Re-printed with permission
Story: Annette Campbell
Woman’s Day (page 77): October 2004

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In need of a lift, Debra Ferguson, a 46-year-old education consultant from Fitzroy, Vic, found the perfect cure.

How did you hear of laughter therapy?
I was aware of laughter clubs and was fascinated by them. Friends knew someone who was working on an Australian approach to laughter, and I was really keen to try it.

What is laughter therapy and how does it work?
I went through an exercise program called Power Laugh, which works on a couple of levels – physical exercise with a psychological attitude. You learn to practise laughter and look for humour in your life. The first time I tried laughing, it didn’t feel right, then an amazing thing happened. After a few minutes, I started to laugh normally and it felt great. What happens is you start laughing and your body can’t tell that it’s not a real laugh, so it pumps out the endorphins that make us feel happy. Then your laugh becomes real and comfortable. And this is the exciting bit. I have some control over moods because laughing is a tool to help me. If I’m feeling emotionally down, a three- or four-minute laugh will balance me. I’ve found that even smiling with my eyes will have the same effect.

Why did you give it a go?
I thought I needed help coping with business and life, without using pharmaceutical drugs. I heard about this course and thought it would be fun and beneficial in the long term.

Describe what happens in laughter therapy.
It’s really simple and there aren’t any jokes or anything like that involved. It’s like a gentle aerobic workout. I do breathing, smiling and laughing exercises for 20 minutes – I just laugh along with the CD they provide. I can do it anywhere, walking the dog, in the shower, or in the car. You can actually laugh much more easily than you realise! It’s easy once you get the knack. I feel more relaxed and it gives me a positive boost when I need it.

Was it embarrassing?
It felt a little strange. However, I’m the sort of person who gives new things a go.

How did it help?
Most importantly, I now have a strategy on hand to alter my moods for the better. The endorphins laughing releases mean that “dark” emotions I feel at times can be moved into a positive frame.

Are you still practising?
Yes, since the original course I’ve returned for a refresher, which was also terrific.

How much does it cost?
A one-hour Power Laugh class costs $50, including a CD.

How can I find a class?
There are laughter clubs all around Australia (check out the Internet or Yellow Pages). Contact Power Laugh in Melbourne on (03) 8415 1202, or visit www.powerlaugh.com.