About Laughter Therapy

It Looks Like Fun. The Results Are Seriously Transformational.

How it all began in Glasgow in 2008

This week our Bell CEO Craig Bell joined staff from our Newhouse office for a Joyworks! event. We joined together to laugh, connect and learn the importance of laughter. This was a great team-building experience! I would highly recommend and for those who may be hesitant, there was not a yoga mat in sight!

– Angela Cree, Lead Community & Engagement Coordinator

Bells

Many people come to Joyworks! looking for laughter. And they absolutely get it. Because laughter is powerful.

But with Joyworks!, laughter is never the whole experience.

What you may think you are booking

Laughter Yoga, as created by Dr Madan Kataria, is a structured practice.

It is a cardiovascular practise that uses a series of specific laughter exercises, combined with clapping, rhythm and breathwork, designed to stimulate laughter in the body.

In 2010, Sharon was invited to train as a Trainer in Laughter Yoga in India, with the founder, and has trained over 200 Laughter Yoga leaders globally.

So, if that's what you are looking for you are absolutely in the right place!

She went on to spearhead the modern laughter therapy movement in Scotland, bringing this work into corporate, health, community and education settings at a time when it was largely unknown.

Laughter Yoga remains one part of the Joyworks! toolkit – used where it supports the experience – but not always, and held within a broader, more integrated approach – our 360º Joyworks! Method.

What makes Joyworks! different

Joyworks! has always taken a different approach.

From the very beginning, the work has been rooted in theatre, creativity and ancient wisdom.

Laughter is part of it – but it’s woven into something much deeper.

A lot of the laughter comes naturally through creative exercises, interaction and shared belonging experiences.

Our trauma-informed sessions, programmes and events can draw on:

  • Drama and improvisation

  • Specially designed Joyworks games to promote oodles of light bulb moments

  • Creative exercises designed to spark insight and reflection

  • Breathwork and nervous system awareness

  • Group connection and shared experience

The Joyworks! Effect

Hear from other people who have been Joyworks!-ed

Flashback to our life-changing leadership programmes

Louise Wade, Carers Commission

Cara Fullerton, Artist

Our 360º Joyworks! Method

Our 360º Joyworks! Method brings together:

  • Neuroscience & Positive Psychology

  • Trauma-Informed Self-Compassion

  • Eastern Philosophy

  • Creative Expression

This combination is what creates lasting, positive change.

Why joy and laughter create positive change (the science)

Joy is a biological, psychological and organisational performance enhancer. You may already have a really happy team, but creating joy is a great way to accentuate that and bring everyone closer.

Scientific research shows that joy:

  • Boosts problem-solving and creativity

  • Strengthens the immune system

  • Lowers cortisol and stress

  • Improves concentration and memory

  • Activates the brain’s learning centres

  • Enhances teamwork and social connection

  • Reduces burnout and emotional fatigue

  • Leads to higher resilience and better decision-making

Scientific research shows that laughter:

  • Activates the brain’s reward circuitry (dopamine release)

  • Triggers endorphins that regulate mood and reduce pain

  • Suppresses cortisol and adrenaline responses

  • Increases cognitive flexibility and creative thinking

  • Improves executive function under pressure

  • Strengthens social bonds via oxytocin release

  • Enhances immune response and recovery

  • Improves emotional regulation and stress tolerance

It’s something they can take with them – into their work, their relationships and their daily life.

A team trained in creativity and connection

We are so proud of our Team Joy! For its a carefully chosen team of long standing facilitators who are deeply aligned with the work.

Each facilitator is trained in theatre, creativity and group facilitation, with experience across a wide range of people and settings.

This means every session holds the same quality:

  • People feel at ease quickly

  • Connection builds naturally

  • And the work meets people where they are.

Today, Sharon and her team focus on bringing the full 360º Joyworks! Method to organisations, communities and individuals through speaking, facilitation and The Joy Academy. By blending laughter with creativity, self-compassion and evidence-based wellbeing tools, Joyworks! creates experiences that stay with people long after the experience is over.

The Joyworks! Effect

Hear from other people who have been Joyworks!-ed

“I was amazed at the shift in me from my first moments to now. I feel freer, looser and more confident in myself. I'm surprised at how my attitude about everything has changed.”

Kiki Kellai,
NHS

I had the absolute "joy" of taking part in the
"Joy of Pause" workshop at the Scottish Pause Summit last year. I can honestly say the session, combined with Sharon's enthusiasm was one of the best hours I've ever spent.  Fun, laughter and massive energy ensued.
100% recommend!

Mo Caldwell Menopause Consultant

"Active learning was fabulous, highly effective and so much fun. I'd highly recommend Joyworks! because it's a life-changing and invaluable experience that anyone, no matter what age or what background can benefit from. It's an excellent course and I'm privileged to be able to take part and learn from such an inspirational and wonderful teacher."

Eileen Tunney, Manager, Diageo, Ireland