience of humor relieves emotional
distress and assists in changing negative thinking patterns.”
Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D.

Breaking News

This page is designed to keep you informed about 
current happenings in the field of therapeutic humor.

News Flash: February/March, 2009

The Journal of Nursing Jocularity lives again.  After many years of being dormant the Journal through the energy and efforts of humor colleague Karyn Buxman is up and running.  Dr. Sultanoff will offer a new article on High-Tech/High-Touch Humor in the Journal at www.journalofnursingjocularity.com

News Flash: February/March, 2009

The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor's International conference is coming soon to Las Vegas.  The conference will begin on April Fool's Day and run until Thanksgiving....April Fool's ;)  The conference will run from April 1-4, 2009.

News Flash: February 22, 2009

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in today's issue of the San Diego Union Tribune...

Psychologist Steven M. Sultanoff said it's precisely during hard times when we need comedy most. At first, some bad news is too raw or painful for one-liners. But in time, we gain perspective and can see the humor in almost any situation.

This is a healthy process, said Sultanoff, professor at Pepperdine University and past president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. “When you are making fun of something, it isn't as potent. You make it just one little piece in the whole spectrum of your life.”

The easiest way to chart the national psyche is to tune into nightly monologues by Jay Leno or David Letterman.

“The late-night comedians are really a barometer of what the public is ready to hear,” Sultanoff said.

For the complete article go to:

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/21/1n21funny01417-comedians-finding-hard-times-may-be/?uniontrib

News Flash: January 29, 2009

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in today's issue of the Bedford Sun...

Steven M. Sultanoff, a licensed psychologist and therapeutic humorist, emphasizes how humor influences health, reduces stress and generally makes people feel better. He is president of the Association for Applied Therapeutic Humor and has a Web site -- Humormatters.com.

Sultanoff reports that humor in the workplace also is important. He says it helps us to see the world with perspective and reduces the impact of the stress that's around us. Senior administrators and human relations personnel say humor is a choice attribute of an effective employee. Humor facilitates communication, builds relationships, provides perspective and energizes people.

A few moments of humor can lead to increased productivity. Learning to laugh at ourselves and our work lightens the load. Jokes lighten the seriousness of work and provide us with the opportunity to become more connected to others.

So, start cutting out funny comics and print out those giggle producing jokes your friends forward to your e-mail address. Copy them and share them with your co-workers and others."

For the complete aretile go to: http://www.cleveland.com/bedfordsun/fortherecord/index.ssf?/base/columnist-0/123324188551000.xml&coll=4

News Flash: January, 2009

The long awaited online video continuing education 6-unit, course on "Applying Humor to Psychotherapy" is "in the can" and in the editing phase.  It will be up and running by mid-February. Check back for exact dates.

News Flash: January, 2009

The long awaited online video continuing education 6-unit, course on "Applying Humor to Psychotherapy" is "in the can" and in the editing phase.  It will be up and running by mid-February. Check back for exact dates.

News Flash: January, 2009

Watch for "Ladies and Gentlemen" documentary debuting on Starz Television on January 20th. Dr. Sultanoff is interviewed on humor and cross dressing.  He will appear in his Carmen Miranda outfit :)  Okay, just teasing about that one ;)

News Flash: September, 2008

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in the September issue of Prevention Magazine. "Laughter is indeed the best medicine, says Steven Sultanoff, PhD, a past president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (aath.org). The bottom line: A hearty chuckle feels good..."

News Flash: September 12, 2008

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in the September 12 issue of MyJournalCourier.com 

http://www.myjournalcourier.com/articles/steffen_786_syndication__article.html/particularly_lighten.html 

The article is entitled Workplace Humor Done Right

To get your funny on, follow this advice from Steven Sultanoff, a professor at Pepperdine University and past president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor:

• Teach yourself to look and think outside the box. 
  
• Poke fun at events, not people. 
  
• Look for absurdity and incongruity in situations to develop your sense of humor.

Suppress Your Inner Rickles

One person's joke is another person's insult, so humor in the workplace shouldn't be used indiscriminately. "Always double-check your attempts at humor to make sure they wouldn't generally be considered offensive to most people," counsels Cathy Hart, vice president, human resources and central services for Opus Corp. in Minneapolis. "Mean-spirited humor isn't, in fact, humor at all. It's a passive-aggressive way to take out stress on others."

How do you know? "If you have to say, ‘I was only kidding' or ‘Can't you take a joke?' then you are likely using hostile humor," Sultanoff says. To keep it playful, "use props like foam balls, wind-up toys, humorous signs, etc."

News Flash: September 7, 2008

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in the September 7 issue of NaturalNews.com in an article on humor and attitude.

http://www.naturalnews.com/024092.html

Past president of the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor, Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D. and clinical psychologist in Irvine, California says, “Humor stimulates laughter and we know that physiological stimulation through laughter leads to a number of health benefits by reducing stress and boosting antibodies that fight infection. The research, particularly on heart disease, is dramatic. People who are chronically angry are four to five times more likely to have a heart attack than people who are not.”

News Flash: August, 2008

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted online at http://www.fresnobee.com/170/story/785822.html and in the Fresno Bee (08/08/08). 

