Taylor Glenn: Reverse Psycomedy

First of all, tell us about the show.

It’s a frank and honest tale of what it was like to be a psychotherapist both sides of the pond, how I ended up in that profession, and why ultimately I chose to become a comedian instead. It covers everything from nationality to sex and death – everything you’d expect from a psychotherapist I guess.

Having a sense of humour seems a dangerous thing for a psychotherapist. Have you ever burst out laughing at a patient?

I think humour is essential to surviving anything stressful. Laughing at a patient is of course a no-no, but it did happen once. A patient of mine had walked in for her session, smiled at me, and then nervously sat down about two feet away from her chair, falling on her backside. Luckily, she laughed first otherwise I’m not sure I could have kept it together. I’m a sucker for physical comedy.

Is there such a thing as 'sane'? If so, can you give us any tips on how to get there?

Well, not really. I think it’s more helpful to think of us on various spectrums rather than sane vs. insane. And doing comedy has been a way to embrace the fact that I’m not as sane as I once pretended to be. So you’re on your own I’m afraid!

Do you think the British and Americans have different attitudes to mental health?

I do. In fact I do a rather dark bit in the show where I impersonate an American vs. British patient. Americans are more open to the idea of labels, diagnoses, and seeking treatment. Brits still tend to shy away from openly getting help and it’s still a bit of a taboo to get diagnosed with a mental illness, even though it’s well documented how common they are.

If you could get any person on your couch for intensive treatment, who would it be?

I think Tom Cruise could use a little help.

The Fringe can be an intense and emotionally draining experience for some performers. What tips would you give them on coping, and how do you intend to deal with the pressure yourself?

I offer free therapy to stressed out performers. I think the video [above] will illustrate that I’m as vulnerable to the inevitable stress of the Fringe as anyone else. In theory we should all get rest and exercise, minimise alcohol consumption, eat well, and use positive self-coaching techniques. Will I do that? Find me in the pub at 1 AM and let’s chat about it. Please bring crisps.

There's a long-running and tiresome debate about whether women are as funny as men. From a psychoanalytical point of few, do you think there's any reason for this?

Ah, this old classic. I think there are psychological and even more significant social and historical reasons why we’re still labouring over this debate. Want my take on it? Find me in the pub at 1 AM and let’s chat about it. Please bring crisps.

Finally, what other shows are you hoping to see when you're in Edinburgh?

Way too many to list. Abandoman is one of my faves. Diane Spencer and Sara Pascoe are top of the list too. And Matt Price’s Fugly. And then once I’m tired of comedy, something dark and thought provoking, like a kid’s show maybe. . .