This research paper uses a historical-documentary research approach to link literature and theories to explore the undeveloped topic of humour and its effect on the therapeutic alliance in art therapy with an adolescent population. In order to do so, this paper will analyze existing literature and data from various fields of social sciences to examine the pros and cons of humour from a therapeutic perspective, and the impact of using humour with the adolescent client in therapy. The role of the therapeutic alliance and how it affects adolescents in therapy is explored. A brief overview of adolescent psychology and the role art therapy can play with adolescents is given. This paper will also explore how humour can be incorporated into art therapy practice, and give suggestions for possible interventions.

Keywords: humour, therapeutic alliance, adolescents, art therapy