While Provost & Pritchard officials and employees say their version of the Olympics is silly fun, workplace expert and clinical psychologist Steve Sultanoff said laughing and letting loose can have positive benefits, especially during tough economic times.

"These kinds of activities help reset people. It replenishes them and helps them become more focused," said Sultanoff of Southern California. "The irony is that when times are stressful, companies tend to eliminate the things that help reduce stress."

News Flash: July, 2008

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted online at http://www.prensalibre.com/pl/2008/julio/08/249282.html

Según el psicólogo Steven M. Sultanoff, antiguo presidente de la Asociación Americana para el Humor Aplicado, la estimulación fisiológica a través de la risa conlleva beneficios para la salud: reduce el estrés, estimula los linfocitos T, que son anticuerpos que combaten las infecciones. También reduce los niveles de cortisol, la hormona del estrés, que puede debilitar la respuesta inmunitaria.

News Flash: July, 2008

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in the July issue of Ladies' Home Journal

News Flash: May/June 2008

The May/June issue of Today's Woman of Orange County features Dr. Sultanoff's article on "12 Tips to Move Your Relationship from Good to Great!"

News Flash: March/April, 2008

The March/April issue of Today's Woman of Orange County features Dr. Sultanoff's work in the field of therapeutic humor. See the article

News Flash: March/April, 2008

Dr. Sultanoff is now a guest columnist in Today's Woman of Orange County and has published an article about why NOT to compromising in couple relationships. His next article in the May/June issue will feature "Tips to Move your Good Relationship to Great!"

News Flash: March, 2008

Dr. Sultanoff was quoted in the Thursday March 20, 2008 Los Angeles Times.  The article was in the "Home" section o the paper and addressed issues associated with people who store "stuff" in their garages.

News Flash: March, 2008

A new Continuing Education Program for mental health professionals will be online beginning  April, 2008.  The program will feature a discussion/presentation of the fundamentals of therapeutic humor along with a PowerPoint slide show and videos.  Check back or email for more details.  The program will provide 6 continuing education units for mental health professionals.

News Flash: March, 2008

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in an article on Laughter and Humor in the "Energy Times" magazine (generally distributed at health food stores).  

This is an excerpt from the article: (The complete article can be viewed at "Energy Times" )

The pathologist’s results support the idea that humor, even without laughter, changes negative emotions such as chronic anger, anxiety and depression. And the research that such “distressing” emotions lead to illness, including heart disease, is well documented, says Steven Sultanoff, PhD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Pepperdine University in Irvine, California.

    “My belief is that we are going to eventually find that the most dramatic health benefit of humor is not in laughter,” Sultanoff says. “It’s actually in the cognitive and emotional management that humor gives. Humor changes negative thinking patterns.”

    Allen Klein, a self-described San Francisco-based “jollytologist, ”says he teaches humor, not laughter, “to show people that no matter what the situation, you can lighten up.” In contrast, advocates of therapy that incorporates laughter without humor believe the role of humor is limited because it is so subjective.

    Humor proponent Sultanoff does not discount the benefits of laughter. “The idea here is that humor stimulates a cognitive shift in perspective, an emotional shift and physical shift,” Sultanoff says, the latter being laughter, which he agrees has been proven to have benefits.

    “It appears serum cortisol, the commonly called stress hormone, is secreted when people are under stress,” Sultanoff says. “Some studies in laughter show a decrease in serum cortisol, but one problem is that there were one or two studies that showed the opposite effect, an increase in serum cortisol.”

News Flash: February, 2008

The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) announces its 2009 Conference to be held at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas Nevada. Details to come.

 

News Flash: January, 2008

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in the January 14 issue of First for Women.  The short clip referenced women being put on the spot by their husbands, teenagers, and friends. 

 

News Flash: January, 2008

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted online at: http://www.thestate.com/technology-wire/story/271162.html  The article focused on gift card scams

 

News Flash: January, 2008

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted online at:  http://www.vindy.com:80/news/2008/jan/20/couple8217s-business-is-a-joke-8212/

 

News Flash: November, 2007

Dr. Sultanoff will be offering a 6-hour continuing education program on "Therapeutic Uses of Humor" at the California State University Bakersfield December 7, 2007.  
Chi Sigma Iota Workshops

 

News Flash: November 26, 2007

Dr. Sultanoff appeared on 
"The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet" discussing the science of laughter.

 

News Flash: March, 2007

Dr. Sultanoff will be offering a free 90 minute workshop on therapeutic humor and psychotherapy at Pepperdine University Irvine Campus. This program is open to the public.  There is no charge but advance reservations are required as space is very limited. 

 

News Flash: March, 2007

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted on page 20 of the March, 2007 issue of Ladies Hone Journal. "...humor offers immense physiological and psychological benefits...it reduces stress hormones, dulls physical pain and promotes social bonding."

 

News Flash: March, 2007

Dr. Sultanoff will be presenting at the National Mensa Conference. He will be discussing the facts and fiction related to therapeutic humor as well as introducing a cutting edge innovative model of therapeutic humor. For more information on the conference go to: conferences

News Flash: February 26, 2007

The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor is featured in today's Los Angeles Times

News Flash: June, 2006

Watch for information about the newly forming Professional Association for Therapeutic Humor, Laughter and Play. The web address will be www.pathlap.org The membership will be open to professionals who use therapeutic humor as part of their professional services.

