Psychotherapy of the Absurd: With a Special Emphasis on the Psychotherapy of Aggression

An argument is presented for the use of psychotherapy of the absurd to resolve aggressive behavior in family interaction. The method described advocates using tongue-in-cheek humor or an exaggeration of the situation that leaves an aggressive patient off-balance & amenable to more open family interaction. Positive feedback to the point of absurdity is demonstrated through several examples. Psychotherapy of the absurd can break old patterns of thought & behavior & expand the patient's capacity to tolerate anxiety & stress. S. Coler.