On Valentines Day, 2003, VAMFC and the New Horizons Family Counseling Center at The College of William & Mary sponsored a workshop at Wiliam & Mary on the use of enactiments in work with couples. The featured workshop leader was Dr. Michael P. Nichols, nationally renowned family therapy practitioner, researcher, and author who has trained, practiced and co-authored with colleagues that include Salvadore Minuchin and Murray Bowen. Three of his many popular books were available for sale at the workshop, and a number of participants took advantage of the opportunity.

    In his presentation, Dr. Nichols introduced participants to the utility of enactments in the family therapy process, the necessary steps involved in the effective application of enactments, and the times when enactments cannot be used effectively. Numerous videotapes of Dr. Nichols' own clinical work were incorporated into his presentation to illustrate the various stages and components of enactments as well as the family counselor's role in conducting them. The four-hour workshop was followed by a casual reception with Dr. Nichols.

    The nearly 80 participants who attended the workshop represented a healthy cross-section of practitioners, students, and educators, all of whom stood to benefit from Dr. Nichols' important topic. Certificates of participation are being mailed to all participants who requested them, and all participants will have opportunity to evaluate the workshop via an email evaluation form that is being prepared for emailing. VAMFC enourages all participants to complete the evaluation, as it assists in planning for future events.

    The VAMFC Board wishes to thank all VAMFC members and guests who came to its Winter Workshop 2003 and made it a great success. Please let us know what other topics you would like us to cover in future workshops-one of the single most important aspects of our mission is the provision of opportunities affordable, relevant training for Virginia Marriage and Family Counselors. We can't do that without your input!