News Flash: February, 2006

        LA Times Article Features AATH (2/26/07)

News Flash: January, 2006

Association for Applied and Therapeutic will host its annual conference in Austin Texas on February 17-19 at the Capital Marriott.  For information visit www.aath.org.

News Flash: April, 2005

Dr. Sultanoff will be "appearing" on World Talk Radio on the Internet on April 14, 2005 and the interview will be archived for those who want to listen at other times.

News Flash: April, 2005

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in this month's issue of Ladies Home Journal.

News Flash: February, 2005

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in First For Woman available mid-month.

News Flash: February, 2005

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in this month's issue of ePregnanacy Magazine. (February, 2005 issue page 82)

"Ghosts in the Nursery: How to Keep Your Past from Haunting You and Your New Family?"

...Does this mean we're destined to be abusive or ambivalent if that's all we learned from our parents?

Fortunately, no. According to Dr. Steven M. Sultanoff, licensed clinical psychologist and professor at Pepperdine University, CA, "This generation, with its increased level of awareness, has more chance of breaking [unhealthy] cycles than previous generations."

...Even if you manage to control your temper, refusing to forgive can hurt you, your relationship, and eventually your baby. "Holding on to anger and resentment has a negative effect on our health, resulting in anything from susceptibility to colds and flu to increased risk of heart disease," Sultanoff says.

Reliving past wrongs also carries the pattern into the future, stunting your children's emotional potential. "your children see, experience, and feel your lack of forgiveness even if it is not directed at them," Sultanoff says. "By not forgiving your parents, you're teaching your children not to forgive you either--or anyone else."

On the other hand, if you learn to forgive, they'll they'll learn that from you, too. So why is forgiveness so hard? Some people mistakenly believe that it condones the hurtful behavior. For others, it's a power struggle suggests Sultanoff. "It gives them a chance to feel superior." But he says that forgiveness doesn't mean the abuse was okay. It means you've unlocked the real power of letting go so you can move on, no longer enslaved by an unchangeable past.

..."Action frees you from being a victim," Sultanoff says. The key is to pick the actions that are right for you.

News Flash: February, 2005

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in this month's issue of Parents Magazine. (February issue page 135)

"Your Marriage, Only Hotter" tip number 7: Deal with conflicts.

"If (okay, when) your husband flakes out on his chores, how do you react? DO you say something, or roll your eyes and zip your lips? Ignoring the problem may seem easier, but you'll both pay, warns psychologist Steven Sultanoff, Ph.D., a professor at Pepperdine University, in Irvine, California.

If you say nothing, maybe you'll feel like a martyr. But you'll probably also nurse a very unhealthy grudge. 'Before you know it, everything your partner does will make you mad." Dr. Sultanoff says. It's worth it to keep the channels of communication open.

News Flash: January, 2005

"Humor Therapy" an extensive interview with Dr. Sultanoff is in this month's issue of Image Magazine. The full article will be published on this web site in the next few weeks.

News Flash: October 5, 2004

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in an article in today's LA Times in an article entitled "Serial Summit Disorder."  The article explores the psychology of individuals who seek "serial" challenges such as mountain climbing.

'TIME, energy and focus is often its own reward. Accomplishment done to rack up notches on the belt, simply for outside approval, can be self-defeating because focus on the external squelches internal motivation. A person climbing summits because it's their passion will get more out of it than someone who does it to "gain value and worth in the world but isn't that passionate about it," says Steve Sultanoff, a psychologist in Irvine. Climbing for its own sake builds core self-worth. But doing it for acclaim is fleeting, fading with the applause.'

News Flash: September 12, 2004

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in an article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer online "Jokesters find easy punch line with McGreevey." 
Have you heard the one about the governor of New Jersey? Probably.

By Robert Moran

Inquirer Trenton Bureau

"Some experts say the jokes can be funny as long as they aren't mean-spirited."

"Steven M. Sultanoff, a psychologist and past president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, said that if a comedian is otherwise known for being gay-friendly, "then it's seen in a different light."

News Flash: September 1, 2004

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in an article on Fox News online "Growing Group of Comedians Veer Right." 

Wednesday, September 01, 2004

By Catherine Donaldson-Evans

"It's 'in' right now to be pro-U.S.," said psychologist Steven M. Sultanoff, the former president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. "There's been a resurgence of a lot of basic family values. That's become the politically 'in' thing — a return to conservatism."

"Humor is a great way of communicating," Sultanoff said. "In a very simple cartoon, joke or statement, you can say a lot about your position."

Humor is so effective, said Sultanoff, because of its power to unify.

"Humor tends to bind people together," he said. "If you're trying to solidify a group that may be pro-Democrat or pro-Republican, [humor] enhances your influence on the group."

"This conservative humor is going to appeal to a larger number of people or certainly offend fewer than the humor that takes greater risk," Sultanoff said. "But it may not have as great an impact."

News Flash: August 23, 2004

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in an article in the Orlando Sentinel "Laughter and love walk hand in hand. Most researchers and daters seem to agree: A sense of humor can open up to intimacy." 

