Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

News Video | Policy | GPs | Hospitals | Medical | Mental Health | Welfare | Search

 

Excavating Joy - Joyologist coming to Christchurch

Excavating Joy - Joyologist coming to Christchurch

The World's First Joyologist Pat Armitstead is coming to Christchurch to Excavate Joy.

Arriving on Friday the 9th December she will be in town till the following Tuesday and is on a mission to use her unbooked time to support Cantabrians find some joy.

A Registered Nurse with 16 years post graduate experience she says:

“We swing between grief and joy most of our lives as we respond to and deal with the life events that ultimately shape us. The trigger for hope as we move through those times that test us, is laughter . ”

Pat is no stranger to grief and loss. Alongside 16 years caring for people moving through trauma, loss and illness, she supported victims of the Granville rail disaster in NSW . She is a cancer survivor, lost her first child, has lost her home and business twice, avoided bankruptcy and repaid her way out of an $80,000 debt in 2 years, had 10 car accidents in 18 months ( none her fault she says!) and suffered an extended bout of depression when her partner of 20 years left.

In her worst moment she experienced an epiphany and she thought “ we have radiology, pathology and haematology…..but no joyology….I am going to be a Joyologist!”

That was in the year 2000. Her vision back then was to have Joyology Departments in every hospital and Departments of Humour Resources in every business. It was Patch Adams, friend and mentor who said “ set yourself a dream so big you can never hope to achieve it …and enjoy the ride!” She began with 2 pilot programs in aged care, with residents becoming accredited as the first NZ Laughter Accredited facility! From there she moved on to develop many programs including her Stress, Humour and Health course at Auckland University, now in its 7th year. She ran for 3 years the Humour in Business Awards and addressed Australias first Humour, Engagement and Wellbing Conference at Armidale University.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Pat has a unique way of bringing joy to any situation. For example ….she prescribes ANTIZAC…instead of or as an adjunct to Prozac which is a unique combination of Amuse. Nthuse, Trust, Intuition, Zeal, Attitude and Creativity!

She has a Humour Kit as well to share and it even carries its own branding WARNING - The Surgeon General advises that information in this kit could be beneficial to your health and sense of well being. Please use the information only as directed and see your Doctor if you are not amused!”

Pat would love to be connected to anybody who would like some time to explore transforming their lives , building resilience and finding joy and hope ….irrespective of current circumstances. She will be available by appointment on the days she is not presenting to clients.

www.joyology.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.