Comedic Improv Therapy for the Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder

ABSTRACT

Comedic improv therapy, a group therapy model inspired by the practice of improv comedy, provides a novel treatment for social anxiety disorder by harnessing the following therapeutic elements: (a) group cohesiveness, (b) play, (c) exposure, and (d) humor. This article outlines the theoretical basis for this creative treatment and discusses important considerations for the practical application of this mode of therapy, such as the combination of comedic improv therapy with other modes of therapy. Lastly, this article describes an existing clinical program called Improv for Anxiety that integrates comedic improv therapy with group cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of social anxiety disorder.

KEYWORDS:

• Comedic improv therapy
• creative arts
• creativity in counseling
• expressive arts
• group counseling
• group therapy
• improv comedy
• play therapy
• psychodrama
• social anxiety disorder

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alison Phillips Sheesley

Alison Phillips Sheesley is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Applied Psychology and Counselor Education at the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.

Mark Pfeffer

Mark Pfeffer is a Psychotherapist and Director of the Panic/Anxiety/Recovery Center (PARC), Chicago, Illinois. He is a Consultant for Educational Services and the co-founder of the Improv for Anxiety Program at The Second City Training Center, Chicago, Illinois.

Becca Barish

Becca Barish is Head of The Wellness Program at The Second City Training Center, Chicago, Illinois.