"And, in turn, it makes you feel good about the person you're with, says Steven M. Sultanoff, the creator of Humormatters .com and a psychologist and marriage counselor."

"Laughter is physiological," he says. "We feel good. Our muscles relax and it reduces tension, so you're out on a date and you enjoy yourself more because it's a pleasurable physiological experience," he says. "People will use humor to feel emotionally uplifted."

He points out that, in personal ads, people rarely, if ever, seek out someone who makes them think, but you frequently see requests for a mate with a "good sense of humor" or "someone who can make me laugh."

News Flash: August 22, 2004

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in an article in the Alameda Times Star "Can we take a real vacation?"  
I can't tell you how many people I've talked to who are dogged by the downtime killers of leisure phobia and productivity paranoia. The need for constant activity comes from "the belief system that I have to perform to be OK," says Steven Sultanoff, a psychologist in Irvine. "I'm supposed to perform, I'm supposed to do. And if I'm not doing, performing, accomplishing some visible task, then I lose my value. People who have that real strongly have a difficult time taking vacations, and some never take a vacation."

News Flash: August 2, 2004

For psychotherapists: Dr. Sultanoff will be offering a "Humor in Psychotherapy" continuing education program (6-hours) in Irvine, California on Friday October 22, 2004.  For more information click here.

News Flash: July 30, 2004

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in an article in the Albany Times Union.  The article "The way to some hearts is through a good joke" is about using humor in healthy relationships. 
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/storyprint.asp?StoryID=271633

News Flash: July 14, 2004

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in "Media Post's Media Daily News" in an article entitled "On The Lighter Side: The Role Of Humor On The Job."
http://www.mediapost.com/dtls_dsp_news.cfm?newsID=259579

"The Budweiser Super Bowl commercial with the Clydesdales playing football. What a wonderful twist on an established brand icon." (Steve Sultanoff, psychologist and past president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor)

News Flash: July, 2004

The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor  will be returning to Florida for its annual international conference.  The Conference will be held February 18-20, 2005at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, in Safety Harbor in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area of Florida.

News Flash: December 15, 2003

The January issue of First for Women hits the news stands.  Dr. Sultanoff is quoted on stress.

News Flash: December 12, 2003

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in today's issue of USA Today.  The quotes in the "Life" section discusses the Lord of the Rings--Return of the King. The article is available on line at: http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2003-12-12-lotr-main_x.htm

News Flash: June, 2003

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in the June issue of Vogue Magazine.  The article "Clean Break" discusses vacations.

News Flash: April/May, 2003

Reminder: 
The World Laughter Tour (WLT) will be holding its first Conference in Orlando on May 29-31
For more information:             http://www.worldlaughtertour.com/symposium

News Flash: April 15, 2003

Dr. Steve Sultanoff "appeared" on National Public Radio (NPR) discussing the therapeutic value of humor.  To listen to the 5-7 minute clip on the Tavis Smiley Show go to:
 http://discover.npr.org/rundowns/segment.jhtml?wfId=1232837

News Flash: February 28-March 2, 2003

The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor is holding its annual conference in Chicago at the Hotel Monaco.  Among the many opportunities for learning and fun will be a private presentation by Chicago's Famous Second City.  For information contact www.aath.org.

News Flash: February, 2003

On February 18, 2003 Steve Sultanoff will be "appearing" on a radio documentary created by the British Broadcasting System (BBC). The audio will be available online on-demand for the week following.  The program examines the potential use of Impov in education.  Such issues as risk taking, humor, creative thinking, and comedy will be discussed.  Go to: www.bbc.co.uk/radio4. The
program is entitled Off the Cuff and is available to be heard on-line from  Feb 18th to 25th.

News Flash: January, 2003

What do Claudia Schiffer, Sarah Michelle Geller, Melanie Griffith, Melissa Joan Hart, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jane Seymour, Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne, and Steven Sultanoff have in common???  If you saw the January 13, 2003 issue of First for Women that all are "collectors" ans are mentioned on pages 106-107.

News Flash: October, 2002   To Order through Amazon click here: 

Play Therapy with Adults (408 pages) edited by Dr. Charles Schaefer and published by Wiley and Sons is pre-released (official release 10/02) including 3 chapters on therapeutic humor:

Integrating Humor into Psychotherapy
           by  Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D.

Humor as a Moderator of Life Stress in Adults
         by Herbert M. Leftcourt, Ph.D.

Therapeutic Humor with the Depressed and Suicidal Elderly.
          by Joseph Richman, Ph.D.

To order call 1-877-762-2974.  Refer to promo code 3-4108 and receive a 15% discount on the publisher's price of $55.

News Flash: August, 2002

Steve Sultanoff is mentioned in AARP's Mature OutlookIssue for September/October 2002. Check out page 18 under the sub-heading "Drop Your Standards." The article entitled "Junk Science" explores garage sales.

News Flash: August, 2002

Steve Sultanoff begins a new full day continuing education program for psychotherapists and other mental health practitioners in the topic of Emotional Intelligence.

News Flash: March 6, 2002

Dr. Barry Sultanoff (no relation to his brother Dr. Steven Sultanoff) will appear on the Discovery Channel on March 6, 2002 at 8:00pm.  Check your local cable company for the channel listing.

