Redefining Wellbeing Through Laughter, Play, and Connection.
Welcome to Laugh Therapy, where we believe that a happier, more connected world starts with a simple smile. Our mission is to move beyond conventional approaches to wellbeing and introduce a transformative methodology rooted in the proven power of humour and play. We help businesses, schools, and communities unlock their full potential by creating a culture of joy and authentic connection.
Our aim is to demonstrate that joy and laughter brings results
Transforming Workplace Culture
We enhance workplace culture through laughter, fostering authentic connections and promoting mental well-being. Discover how our innovative approach can uplift and energise your team.
Building Resilience and Joy
Our mission is to cultivate resilience through humour and play. We believe everyone deserves moments of joy, helping individuals and organisations thrive both personally and professionally.
Our Values Matter
We prioritise inclusion, creativity, and trust in everything we do, ensuring a supportive environment for personal growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact in workplaces everywhere.
Meet Our Founder - Barry Taylor
How Laughter Changed My Life - Turns Out There's A Science To It
Barry Taylor is the founder and CEO of Laugh Therapy, a pioneering organisation dedicated to researching and applying the therapeutic benefits of laughter, humour and play.
His journey is anything but ordinary. After leaving school with just two qualifications and spending six months on the streets and in homeless shelters, In just 7 years, Barry clawed his way back — eventually earning a First Class BA (Hons) in Media and Performance (specialising in Humour and Comedy) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Cambridge. The impact of humour, laughter and play is central to his story and success, and what makes his message so powerful.
Now a certified and accredited Laughter Therapist, Gelotologist, and public speaker, Barry shares his colourful and polemic life story to inspire others — from hardship and trauma, mental health challenges and burnout to academic and professional success.
Barry has over 20 years of experience in education, having worked as a Lead Practitioner, Advanced Skills Teacher and Initial Teacher Trainer. He’s also held some truly ridiculous roles, as diverse as sausage packer (ooh-er!) washing line salesman, glove puppet demonstrator and damaged pork pie separator, and actor.
Through Laugh Therapy, Barry delivers bespoke wellbeing programmes to businesses, schools, healthcare providers and individuals — both live and online, across the UK and internationally. His methodology paints from a broad palette of influences and tools, blending science, playfulness and compassion to help people reduce stress, build resilience, and rediscover joy.
Barry is an Associate Member of the International Society for Humor Studies (ISHS), a member of the Complementary Medical Association (CMA), and the International Alliance of Holistic Therapists (IAHT).
He continues to research, write and teach about the transformative power of laughter, constantly developing his methodology — proving that happiness isn’t just a feeling, it’s a science.
Key Milestones in the Study of Laughter
The Evolution of Gelotology
Laughter is an ancient human behavior, but the scientific study of its benefits is a modern field. Gelotology, from the Greek word ‘gelos’ (laughter), is the scientific study of humour and laughter and its effects on mind and body. Gelotology has evolved significantly over the last century, proving that a little joy can be a powerful therapeutic tool.
July 1905
The Birth of a New Idea:
Sigmund Freud's book, Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious, published in Germany, was one of the first major works to explore the psychological functions of humour and laughter. While many of his theories have since been updated, Freud laid the foundational groundwork for the serious study of humour.
March 1964
Introducing Gelotology:
American psychiatrist William F. Fry, often called the "Father of Gelotology," officially coined the term as the "study of humour and laughter and its effects on the body." His pioneering work in the 1960s and '70s established a scientific basis for the physiological benefits of laughter, including its effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
August 1979
Groundbreaking Memoir:
The publication of Norman Cousins' memoir, Anatomy of an Illness, brought the concept of laughter therapy into the mainstream. Cousins, a journalist who had been diagnosed with a serious illness, claimed he helped manage his pain and improve his health by through humour. His story, though anecdotal, inspired numerous medical studies into the therapeutic potential of laughter.
October 1999
The Antidepressant Effect:
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association explored the impact of laughter on depression. The findings revealed that laughter could significantly improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression in a clinical setting, further solidifying its role as a valid therapeutic intervention. This inspires our creative health work with Comedy-on-Prescription led by Craic Health and Dr Simon Opher MP.
