Healing Through Comedy

I wanted to write an article about the book I recently published called: “Comedy By We Love Us”. I actually miss the writing process because it was a collaborative effort with me and the three other comedians I worked with. I learned that 40 years later we were still doing our act. Plus, my best friend in high school was editing the book and it was fun to keep her laughing in the process.

I think what stood out about this book was how it became less about the comedy and more about my own personal transformation. In this time period, I went from living on the street to getting my life stable, all through friendship and comedy. Forty years later, I am the clinical director of Basic Steps Mental Health and have treated over 8,000 people and counting and it is this foundation that continues to guide my life.

You would think that somebody that has been treating others for 26 years would be emotionally stable and without any issues by now, but to be honest I’ve gone through a lot, as most of us have, and there are still learning and growth opportunities for me and I embrace that. Let’s face it, people in my profession are screwed up and are trying to make sense out of their life. I remember asking one of my teachers in graduate school how long it takes to ultimately heal and he told me: “Earth is like a school and life is the curriculum. You’ll be finished when you graduate.” I hoped he meant from the university, but obviously not.

“Comedy by We Love Us” started out as a book to only show how funny the comedy group was – and trust me, we were in stiches half the time – but it began to morph into a book that chronicled my first steps towards healing the demons of my past. I think this blend makes the book not only an interesting read, but something that is more human in its scope. In this period, comedy was the furthest thing from my mind. I was just looking for my next meal and a place to stay, being a drug addict and having depression. I hit rock bottom, reached out to a friend, stopped using drugs, and a week later found myself doing some comedy recordings with a few friends. Who knew this would lead to my performing live at some of the top venues in Hollywood?

I personally believe that it was love and laughter that changed my life. It was as if the horrible issues of my past couldn’t lay dormant anymore as my mood began to improve and I was literally forced to deal with subconscious issues as they streamed out. Laughter is the best medicine isn’t so far from the truth. Though, it was the love of the people that cared about me that did the real trick – though I had to do my part as well.

I hope you will read about my journey and all our antics as we climbed to the top of the musical comedy scene. We didn’t realize we were trend setters at the time, but our brand of entertaining people was definitely original. What was fun in writing this book was how I presented our bits. I didn’t want to repeat the information throughout the book, so I kept exposing the material more and more, but in the last chapter I let it loose and presented an entire show. My hair stands on end each time I read it! This last show will never be forgotten because we played to a sold out crowd of 800 screaming fans. I mean we were almost carried off the stage on everyone’s shoulders! Contrast this to back where I began on the street and praying to God for a new chance on life. Well, obviously that prayer was answered in an amazing way.

As for the treatment I provide, you can probably imagine I don’t take the regular path because I never have. I used comedy, for heaven sake to heal myself, so why change things so drastically? Oh sure, I am expert in all the great psychological approaches and use them all, but the real approach that I believe helps the most is through love and laughter. Who said treatment has to be all hard work?

I think that’s what I liked about the graduate school I attended – the University of Santa Monica. One of our teachers would crack jokes here and there and keep the lessons light. So, I’ve incorporated this into my own setting as well. Though it needs to be timed properly, there are times when something serious is surfacing and must be dealt with appropriately.

Comedy in treatment takes timing. Oh, I’ve been around the treatment block a few times and can see when people would rather play then deal with their issues. The comedy I am talking about is addressing an issue by having fun with the younger part of us that went through a difficult experience. That younger part needs to be asked what he or she wants and if they want to have fun, then it’s alright to do so.

I like working a bit out of the box because I have seen such amazing results. Let me ask you something: Would you rather work with somebody who adores you or someone who is really strict and holds you to the task? I am definitely the first type, though will stand firm when appropriate, but that is not my usual, that’s for sure. I believe we are hard enough on ourselves so why should I pile on? Plus, don’t people want to feel good anyway?

I always tell people that you can’t find the light through the dark. All your negativity and self punishment isn’t going to help you feel better. Learning how to love and forgive yourself is the key ingredients to improved emotional wellbeing.

Want to have some fun? Try this:

Stand in front of a mirror and smile at yourself. Just notice how you feel. Come on, force your face into a smile.

If you are feeling better, it is because of muscle memory. When the face forms a smile, the emotions kick in believing it is time to be happy. Yep, I sure learned a lot of silly things in school and in the personal growth seminars I was addicted to in the 1980s.

Anyway, in a nut shell, I have become transparent in my latest book “Comedy by We Love Us” by Dr. Scott Alpert. My mother just finished reading it and told me it was great so since it was mom tested, I am sure you’ll like it too. If you feel you are at that spot that I was at so long ago in Hollywood, give us a call. I can relate and since I have been there and worked things out, I could be of great help if you are open to it.    

Compassionate Care is Always Available

There are many more tools and strategies you can use in your pursuit of happiness. Here is where we come in. Contact us at Basic Steps Mental Health and let us support and educate you on this journey back to your loving heart center. Imagine living a heart-centered life, regardless of what is happening externally. We’d love to be of help.

For 25 years, Dr. Scott Alpert, the clinical director of Basic Steps Mental Health, has treated over 7,000 people with mental health and addiction problems, using a Psychological approach that mixes and matches ten of the top approaches used in the industry.  We are here virtually and in-person to help you get through this COVID-19 pandemic and many other difficulties you may be experiencing.

May you have good mental health.