News Flash: March, 2002

For all of you mental health therapist types, Dr. Sultanoff is developing a new Continuing Education Program on Emotional Intelligence to be offered as full day programs beginning in July, 2002.  This new program will be added to the Mental Health Supervision Programs and Humor Programs Dr. Sultanoff currently offers.

News Flash: March, 2002

Watch for Dr. Sultanoff's unique perspective on humor in the workplace in his innovative article on High-Tech versus High-Touch Humor in the upcoming issue of the The Humor Connection--The newsletter of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor.

News Flash: March, 2002

Beginning in March, watch (and listen) for Dr. Sultanoff's online interview with Dr. Robert A. Schuller at www.possibilityliving.org

News Flash: February, 2002

Dr. Steven Sultanoff is quoted in the March, 2002 issue of Redbook Magazine which is now on the news stands.

News Flash: February 4, 2002

Dr. Steven Sultanoff is quoted in the Syracuse Post Standard. 

News Flash: February 4, 2002

The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) completes its annual conference just in time for attendees to watch the Super Bowl.  This year's conference held in Baltimore was recognized by the Mayor, City Counsel, and Governor.  The Week of February 1-7 was declared "Humor" week in the State of Maryland.  Next year's conference is tentatively scheduled for Chicago.

News Flash: January 2002

AATH National Conference coming up February 1-3, 2002 in Baltimore, Merry-Land. Go to www.aath.org for details.

News Flash: September 23, 2001

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in several articles addressing the use of humor in the healing of our nation.  For the specific articles click here.

News Flash: September, 2001

The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (formerly The American Association for Therapeutic Humor) is on the move.  The new Address is:

AATH
1951 W. Camelback Rd. #445
Phoenix, AZ 85015
Ph: 602-995-1454
Fax: 602-995-1449

News Flash: August 2001

Dr. Sultanoff announces that Revitalization Therapy with Humor, his therapeutic humor training program offering 6 continuing education units for psychologists, marriage counselors, social workers, nurses, and lawyers will be offered throughout California beginning in the Fall, 2001 and continuing through 2002. 

News Flash: August 2001

Keep your eyes pealed (or is it peeled) for an upcoming issue of Parade Magazine (a Sunday insert in many national newspapers) which will focus on the therapeutic value of laughter.  It should appear in September or October.

News Flash: July 2001

 Dr. Steven Sultanoff is quoted in the British Publication  Bizzarre.

News Flash: July 2001

Dr. Steven Sultanoff is quoted in this month's issue of First for Women  magazine.

News Flash: July 2001

The April Issue of the Journal of General Psychology which is dedicated to the articles on use of humor is now available.  Check your university library for a copy of the issue

News Flash: July 2001

        Dr. Steven Sultanoff is quoted in this month's issue of Shape magazine.

News Flash: June 3, 2001

Dr. Steven Sultanoff is quoted in today's issue of the New York Daily News.

News Flash: June 2, 2001

Dr. Steven Sultanoff is quoted in the July issue of Shape Magazine (see page 70).

News Flash: May, 2001

Dr. Steven Sultanoff is quoted in Weightwatchers.com.

News Flash: April 15, 2001

Steve Sultanoff is quoted in today's The Daily Journal Online in an online article entitled: 
Humor, It is No Laughing Matter

News Flash: April 2001

Dr. Steven M. Sultanoff, Mirthologist Extraordinaire is quoted in the April issue of Marie Clare Magazine and in the May Issue of Shape.

News Flash: April 2001

On April 21 there will be a meeting of anyone interested in forming the San Diego/Southern California Chapter of AATH.  For information contact Steve Sultanoff.

News Flash: April 1, 2001

April Fools Day newspaper article Remember that April is National Humor Month.

News Flash: April 1, 2001

In an unprecedented move President Bush announced today that Daylight Savings Time would be postponed by 2 weeks in order to coincide with Tax filing day and Easter.  Bush reported that coming together of these 3 events would bring unity to the country.  It is reported that hundreds of thousands of clocks will need to be readjusted to the sudden move by the President.  Remember you read this on the internet so it must be true.

News Flash: March, 2001

The Humor Project will be holding its annual Humor and Creativity Conference March 30-April 1, 2001 in Saratoga Springs New York.

News Flash: March, 2001

The March 2001 issue of the Journal of General Psychology is devoted to therapeutic humor.

News Flash: March, 2001

A chapter for the American Association for Therapeutic Humor is forming in San Diego, CA.  To contact Steve Sultanoff for more information click here.

News Flash: March, 2001

Dr. Steven M. Sultanoff will be speaking on Hee hee Healing: The Power and Joy of Humor on March 10, 2001 at the Prostate Cancer survivors monthly Support Group meeting at the San Diego Rehabilitation Institute, 6645 Alvarado Rd, 1st floor Conference Center.  The support group starts at 10 am with Dr. Sultanoff's presentation scheduled from 11:15-12:30. For more information please call Frieda Zipora 619-287-6682.

News Flash: March, 2001

Dr. Steven M. Sultanoff will be quoted in the April issues of Shape, Marie Clare, and Family Life Magazines.

