As the language of the unconscious, humor provides an important means to “get even” with the patient, i.e., to be at the same level with the patient. The author discusses Freud's ambivalence to the use of humor as well as his economic theory of releasing impulses and relaxing defenses. Freud's later characterization of the superego as a benevolent, rather than harsh, agent provides clinical cues for the use of humor that relate to Spotnitz's clinical approach. Spotnitz's varied joining and mirroring techniques are seen as being with the patient on many levels in a humorous manner that illustrate how unconscious forces can be constructively integrated and released.