SteveWilson, psychologist and founder of the World Laughter Tour, has announced a 2-day Certified Laughter Leader training, Thursday and Friday, February 25-26, 2010, at the First Congregational Church of Palm City
560 SW 34th St., Palm City, FL 34990.


The workshop, "How to Create Therapeutic Laughter and Laughter Clubs," begins at 9:00 a.m. each day. Pre-registration is required.

The 2-day course of study has already trained 5,000 people in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to lead friends, neighbors, students, employees, patients and others in a series of systematic activities that will bring them the remarkable benefits of laughter such as reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, alleviating pain, improving immune function, and living a healthy, balanced life.

Dawn O'Hearn, Admnistrator of the First Congregational Church of Palm City, said, "we are excited to be hosting this unique workshop that teaches how to create programs for use in business, healthcare, education, and more."

 

When it comes to relieving stress, more giggles and guffaws are just what the doctor ordered.

According to the Mayo Clinic, mirthful laughter has been shown to be highly effective as a natural stress reliever, pain-reducer and mood elevator, with important immune system and cardiovascular benefits. Applications in Senior Services, employee wellness, and with school children have proven to be very popular.

 

             

The Instructor will be Steve Wilson, Psychologist and Founder of World Laughter Tour, Inc.. Wilson said, "This is my favorite workshop! I expect the class to enjoy the training and then bring the joy and power of laughter and mirth to schools, hospitals, businesses, and healthcare support groups in the community. We need this now, more than ever."

 

Author & professional speaker, Wilson has been the recipient of much distinguished recognition, including the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. He brings sky-high enthusiasm to every class, as well as a keen sense of humor that makes learning more fun.

 

 

The World Laughter Tour was launched by Wilson in July of 1998 with the slogan "Think Globally, Laugh Locally." The organization's mission is to lead the world to health, happiness and peace through laughter. "Especially during difficult times," according to Wilson, "we need to maintain our sense of humor and give ourselves permission for healthy laughter."  

 

The workshop weaves theories and practices into multi-generational, multi-cultural health and happiness related programs. It provides methods of communicating that are uplifting, simple and powerful for individuals, organizations, and the community. "We have an amazing 6-step program," he said, "to prevent hardening of the attitudes."

O'Hearn explained that, "Those who should attend include nurses, counselors, social workers, teachers, human resource personnel, chaplains, caring clowns, activity & recreation therapists; anyone who appreciates laughter and wants to help others enjoy life more by laughing stress away."

 

The two-day workshop covers theories, a knowledge base, and skills for organizing "Laughter Clubs" and other programs. "You don't have to be a clown or even be able to tell jokes" Wilson said. "If you are mature, responsible and cheerful, you can be successful as a Certified Laughter Leader,"