General Information

What is AATH?

The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) is non-profit, member driven, international community of humor and laughter professionals and enthusiasts. Formed in 1987 by Registered Nurse, Alison L. Crane, AATH provides its members the education, cutting-edge resources, and supportive community they need to excel in the practice and promotion of healthy humor.

What is therapeutic humor?

Therapeutic humor is any intervention that promotes health and wellness by stimulating a playful discovery, expression or appreciation of the absurdity or incongruity of life's situations. This intervention may enhance health or be used as a complementary treatment of illness to facilitate healing or coping, whether physical, emotional, cognitive, social or spiritual. Officially adopted by the AATH Board of Directors on June 1, 2000.

Who belongs to AATH?

AATH welcomes anyone who is interested in learning more about the application and benefits of therapeutic humor. Members include scholars, psychologists, counselors, allied healthcare practitioners, nurses, social workers, physicians, funeral directors, business executives, human resource managers, educators, clergy, hospital clowns, speakers, trainers, and many others who incorporate humor in their life and work.

Meet some of our terrific members! 

Why was AATH created?

AATH was created to

• Be a clearinghouse for information on humor and laughter as they relate to well-being.
• Disseminate information about humor and laughter to its members through regular publications and educational opportunities such as the Humor Academy.
• Develop, promote, conduct, and identify the need for research that further investigates the roles humor and laughter play in well-being.
• Encourage, support, and report on innovative programs that incorporate the therapeutic use of humor.
• Function as an interdisciplinary network for its members.
• Provide a caring, supportive, community of humor professionals and enthusiasts.

History

Code of Ethics

Presidential Succession

Annual Conference Locations