Laughter has long been recognised as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and emotional tension. The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Laughter Therapy offers participants an in-depth understanding of how laughter can be harnessed as a therapeutic tool to enhance emotional well-being, improve mental health, and promote social connection. This diploma combines theory, science, and practical skills to empower participants to integrate laughter-based techniques into professional and personal settings.
Laughter therapy, also known as humour therapy, is an evidence-informed approach that uses spontaneous or simulated laughter to boost physical and psychological wellness. This diploma is designed to guide participants through the core principles of laughter therapy, including its physiological effects, psychological benefits, and application across a range of healthcare, educational, and community environments.
Spanning 30 guided learning hours, the diploma covers key concepts such as the science of laughter, its role in reducing stress hormones, and how it supports group dynamics, emotional resilience, and immune function. Participants will explore various techniques including laughter yoga, guided group exercises, and improvisational methods.
The course also addresses professional considerations such as ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, and designing inclusive laughter therapy programmes that can be adapted to a wide range of audiences.
The OSHAA Laughter Therapy diploma provides a unique foundation for participants ready to bring joy, connection, and emotional healing into their work and life.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Laughter Therapy
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Laughter Therapy and Its Therapeutic Foundations (3 hours)
- Understand the history and development of laughter therapy as a therapeutic modality
- Explore key principles and theories underlying the practice of therapeutic laughter
- Identify the role of laughter in holistic health and emotional well-being
- Recognise professional contexts where laughter therapy can be effectively applied
The Physiology of Laughter: Impact on the Brain and Body (4 hours)
- Explain the biological processes triggered by laughter in the brain and nervous system
- Understand how laughter influences hormones, immunity, cardiovascular health, and pain perception
- Identify the physiological distinction between spontaneous and simulated laughter
- Discuss the short- and long-term health benefits associated with regular laughter
Psychological Benefits of Laughter in Mental Health Support (6 hours)
- Examine the emotional and cognitive effects of laughter on mood and mental resilience
- Understand the role of laughter in reducing anxiety, depression, and emotional stress
- Explore the relationship between humour, coping mechanisms, and psychological flexibility
- Apply laughter-based interventions to support therapeutic goals in mental health contexts
Techniques and Modalities in Laughter Therapy (4 hours)
- Identify and practise a range of laughter therapy methods including guided, improvised, and interactive techniques
- Understand the structure and flow of laughter therapy sessions
- Evaluate the appropriateness of techniques based on group size, setting, and participant needs
- Incorporate music, movement, and storytelling to enhance therapeutic impact
Laughter Yoga: Methods, Breathing, and Movement Integration (3 hours)
- Learn the core principles and structure of laughter yoga practices
- Demonstrate breathing exercises that support relaxation and laughter engagement
- Combine physical movement with laughter to encourage full-body wellness
- Facilitate inclusive and accessible laughter yoga routines for diverse participants
Facilitating Group Laughter Sessions Safely and Effectively (4 hours)
- Develop facilitation skills to lead laughter therapy sessions confidently and safely
- Manage group dynamics and respond appropriately to individual emotional reactions
- Create a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages participation
- Plan and deliver sessions that are structured, engaging, and ethically sound
Emotional Resilience and Laughter as a Stress Management Tool (3 hours)
- Understand the link between laughter and emotional resilience
- Explore how humour can reframe stress and promote adaptive responses
- Practise techniques that use laughter to shift mindset and support well-being
- Integrate laughter into personal and professional stress-reduction strategies
Applications of Laughter Therapy Across Age Groups and Settings (3 hours)
- Identify how laughter therapy can be adapted for children, older adults, and individuals with additional needs
- Explore the use of laughter in settings such as healthcare, schools, community centres, and workplaces
- Recognise potential barriers and ethical considerations when working with vulnerable groups
- Tailor session content and tone to suit developmental and cultural differences
Course Benefits: OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Laughter Therapy
- Equips participants with practical skills to deliver laughter-based interventions across therapeutic, educational, and community settings
- Enhances understanding of the physiological and psychological effects of laughter on stress reduction, mood enhancement, and emotional balance
- Builds confidence in leading group laughter sessions with safety, sensitivity, and effectiveness
- Promotes personal well-being and emotional resilience through the integration of mindful laughter practices
- Provides tools to support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, social isolation, or burnout using a non-invasive, joyful approach
- Encourages the use of humour and play to foster stronger social bonds and group cohesion
- Offers a recognised qualification to support professional development in health, education, wellness, and care sectors
- Encourages the inclusion of culturally sensitive and ethically sound laughter practices suitable for diverse populations
- Supports participants in designing tailored laughter therapy sessions for various age groups and settings
- Introduces a flexible and uplifting method for promoting holistic health and mental well-being without reliance on medication
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Laughter Therapy is designed for participants who wish to explore the therapeutic use of laughter to enhance emotional, mental, and social well-being. It is particularly suitable for:
- Mental health professionals and counsellors seeking complementary techniques to support emotional regulation
- Healthcare workers, carers, and support staff looking to improve patient morale and reduce stress in clinical environments
- Educators and youth workers aiming to build stronger classroom relationships and promote student well-being
- Coaches, holistic therapists, and wellness practitioners wishing to expand their therapeutic offerings
- Community leaders and volunteers interested in promoting social connection and inclusion
- Individuals who want to improve their own emotional resilience while learning to support others through laughter-based practices
This course is ideal for those working in care, support, or therapeutic roles, as well as participants committed to creating more positive, connected, and joyful environments.
