How to Write a Functional Process Note (FPN)

A Context-Sensitive Format for Documenting Change, Shaping, and Direction in Session

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.

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:

• The external trigger or situation
• The internal responses (thoughts, emotions, memories, sensations)
• Any meaningful or named themes
• The client’s subjective challenge rating

How to write it:

• Describe what issue or pattern emerged
• Include what the client was aware of or reacting to
• Give the theme a simple, client-relevant name if appropriate
• Rate the intensity (0–10)

✔️ Example:
Client described feeling "on edge" around his partner, afraid of triggering an argument. Labeled the situation "Walking on Eggshells." Challenge rated a 7/10.

2. FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS

Prompt: “How is the client responding, and how is it working?”

This section highlights the functional pattern in play:

• The behavioral strategy used (e.g., avoidance, fusion, over-control)
• The target stimulus the client is reacting to (e.g., fear, memory, predicted outcome)
• A workability check—does this strategy help or hinder values-based living?

How to write it:

• Describe the pattern of responding
• Identify what function the behavior serves
• Note short-term versus long-term impact
• Assess movement toward or away from values

✔️ Example:
Client attempts to appease partner to avoid conflict. Behavior maintains short-term peace but reinforces long-term resentment and disconnection. Response is away from values.

3. PROCESS-BASED INTERVENTION

Prompt: “What process was targeted, and what shift occurred?”

Break this into three moves:

a. EVOKE

What process, memory, or internal experience was brought into awareness?

b. MODEL

What behavior, stance, or perspective did you embody to support learning?

c. REINFORCE

What shift did you observe, and how did you respond to shape or expand it?

Also include:

• Client’s observed response
• Any expansion of relational networks (RFT)
• Behavioral, emotional, or cognitive changes noted in session

How to write it:

• Describe what was evoked or contacted in the moment
• Explain how you slowed, mirrored, or redirected toward a flexible process
• Note the client’s shift and how you responded to sustain/shape it

✔️ Example:
EVOKE: Client noticed rising fear in response to imagined future argument.
MODEL: Therapist slowed tone and body posture, asked client to notice fear without reacting.
REINFORCE: Client began describing the moment calmly. Therapist noted softer tone and increased clarity. Reframed as “Fear can show up, and I can still choose my response.”

4. TRAJECTORY & TRACKING

Prompt: “Where is this going?”

This section connects the session to the broader therapeutic arc:

• What long-term process or value are we moving toward?
• What homework, practice, or awareness task was assigned?
• What therapeutic process will be monitored in upcoming sessions?

Also include:

• CPAT rating (Clinical Process Assessment Tool)
• Comparison with baseline or prior session

How to write it:

• Note any insights or behaviors to track
• Set intention for next steps
• Include observable evidence of movement if available

✔️ Example:
Client asked to observe tone and body language during moments of rising anxiety. Next session will explore how softer responding affects outcomes. CPAT today: 17 (Initial: 13)