What Is a Functional Process Note (FPN)?
The Functional Process Note (FPN) is a clinical documentation tool rooted in the principles of Functional Contextualism (FC) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT). It is designed to help therapists track and influence client behavior based on what’s happening in the moment, how behavior functions in context, and how therapeutic interventions shape movement toward meaningful change.
Unlike traditional notes that emphasize content or diagnosis, the FPN focuses on:
- Function over form (What is this behavior doing?)
- Process over content (What patterns are being shaped?)
- Trajectory over symptom relief (Is the client moving toward values?)
It provides a structured, pragmatic way to document evoked content, interventions, observed shifts, and ongoing direction—essentially capturing both what occurred and how it matters.
This note format took my team and I four years to develop, evolving through 19 different versions before reaching its current form. It began very specific, shifted to overly broad, and ultimately settled on a balanced middle ground.
You’ll notice it captures the essential elements of a SOAP note while integrating a behavioral focus. At the same time, the underlying principles of Functional Contextualism and Relational Frame Theory are embedded throughout. The result is a solid structure with enough flexibility for the clinician to adapt it to the act-in-context before them.
This format not only documents what occurred in session—it also functions as a feedback tool. It helps clinicians reflect and learn in an ACT-informed way, while over time, repeated use builds a framework that actively guides in-session behavior and decision-making.
How to Complete an FPN
1. PRESENTING CONTEXT
Prompt: “What showed up today?”
This section sets the scene for what emerged in-session. It captures:
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