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  1. Home
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  3. Vernard Hines
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Vernard Hines

CPRS
Owner/Performer/Speaker
The Laugh Therapist LLC
Country or state 
United States (Virginia)
Available to 
North America
City 
Chesapeake Va.
Fee 
Ask for pricing
Languages 
English
Volunteer
Yes
Timezone 
America/New_York

Personal Details

Bio

Before my comedy career, I served over 20 years, 7 months, and 4 days in the U.S. Army, as a Sergeant First Class. Upon retiring, I faced the challenges of PTSD, but now I'm on a mission to destigmatize seeking help for mental health through motivational speaking, mental health awareness, and laughter.

Current position (1)

Owner/Performer/Speaker

The Laugh Therapist LLC

Achievements (2)
U.S. Army Retired
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Degrees (1)
Biblical Studies
MGST
2002 to 2005

Presentations

Presentations (2)
Laugh Therapy

This is where I provide therapeutic humor about everyday life. This is usually done at the end of a mental health talk to center the participates and have them leaving on a high note. Mental Health talks can be heavy.

My Story P.T.S.D. Processing Traumatic Situations Differently

This is where I will give a motivational and therapeutic speech on how I overcame my thoughts of suicide and how I live with my PTSD. I also speak about the effects it had on me and my family by refusing to seek help.

Workshops (1)
The Benefits of Laughter
1 hour
(View workshop agenda)

Do you know why we laugh and what effect laughter has on the mind and body? Well, this is where I come in and show people the benefits of laugher.

Past talks (4)
Laugh Therapy with The Laugh Therapist
Specialty Dockets, Mental Health, Medication Assisted Treatment, Substance Use and Peer Recovery Symposium
Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront – 100 East Constance Rd, Suffolk, Virginia
October 12, 2023
Mental Health Awareness
My Cause My Cleats
Carolina Panthers Training Facility
October 17, 2023
Facing The Fight - Against Suicide
Military Influencer Conference
THE HILTON RESORTS WORLD IN LAS VEGAS
November 8, 2023
Finding America's Funniest Veterans and Military Spouses!
Operation HEAL*arious
THE HILTON RESORTS WORLD IN LAS VEGAS
November 9, 2023
  • All (10)
  • Videos (3)
  • Photos (6)
  • One sheet (1)
The Laugh Therapist "Making A Mark"
Mix Mornings on MixTV.tv 10-24-24
Interview with PT Bratton
USAA we face the fight campaign
USAA we face the fight campaign
Interview for Face the Fight Campaign
Interview for Face the Fight Campaign
Laugh Therapy with Senator Bobby Scott
Laugh Therapy with Senator Bobby Scott
Helping a Veteran
Helping a Veteran
Speaking
Speaking
Speaking on reducing the S.T.I.G.M.A.
Speaking on reducing the S.T.I.G.M.A.
This speaker hasn't uploaded any slides yet.
This speaker hasn't uploaded any press information yet.

Books & Articles (5)

Laughter is the best therapy
The Laugh Therapist” and Veteran Vernard Hines Helps Others Heal With a Higher Purpose
MAKING A MARK: Veteran encourages laughter as mental health therapy
Meet Vernard Hines
This is my brave

Expertise (11)

Health & Well-being
Entertainment & Art
Stand-up Comedy mental health awareness Military Veterans Trauma in Military Personnel Laughter Wellness for Employee Well Being Laughter Wellness Power of Laughter Living with PTSD Thriving with PTSD

Clients

USAA-WeFaceTheFight
Safe Harbor Tactical Recovery
Farley Center Williamsburg Va.
Weber Shandwick
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Awards & certifications (2)

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
State of Virginia
2019
Continuing Professional Development Certificate
The Centre of Excellence
2023

Reviews

Testimonials (4)
  • "Vernard aka The Laugh Therapist lights up a room just by being in it but when he speaks you cannot help be captured. His passion for reaching other veterans and those processing trauma to help them learn to laugh again is praiseworthy. He speaks truth over the human-ness of grief processing!" "I got to hear Vernard <The Laugh Therapist> speak at an Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention and his compassion and connection with the audience was restoring! He managed to connect with hundreds of healing people while reminding them that it is still OKAY to laugh. I would travel just to hear him speak again!" "I have never met a speaker who could capture an entire audience and then be willing to go out and meet the listeners to speak truth and positivity over them. Vernard is a gem and a blessing to host. I highly recommend him for any event and trust that he will move whoever hears him speak."
    Jenny Swinson
    Suffolk Out of the Darkness Walk Co-Chair
    www.afsp.org/suffolk
    Suffolk Out of Darkness Walk
    19/10/2024
  • My company's veterans' employee resource group recently had the pleasure of hearing Vernard "The Laugh Therapist" Hines speak about his military experience, PTSD and removing the stigma of seeking help. Vernard has truly been blessed with a gift. Upon meeting him, we all felt an instant connection and that connection that he makes with others is what makes him so effective at what he does. I would highly recommend businesses, church groups, veterans' groups or anyone that just wants to hear a great speaker and have some laughs reach out to Vernard "The Laugh Therapist" Hines.
    Karla Walker
    Wacker VetNet Veterans Employee Resource Group Regional Leader
    Wacker Chemical Corporation
    24/10/2024
    Verified
  • I first saw Vernard The Laugh Therapist in Spring 2024 at a Clean Comedy event, and was very impressed with his hilarious routine. At Helping Up Mission (HUM) in Baltimore, MD, I was asked to help find a comedian for a Thanksgiving Event hosted by former Baltimore Raven Bart Scott. Being the 19th consecutive year, Bart wanted to bring something special for the residents and guests at HUM. I remembered Vernard and KNEW he'd bring a funny and appropriate (clean) show for our audience of men in recovery from addiction/alcoholism. Simply, Vernard brought the house down with his self-deprecating humor and relevant topics. More importantly, Vernard shared from his personal story of an American soldier facing PTSD from deployments to combat zones. He understood how to address trauma in a safe, encouraging way, while inspiring the men to "NEVER GIVE UP! People love you, care for you, and need you!" Unhesitatingly, I recommend Vernard for ANY event, conference, seminar, or celebration! Thank you, Vernard for bringing your gift to Helping Up Mission!! (And he's not even paying me to write this-LOL!)
    Kristopher A Sharrar, CFRE
    Verified
  • Mr. Vernard 'The Laugh Therapist' Hines did an absolutely wonderful job speaking at our Staff Development Day. He connected with our staff immediately and kept folks laughing the whole time. Everyone said this was our best event yet! Totally recommend!
    C Little
    Verified
Recommendations
5 Audience
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Why choose me? 

I use therapeutic humor to help people find resilience by destigmatizing seeking help.

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