Recovery Improv™
Laughter Is the Best Medicine
“Using improv as a recovery tool, we step out of survival mode and into the present moment—where real healing occurs.”
—Elissa Rosenthal, CADC-II, and originator, innovator, pioneer & practitioner of Recovery Improv™
The intention of this group is to shift energy, cultivate presence, and move the body and mind into a more coherent, regulated state.
From a neuroscience and psychophysiology perspective, laughter is not just emotional release, it is a measurable state change. When we laugh, the body releases endorphins, natural pain relievers that elevate mood, and serotonin, which supports emotional balance and well-being. At the same time, stress hormones such as cortisol decrease, signaling safety to the nervous system and allowing the body to relax and reset.
Research shows that regular laughter and play can strengthen the immune system, improve cardiovascular function, increase pain tolerance, and enhance emotional resilience. In this way, laughter truly becomes medicine, not as a metaphor, but as a biological and energetic reality.
Improv naturally pulls attention out of the past and future and anchors it into the now, training the brain to stay present, flexible, and responsive rather than reactive. This shift in state creates new neurological patterns, increases heart-brain coherence, and supports nervous system regulation.
Through play, spontaneity, and connection, this group helps participants rehearse new ways of being, embody elevated emotional states, and practice presence. Over time, these repeated state changes teach the body that safety, joy, and connection are available, supporting healing on both a psychological and physiological level.
Stress Reduction & Mood Enhancement
Laughter alleviates anxiety and depression, boosts happiness by 18%, releases endorphins, reduces stress hormones like cortisol, and relieves pain, proving its mood-enhancing and stress-relieving effects.
Enhanced Resilience & Coping Mechanisms
Laughter reframes difficult situations positively, fostering optimism and resilience. It reduces stress sensitivity by 21%, enhances confidence and self-esteem, and improves adaptability to change, promoting overall well-being.
Improved Social Connections & Relationships
Lives Transformed, Families Healed
“My mission is to empower those on their journey by providing personalized case management and coaching. The lives that have been transformed as a result are a testament to the power of this work—and for that, I am deeply grateful.” —Elissa Rosenthal, CADC-II
Tallulah Willis
“Elissa came into my life at one of my most vulnerable moments and scooped me up with a type of care and love that I have wished for my whole existence. She met me where I was at, I was angry and confused and needing to externalize my fear in a way that was likely not the most comfortable to be around, and still she remained an unyielding safe space. The connection we made during our work together is lifelong and I cannot wait to see what her next chapter holds.”
Dedee Pfeiffer
“I cannot have a podcast that stems from my recovery without inviting on one of the most important people that was so instrumental in my recovery because without her, there would have been no me and then no show. There are no words to describe what my sober coach Elissa gave not only me, but my entire family with regards to support, unconditional love, and pure authentic compassion during the entire 1st year of my recovery and still is giving… welcome to recovery! She is the poster child and I am so blessed to have her in my life…”
Christine Wolf
Mark S. DeRosa
“Working with Elissa is nothing short of transformative. Her unique approach—blending improv, body image, work spirituality and neuroscience—meets clients exactly where they are, then guides them somewhere more unexpected and healing. Clients consistently rave about the insight, laughter, and growth they experience in every session.”