Using Humor as a Tool in OCD and Anxiety Treatment!
Living with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) or anxiety can feel overwhelming. Intrusive thoughts, constant worry, and the feeling of being “stuck in your head” can take away joy and peace of mind. While therapy methods like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are the gold standard for treating OCD and anxiety, there’s another tool that often gets overlooked: humor.
At Clear Light Therapy in Bergen County, NJ, we specialize in treating OCD and anxiety both in person and virtually across New Jersey—and we’ve seen firsthand how laughter can make therapy more approachable and effective.
Why Humor Helps in OCD and Anxiety Therapy
Breaking the Cycle of Fear
OCD and anxiety thrive on fear and seriousness. By introducing humor, clients learn to see intrusive thoughts in a lighter way, reducing their power. A funny reframe—like imagining your OCD voice as a pushy game show host or an over-the-top movie villain—can help create distance between you and your thoughts.Normalizing the Experience
Many people with OCD or anxiety feel isolated, ashamed, or “different.” Laughing about the shared quirks of the anxious brain reminds us that we’re not alone. Humor fosters connection in therapy and makes the process less intimidating.Supporting Exposure Work
ERP therapy often feels scary at first. Adding humor—like exaggerating a feared scenario into something cartoonish—can help clients approach exposures with more willingness. Instead of avoiding the discomfort, humor allows space for courage and flexibility.Reducing Perfectionism
Anxiety and OCD often push people to take themselves very seriously, striving for control and perfection. Humor reminds us that being human means being imperfect—and that’s not just okay, it’s normal.
Examples of Humor in OCD & Anxiety Treatment
The Silly Nickname Technique: Giving your OCD a goofy name (like “Mr. Bossypants” or “The Worry Monster”) helps separate your identity from the disorder.
Cartoon Reframes: Imagining your anxious thoughts being delivered by a cartoon character or in a ridiculous voice.
Over-the-Top Scenarios: Taking an intrusive thought and exaggerating it until it’s obviously absurd—this helps reduce its emotional grip.
Laughing Together in Therapy: Sharing a funny moment with your therapist builds trust and makes difficult work feel more manageable.
Therapy That’s Professional and Human!!
At Clear Light Therapy, we believe therapy doesn’t have to feel cold or clinical. Humor brings warmth and humanity into sessions, helping clients feel safe enough to face their hardest fears. Whether you’re struggling with OCD, panic attacks, health anxiety, social anxiety, or generalized anxiety, laughter can be part of the healing process!
Serving Bergen County & All of New Jersey
We offer in-person therapy in Bergen County, NJ and virtual therapy throughout New Jersey. Whether you’re nearby or across the state, you can access specialized care for OCD and anxiety without leaving your home.
Ready to Find Relief from OCD and Anxiety?
If you’re looking for therapy that combines evidence-based treatment (ERP, ACT, CBT) with a compassionate and even humorous approach, we’d love to help.
✨ Contact Clear Light Therapy in Bergen County, NJ, or book a virtual session anywhere in New Jersey today.