News Flash: February, 2001

There will be a meeting of individuals interesting in forming a Southern California Chapter of the American Association for Therapeutic Humor.  The meeting will be on Saturday, March 10 in San Diego.  To send an email for more information click here.

News Flash: February, 2001

Study Shows Healing Power of Humor
The Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) - Charlie Chaplin beat 1 1/2 hours of weather information in a study of the healing power of humor - no kidding.

The Japanese study found that skin welts shrank in allergy patients who watched Chaplin's comedic classic ``Modern Times,'' but not in patients who watched a video on weather.

``These results suggest that the induction of laughter may play some role in alleviating allergic diseases,'' said Dr. Hajime Kimata of Unitika Central Hospital in Kyoto Prefecture.

 His findings appear in a research letter published in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association.

Kimata was influenced by the author Norman Cousins' 30-year-old research suggesting that laughter and a positive attitude can help reduce pain. Cousins suffered from a life-threatening joint disease and reported that 10 minutes of laughter helped reduce his pain.

Kimata reported on results found after 87 minutes. Twenty-six men and women with allergic skin rashes and allergies to dust mites were given injections of an allergy-producing substance. Their skin welts were measured before and after the videos.

Kimata said exactly how humor might have reduced the welts is not known. But Dr. Margaret Stuber, a professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at UCLA, said his premise ``makes a lot of sense from a scientific standpoint.'' 

She pointed to a growing body of research suggesting that stress undermines the disease-fighting immune system. Easing stress, which laughter can do, might then have a positive effect. 

http://www.jama.ama-assn.org

News Flash: January, 2001

The American Association for Therapeutic Humor national Conference is only a month away.  for registration and information visit: http://www.aath.org

News Flash: December, 2000

Dr. Sultanoff is quoted in the December issue of "Bottom Line--Tomorrow."

News Flash: December, 2000

The Mission Valley Marriott, site of the 2001 AATH Conference is filling fast.  Make your reservations now before the discounted hotel rate is full.

News Flash: November, 2000

A study from researchers at the University of Maryland found that people who have heart disease are less likely to laugh compared to those who do not have heart disease.  This is not a cause and effect, but there appears to be some sort of link between the two.  

As a side note the research on distressing emotion and heart disease clearly indicates that chronic distressing emotions (e.g. anger, anxiety, and depression) increase the risk of heart disease.  Since the experience of humor replaces the experience of emotional distress the above linkage is not surprising.  See Dr. Sultanoff's article on humor and heart disease.

News Flash: October, 2000

AATH publishes its 2001 conference program on line at http://www.aath.org

News Flash: September, 2000

AATH announces that Steve Allen, Sr. will be awarded the Doug Fletcher Award for Excellence in Therapeutic Humor at the national conference on February 3, 2001 in San Diego.  (Unfortunately, Mr. Allen will not be able to accept in person.)

News Flash: September, 2000

Steve Sultanoff will be presenting at HumorCare the International Humor Congress in Basel Switzerland.  The Congress is September 30-October 1. Steve will be offering an opening day key note as well as a second day break-out session.

News Flash: September, 2000

The World Laughter Tour announces a workshop on “How To Create Therapeutic Laughter and Laughter Clubs” to follow the AATH conference on February 4-5, 2001.

News Flash: August, 2000

The American Association for Therapeutic Humor unveils its new therapeutic humor web site

News Flash: June, 2000, AATH has a new address

American Association for Therapeutic Humor
4534 W. Butler Dr.
Glendale, AZ 85302
PO Box 48331
Phoenix, AZ 85075-8331
Ph: 623-934-6068
Fax: 623-934-5902
web site: http://www.aath.org
email: office@aath.org

News Flash: June, 2000

The American Association for Therapeutic Humor announces a new definition of Therapeutic Humor.

News Flash: June, 2000

The American Association for Therapeutic Humor publishes its Call for Presentations for the 2001 Annual conference.

News Flash: June, 2000

The American Association for Therapeutic Humor moves to a new office.  Details to follow.

News Flash: May, 2000

The American Association for Therapeutic Humor publishes its "call for papers" for the February 2001 conference.  The papers are due June 30, 2000

News Flash: May, 2000

The American Association for Therapeutic Humor announces its 2001 National Conference to be held in San Diego, CA at the Mission Valley Marriott February 2-4, 2001.

News Flash: April, 2000

Steve Sultanoff, AATH President, and Patty Wooten, AATH Past President, are both quoted in April 10, 2000 NurseWeek.  To see the article visit: NurseWeek

News Flash: April, 2000

Humor in Psychotherapy Continuing Education Workshops for Mental Health Professionals to be held in Northern California during the Summer 2000.

News Flash: April, 2000

AATH President Steve Sultanoff and AATH Treasurer are quoted in the April Fools edition of the Scranton Times located at http://www.nepanews.com

News Flash: April, 2000

The Humor Project Sponsors "Humor and Creativity Conference" April 14-16, 2000.

News Flash: April, 2000

April is National Humor Month and the first week of April is National Laughter Week

News Flash: February, 2000

Steve Sultanoff, Ph.D., President of the American Association for Therapeutic Humor, will be offering a 4 hour continuing education program on Humor and Psychotherapy at South Miami Hospital, Miami FL on March 25, 2000.

