Therapy is often imagined as a serious and introspective journey, but for Pacific communities, healing sometimes begins with a shared laugh. Humour is more than just a feel-good tool; it’s a cultural bridge, a trust-builder, and an integral part of how Pacific psychologists connect with their clients.
This insight was at the heart of a 2022 podcast hosted by Dr. Siautu Alefaio-Tugia, a leading voice in Pacific psychology and founder of NIUPATCH. In the discussion, Dr. Tai Faaleava and Manumalo (Malo) Muasau shared their experiences as Pacific men in the field of psychology in the U.S., exploring how humour plays a transformative role in therapy.
Let’s explore how humour creates trust, redefines Western models of therapy, and connects Pacific clients to the healing process in ways that resonate deeply with their cultural values.
Creating Trust and Breaking Down Barriers
Humour , in the hands of a skilled therapist, can be a powerful tool to build trust. Dr. Faaleava, a Samoan psychologist working in U.S. prisons, described how humour often precedes emotional breakthroughs.
“I’ve had clients where we spent six sessions just telling jokes,” he shared, “and then in the seventh session, everything pours out.”
In environments like prisons, where vulnerability is often perceived as a weakness, humour provides a safe way to connect. Jokes soften defenses, allowing clients to let their guard down gradually. This creates a foundation of trust, making it easier to navigate the deeper, more challenging aspects of therapy.
But it’s not just about cracking jokes for laughs. For Pacific therapists, humour reflects the essence of fa’aaloalo (respect) and va fealoa’i (relationships). It’s a way of saying, “I see you, I respect you, and I’m here with you.”
Redefining Therapy for Pacific Communities
Traditional Western therapy models often emphasize structured, individualistic approaches. For Pacific psychologists, these frameworks can feel misaligned with the communal and relational nature of Pacific cultures.
Dr. Faaleava noted that humour helps reframe therapy to suit Pacific clients’ needs. “Therapy is what the individual identifies as therapy,” he explained.
This adaptability is crucial. Humour allows Pacific therapists to meet clients where they are, even if that means spending several sessions building rapport before tackling the heart of their struggles. By incorporating humour, therapists challenge the rigidity of Western models, reshaping them into something that feels more organic, culturally appropriate, and meaningful.
Dr. Muasau echoed this sentiment, noting that humour often acts as a “cultural way of building connection.” For Pacific clients, this connection is vital—it acknowledges their cultural context and makes therapy feel less like a foreign concept and more like a conversation with someone who truly understands them.
Connecting Through Humour
In Pacific communities, humour is an everyday way of maintaining humility, respect, and relational ties. It’s a survival tool that’s been passed down through generations.
For Dr. Muasau, humour is also a way to connect with young Pacific men who are often navigating complex identity issues. “Many Pacific men tie their worth to roles like being athletes or breadwinners,” he said. Humour helps them open up and explore parts of themselves beyond those traditional expectations.
This cultural nuance is what makes humour such an effective tool in therapy for Pacific clients. It meets them where they are, using shared jokes and lighthearted moments to navigate serious conversations. For clients, this can make therapy feel less like a clinical encounter and more like a safe, familiar space where healing can begin.
A New Frame for Psychology
The stories shared by Dr. Faaleava and Dr. Muasau in the podcast highlight a larger truth: Pacific psychology isn’t just about treating clients; it’s about honoring culture. By embracing humour, Pacific therapists are redefining what therapy looks like for their communities.
Humour fosters trust, softens barriers, and builds connections. It’s a reminder that therapy isn’t static—it’s as fluid and adaptable as the communities it serves. For Pacific people, laughter isn’t just medicine for the soul—it’s a pathway to deeper understanding and healing.
As Dr. Faaleava so poignantly put it, “Humour looks different in therapy, but it works.”
For those considering a career in psychology, the message is clear: Pacific communities need therapists who understand the cultural weight of humour and its role in fostering meaningful change.
So, if you’re thinking about entering the field, don’t underestimate the power of a good laugh—it might just be the thing that helps someone finally open up and begin their healing journey.
What’s your take on the role of humour in therapy?
