Virginia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

02/06/2026

Important Advocacy Opportunity: Protect future MFTs from being excluded from student loan opportunities!!

AAMFT has compiled a summary of the proposed changes to federal student loan programs (here: https://plus.aamft.org/federal-graduate-student-loan-changes-impacting-mftsdetailed-summary-with-faqs/) and has outlined steps we can take to submit public comments on the harm this proposed rule will cause to accessibility of mental healthcare (here: https://plus.aamft.org/action-alert-submit-public-comment-on-federal-student-loans/?_zs=iWMXf1&_zl=ul4bA)

Federal Graduate Student Loan Changes Impacting MFTs There are upcoming changes to the federal student loan program that will impact MFTs seeking such loans

02/06/2026

Important federal update for MFTs!

On February 2, the House of Representatives passed HR 658, which is a bill that would remove a barrier that prevents many MFTs within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from serving in supervisory positions. Thanks to all MFTs who wrote to Congress urging their representatives to support this legislation.

AAMFT would like to thank Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) for sponsoring HR 658, and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) and Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) for supporting this legislation.

https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-applauds-house-passage-of-va-marriage-and-family-therapists-equity-act-to-expand-mental-health-access-for-veterans-and-families/

02/06/2026

Federal bill signed into law that affects MFTs!

On Tuesday, a bill funding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Fiscal Year 2026 was signed into law. This bill contains funding for many essential behavioral health programs, including funding the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program. In addition, this legislation delays through December 31, 2027 the requirement that MFTs providing services to Medicare beneficiaries must have seen these beneficiaries in-person within the previous six months before starting virtual therapy.

02/01/2026

Each month, we're highlighting one of our incredible VAMFT members! Reach out if you’d like to be featured or to nominate someone else!

This month, meet Elizabeth Hinkle, LMFT, LCMFT (she/her). Elizabeth has been a marriage and family therapist since 2004. After many years specializing in adolescents and families, she opened her private practice, MH Matters, LLC, in September 2021 and conducts full-time virtual sessions with individual clients of all ages, as well as couples. She currently treats those dealing with childhood/complex and/or generational trauma and its associated symptomology; intimate partner, family, parenting, and other types of relationship stress, conflict, and dynamics. Elizabeth enjoys supporting therapists, both as clients and in consultation/supervision.

In addition to holding independent licensure in three states (Virginia, Kansas, and Washington state), Elizabeth is an approved clinical supervisor in the state of Virginia, a Certified EMDR therapist, and a current Consultant-In-Training to provide support to clinicians obtaining EMDR certification.

Website: https://www.mhmattersllc.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethhinkle

01/30/2026

Quick and easy advocacy opportunity: The House of Representatives will be voting early next week on H.R. 658, which would establish eligibility requirements for the appointment of an individual in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) as a marriage and family therapist who is qualified to provide clinical supervision. (More information here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/658)

Use this easy form from AAMFT to send a message to your Representative: https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Advocacy/Take_Action.aspx?_zs=iWMXf1&_zl=9oKaA #/110

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy 277 S. Washington Street, Suite 210, Alexandria, VA 22314  Phone: (703) 838-9808 | Fax: (703) 838-9805

01/16/2026

One week away from our BURNOUT workshop! Register and you can join us live or watch the recording later. As always, discounts are available for VAMFT members https://vamft.wildapricot.org/events

📣 Registration is now OPEN for the next VAMFT workshop!
📍 Topic: Burnout: Exploration and Prevention for a Healthier New Year – Presented by Luc Watelet, LPC
📅 Friday, January 23, 2026| 1:00–3:00 PM
💻 Live Online Event – Recording will be available for those who can’t make it!

Burnout occurs when our stress levels move too high. A little stress is motivating. Beyond a certain threshold the opposite happens. Symptoms include: irritability, fatigue, lack of motivation, cynicism, and isolation. At the extreme it could lead to su***de. Burnout can affect all aspects of life: loss of interest in work, relationships, hobbies, etc. A systemic approach to burnout looks at the work environment. There can also be an individual responsibility: Part of the problem can come from the fact that many love helping others but are not very good at taking care of themselves, they are good at giving to others but not so much at receiving help. We’ll look at what is at the core of burnout and how to overcome it.

Workshop Goals:
1) To understand that burnout comes from disregarding warning signs: We are not just robots. The motto: “Mind over matter!” can go too far.
2) To see ourselves as human beings: Warning signs are important in getting to know who we are. There is gold hidden inside our burnout!
3) Learning to live in harmony with self: developing a healthy inner government.
4) Ultimately: rediscovering the freedom to be who we are in the world!

Two CEs are available with discounted rates for VAMFT members. Visit https://vamft.wildapricot.org/events to register.

Not a member yet? You’re missing out on discounted CEUs! Join us today: https://vamft.wildapricot.org/join

See you there!

01/12/2026

The Board of Counseling has issued revised regulations, and the changes went into effect on December 18, 2025.
If you have not seen this, briefly: there is no set time limit for residency; there are changes to how the hours are counted; half the hours toward licensure (client contact and supervision) must be completed within two years of licensure application; residents must renew licenses annually (June 30th); residents may place their Resident License into inactive status, and they no longer require that an applicant pass the licensing exam within six years of initial licensure.

The revised regulations are available here:https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/media/dhpweb/docs/counseling/leg/MFT.pdf

01/12/2026

Anxiety and stress are natural human responses—but for marginalized communities, these experiences are often intensified by systemic oppression, financial instability, and discrimination. The Anxiety & Stress section of Cultural Compass, Volume I dives into the importance of culturally adapted interventions that validate clients’ lived experiences and address both individual and systemic stressors. Approaches such as mindfulness, somatic therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be tailored to align with clients’ cultural and social realities.
Therapists are also encouraged to use the Cultural Compass to integrate trauma-informed, culturally responsive care that fosters trust, reduces stigma, and promotes resilience.
📘Explore the full guide + companion workbook https://www.vitalsource.com/products/cultural-compass-therapeutic-activities-for-jermaine-lowery-v9798998695421

01/09/2026

Curious about the revisions in the AAMFT Code of Ethics? Upcoming webinar 1/29:

Learn to effectively and ethically read and comply with the 2026 edition of the AAMFT Code of Ethics. Understanding and applying the new code of ethics to one’s professional practice is not optional but essential for ethical conduct. This webinar will review the updated and revised substandards of...

01/08/2026

Members of VAMFT have been expressing interest in workshops about the use of AI in therapy spaces! If you or someone you know is experienced with the use of AI and has ideas (pro or con) related to outcomes, ethics or related issues, or you know someone knowledgeable in AI development, we'd love to hear from you! Message here or send an email directly to Julie Sayre president@vamft.net.

Psychotherapy Networker is offering a free training on the ethics of AI in March 2026 (additional cost for CEUs). More info here: https://catalog.psychotherapynetworker.org/sales/pn_s_059867_aiinbh_sum94560_organic-1719678

01/08/2026

Great opportunity for Play Therapists!

VAPT is offering a scholarship for a master’s-level or licensed clinician to attend the 2026 VAPT Annual Conference.
📍 Richmond, VA | 📅 March 13–14, 2026
🎤 Featuring Dr. Brandy Schumann

🗓️ Scholarship Deadline: Sunday, February 1, 2026

👉 Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/bdkpjbyz

Let’s support the future of play therapy in Virginia!

01/06/2026

Students: Want to share your research with the community? Come give a mini-presentation at the VAMFT conference! Reach out to and we'll get you connected with Heather Stockton (our Conference Committee Chair)