News Flash: February, 2000

Jerry Lewis is featured in the February 7, 2000 issue of New Yorker.

News Flash: January, 2000

Steve Sultanoff, Ph.D., President of the American Association for Therapeutic Humor, is quoted in the February issue of Fitness Magazine.

News Flash: January, 2000

The American Association for Therapeutic Humor announces its national conference January 29-31, 2000 in Nashville, Tennessee.  Jerry Lewis will be receiving the Doug Fletcher Award for Excellence in Therapeutic Humor.  William Fry, MD a pioneering researcher in the field of therapeutic humor will be receiving a lifetime achievement award.  Details to follow.

News Flash:

Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D. President of the American Association for Therapeutic Humor to "Appeared" on WebMD on October 29, 3:00.   A transcript of the chat is available on WebMD

News Flash:

Patch Adams will be making a public appearance at California State University, Long Beach on October 11, 1999.  The program is FREE and open to the public.   The program begins at 7:00pm and will be held in the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.   For information call 562-985-7572.

Coming in early October:

Humor in the Workplace will be airing on Lifetime Television on October 7, 1999.  The program entitled "New Attitudes" will be on at 11:00pm  The program will be repeated on October 8 at 9:30am.  Check your local listings.

Your website host Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D., President of the American Association for Therapeutic Humor will be interviewed on the show.

News Flash: September, 1999:

A new web site on therapeutic humor is on line.  It is exceptional both in content and in presentation.  It is amazing what 3 high school students from around the world can do.  Please visit their site at:
http://library.advanced.org/25500

News Flash: August, 1999:

The Wall Street Journal
8/10/1999 

Work Week: A Special News Report About Life On the Job and Trends Taking Shape There
By Glenn Burkins

NO KIDDING: In a survey of 275 employers, 8% said they discourage humor in the workplace. Another 8% include fun as part of their values or mission statements, and 4% had even hired a humor consultant. Sixty-three percent were neutral about humor, says consulting firm William M. Mercer Inc., New York, which commissioned the survey.

News Flash: July, 1999:

Lifetime television's series "New Attitudes" will air a segment on Humor in The Workplace in October, 1999.

Both USA Today and the Montreal Gazette are scheduled to run articles on humor on Thursday, July 15, 1999.

National Public Radio covered the International Society for Humor Studies conference in Oakland , CA June 28-30. 

The American Association for Therapeutic Humor is coming to Nashville, TN January 28-30.

Humor and Healing Conference is scheduled for October 4-6 in Las Vegas.  Call 800-668-7412 for information.

Patch Adams will be visiting California State University Long Beach in October.  Details to follow.

News Flash: June, 1999:

The Fall schedule of Dr. Steven Sultanoff's workshops on Humor and Healing: Humor Matters in Psychotherapy is now on line.

The International Society for Humor Studies will hold its international conference the last week of June in Oakland California.   See the Workshops and Conferences page of more details.

The "Call for Papers" for the year 2000 AATH Conference is out.  The deadline for proposals is June 24, so if you are interested submit your proposal soon.

This summer's Alaskan Cruise (August 9-16) has been postponed.

News Flash: May, 1999:

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace opens this week.

AATH National Convention is coming to Nashville, Tennessee the last week of January, 2000.  Details to follow.

News Flash: April, 1999:

Steve Sultanoff will be "appearing" on WHYY in Philadelphia on Monday April 5 from 12:00noon-1:00pm.

It is now officially National Humor Month.

AARP Members: The AARP Newsletter has a major article on humor.  AATH's Psychologists Ed Dunkelblau  and Steve Sultanoff are quoted.  Ed also has a colorful picture as well.

News Flash: March 28, 1999:

Steve Sultanoff, Mirthologist is quoted in today's San Francisco Chronicle

News Flash: March, 1999:

Just a reminder:  April is national Humor month.  It of course will begin with the traditional April Fools Day.

News Flash: March, 1999:

This month's issue of the American Psychological Association Newsletter (The Monitor) has a lead article on therapeutic humor.  Several AATH members are quoted including current president Steve Sultanoff and past president Ed Dunkelblau.  To read the article go to http://www.apa.org/monitor/humor.html and access the publications page and then the page for The Monitor.

News Flash: March, 1999:

Steve Sultanoff will be presenting a workshop entitled "Humor Matters in Psychotherapy" at the California Psychological Association Convention in San Diego.  The presentation is at 2:00 on Saturday March 27.

News Flash: March, 1999:

The Alaskan Cruise "Cruising for Credits" has changed dates to August 9-16.  This is a continuing education program for mental health professionals and nurses will be aboard the "Crown Princess" cruise ship.  Attendees can get receive 6 CEU's by participating in 2, 3-hour workshops on "Humor and Healing; Humor Matters in Psychotherapy."   E-mail us for details.

News Flash: January 30, 1999:

Patch Adams announced that he has received a commitment from a foundation to fund his hospital.  It appears that after almost 3 decades his dream will be realized.

News Flash: January 30, 1999:

Steve Sultanoff begins his 2 year term as the President of the American Association for Therapeutic Humor.

News Flash: January, 1999:

Patch Adams will be making a public presentation in Phoenix at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday January 29, 1999 beginning at 7:30pm.  A donation of $20 to support his hospital will be requested.

