ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the skills necessary for a successful enactment and presents a highly structured enactment. An enactment occurs when a couple is speaking with each other in therapy. Enactments provide a vehicle through which couples can learn how to communicate effectively. Effective structuring of an enactment is vital to the mastery of healthy communication skills. An enactment is a therapeutic technique that can be used regardless of theoretical background. In the initiation phase, the therapist helps the couple understand the purpose of the technique by explaining to the clients what he or she would like them to gain out of the enactment. The therapist facilitates the enactment while it is ongoing, sometimes briefly interrupting the couple by giving a partner a small instruction in order to redirect a negative exchange. Enactments can be used as a vehicle for initiating change, facilitating emotional expression, and practicing communication skills in couple therapy.