September 2017
Laugh Therapy Was Born:
The concept for Laugh Therapy was born from lived experience, scientific research and professional practice. The idea was to go beyond traditional feigned laughter exercises and create a methodology that uses the scientific principles of happiness, humour, play, and social connection, combined with various therapeutic practices and age-old wisdom from across the globe, to drive real-world results in schools, workplaces, healthcare and communities.
Why Laughter Matters
Laughter is a powerful force that goes far beyond a simple emotional response. It’s a complex physiological and psychological phenomenon with a cascade of proven benefits. When we laugh, our bodies and minds undergo remarkable changes that improve our health, our relationships, and our overall quality of life.
Stress Reduction
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, our natural feel-good chemicals, and suppresses the production of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. A good laugh can quickly reduce tension and leave you feeling more relaxed and calm.
Social Connection
Laughter is a universal language and a powerful tool for social bonding. Shared laughter creates a sense of connection and trust, breaking down barriers and fostering stronger relationships within teams and communities.
Improved Mental State
Laughter is a natural antidote to anxiety and depression. It can help to break cycles of rumination and negativity, providing a new perspective on difficult situations and boosting your mood.
Enhanced Creativity
When we laugh, our brain’s default mode network is disrupted, allowing for new connections and associations to form. This can lead to improved problem-solving skills and a boost in creative thinking.
Physical Health
The physical act of laughing engages various muscle groups, including the diaphragm, abs, and face. It also increases heart rate and blood circulation, providing a light cardiovascular workout.
Increased Resilience
Humour provides a buffer against adversity. Finding humour in tough situations can help groups and individuals develop a sense of perspective and cope more effectively with stress and change.
Our Unique Methodology
Rooted In Research, Scientific Evidence, And Age Old Wisdom.
🎯 Our Philosophy
At Laugh Therapy, we believe in the profound impact of laughter and joy on personal and professional growth. Our evidence-based approach draws from the latest research in wellbeing and incorporates innovative techniques to create transformative experiences.
🧰 Our Methodology
Laugh Therapy is a unique approach that stands apart from traditional laughter exercises. We work from a broad toolbox of techniques, moving beyond simulated laughter to focus on authentic, spontaneous joy.
🧠 Scientific Foundations
🧬 Gelotology
The scientific study of humour and laughter and their effects on the body. We are trained Laughter Therapists who apply this neuro-scientific research to our workshops and training.
🌈 Positive Psychology
We draw on the principles of positive psychology to focus on strengths, resilience, and personal growth, using humour as a key tool for flourishing.
🎭 Improvised Comedy
Our techniques are rooted in the principles of improv—listening, acceptance, and co-creation—which naturally foster trust, teamwork, and communication.
💡 Therapeutic Humour
We use humour as a therapeutic tool to help individuals cope with adversity, reframe negative thoughts, and find a sense of perspective.
😊 The Science of Happiness
Research shows that happiness is often misunderstood. While we chase wealth, status, and possessions, science reveals that connection, purpose, and play are far more effective in boosting long-term wellbeing. We integrate these insights to help individuals and teams focus on what truly matters.
🧸 The Power of Play
Play is essential for learning, creativity, and emotional development. It enhances cognitive function, strengthens social bonds, and improves problem-solving. Our sessions include elements to unlock imagination and foster deeper engagement.
🌍 Cultural Wisdom
Around the world, cultures have long embraced laughter and play as tools for healing and connection. From Japan’s “warai” therapy to the joy rituals of West African communities, we draw inspiration from global practices that celebrate humour as a path to wellbeing.
🛠️ Bespoke Solutions
By blending these disciplines, we create tailored solutions designed to transform work culture, enhance health, and tackle the root causes of stress and burnout.
🚀 What We Offer
We help you unlock a brighter mindset while boosting resilience and engagement through laughter workshops, coaching sessions, and immersive events designed to foster creativity and connection.
Imagine a workplace where positivity thrives, or a community empowered by joy—this is the environment we cultivate.
🌟 Why It Matters
Our unique offering stands out because it’s not just about fun; it’s a pathway to improved mental health and productivity.
Join us to explore how laughter can enrich your life and lead to lasting change. Let’s create a culture where joy is at the centre, driving personal and collective success.
“The session was a wonderful way to reconnect with our inner child and drew out our natural mischievousness. I’ve shared my experience in this session with many others and even wrote an article for the local newspaper.”
Rohini Corfield
Participant,
University of the Third Age
Students who laugh more - earn more."
Ready to Bring Laugh Therapy to Your Organisation?