News Flash: January, 1999:

Humor workshops and trainings for mental health professionals with Dr. Steven Sultanoff are now on line.  Click here to check out the dates and times.

News Flash: January, 1999:

The American Association for Therapeutic Humor (AATH) will hold its national convention in Phoenix January 29-31.   For information click here.   Also, Southwest is currently offering airfares of $198 round trip anywhere in the US.  Make your reservation for the conference soon and save some money.

Patch Adams will be receiving the Doug Fletcher Therapeutic Humor Award and the Saturday night banquet in his honor.

News Flash: December, 1998

Patch Adams the Movie will have a special premiere showing on Tuesday December 22 at 7:30 at the AMC theaters in the city of Orange, CA (Southern CA).  Mega 100 radio station will be covering the activities and clown noses will be distributed.  Steve Sultanoff (clinical Mirthologist and president Elect for the American Association for Therapeutic Humor) will be addressing the audience on the health benefits of humor.   It will open nationwide on Christmas Day.  In four advance test screenings the movie received the highest ratings in Universal Studio History!!!

Patch Adams the Movie will premiere in Washington, D.C. on December 16.  It will open nationwide on Christmas Day.  In four advance test screenings the movie received the highest ratings in Universal Studio History!!!

The AATH conference brochure has been distributed.  The January 29-31, 1999 conference in Phoenix will be filled with the best speakers nationwide and will honor Patch Adams as the first recipient of the Doug Fletcher Therapeutic Humor Award.  Patch will be honored at the Saturday night banquet.

The Lancet(a prestigious English medical journal) reviewed www.humormatters.com in its November 7, 1998 issue.

 

News Flash: November, 1998

Steve Sultanoff's newest article on Humor and Heart Disease is published in this month's issue of the AATH Therapeutic Humor Newsletter.  The article is titled Humor and Wellness--Melding the Present and the Future

Previews for the movie, "Patch Adams," starring Robin Williams have reached the theaters.

 

News Flash: October, 1998

Patch Adams will receive the first annual Doug Fletcher Award at the AATH Conference, January 29-31, 1999.  The awards banquet will take place on Saturday January 31.  The movie, "Patch Adams," starring Robin Williams will be released on Christmas Day, 1998.

 

News Flash: October, 1998

Steve Sultanoff is quoted in this month's issue of Teen Magazine.  The quote is in reference to using humor to manage anger.

 

News Flash: September, 1998

The AATH Conference in January, 1999 will have a preconference program with presentations from the top nurses in humor.   Watch for more details as they become available.

The AATH Conference will also be honoring a special individual with the first Doug Fletcher Memorial Award.  Details to come.

 

News Flash: September 8, 1998

Mark McGuire has eclipsed Roger Maris by hitting his 62nd homerun of the season.  Mark is a real class act and we congratulate him.

 

News Flash: September, 1998

Steve Sultanoff is quoted in this month's issue of Parents Magazine. The article entitled, "The Power of Laughter" discusses the importance of humor in family relationships.

 

News Flash: August, 1998

The American Association for Therapeutic Humor has a new internet domain address. Visit AATH at www.aath.org

 

News Flash: September, 1998

Steve Sultanoff will be presenting Hee Hee Healing; The Power and Joy of Humor on November 14 and 15 at at The Health Show in Orlando.

 

News Flash: July, 1998

Steve Sultanoff will be presenting Hee Hee Healing; The Power and Joy of Humor on August 14 at 2:00 in Austin Texas at The Health Show.

 

News Flash: July, 1998

The Movie "Patch Adams" is scheduled to be released on Christmas Day, 1998. Robin Williams will be playing Patch.

 

News Flash: July, 1998

Program Proposals for the AATH national Convention are due.

 

News Flash: July, 1998

AATH has its own internet domain. Visit AATH at www.aath.org

 

News Flash: February, 1998

Steve Sultanoff's article on integrating holistic medicine into the practice of psychotherapy was just published in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology.

 

News Flash: January 25, 1998

This week is the American Association for Therapeutic Humor National Conference in Washington D.C. The Conference will be held at the Georgetown Westin Hotel on Saturday January 31 and February 1.

 

News Flash: December, 1997

Survival of the Witty-est; Creating resilience Through Humor has just been published in the AATH Therapeutic Humor Newsletter

 

News Flash: September 14, 1997

Techweb has just published an article on humor on the internet. "Internet Business is Built on Laughs"

 

News Flash: September, 1997

The September issue of the APA Monitor (the monthly publication of the American Psychological Association) has a lead article entitled,
"Researchers Harness the Power of Humor." (Front page)

Additional articles: "Laughter May be No Laughing Matter" (page 16); "Why are Knock Knock Jokes So Funny" (page 17); "Researchers Help Unravel the Mechanics of Laughter" (page 17); and "Behavioral Researchers Harness Humor's Power" (page 18) are also included in the issue.

 

News Flash: August, 1997

The Mind/Body Health Newsletter (Vol. VI, No. 1-1997) has an article entitled, "Good Humor, Good Health" (pp. 3-6).

 

News Flash:

A research article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has shown that doctors who communicate with their patients and USE HUMOR are less likely to have law suits filed against them!!

To reach us: