FPC is the professional community for therapists who trained, or are in training, at a WPF training centre. As a community, FPC provides a range of benefits to support members in their clinical work. The work of FPC is made possible thanks to the active involvement of many of our members. The support you receive as a member of FPC comes from your fellow therapists who share your professional background through training at WPF.

The transition from trainee to graduate and into professional practice can be a daunting one and FPC can help support you. The FPC Trainee Liaison Committee oversee the Mentor Scheme and organises regular events at which FPC Trainee Members can hear from qualified therapists about the transition from trainee to practising therapist and how other therapists have navigated this challenging process.

The support package for new graduates includes: help with finding supervisors; peer support and clinical executors; support in applying to the Professional Standards Authority registers; information about setting up in private practice; and guidance on how to comply with ethical good practice and CPD requirements.

FPC has an online Psychotherapist Directory for members of the public looking for a therapist. Additionally, other members of FPC can be one of your most important sources of referrals.  Developing relationships within the FPC community by attending events and joining groups will be one of the best investments you make.

Each year FPC organises a range of events: seminars; lectures; conferences and discussions. All online events are free of charge to attend for all FPC members. The free  online events represent at least 25 hours of formal CPD, giving you the opportunity to fulfil this aspect of your annual CPD requirements at no cost. 

As a member of FPC you are encouraged to join the various Sections and Groups of Common Interest, or even get involved in setting up new groups. The groups meet regularly and offer peer support to members within their area of interest.

The work of FPC relies on members being actively involved and every member should consider what they can do to support the work of their community. The Board of Directors oversees all of the work of FPC through their focus on developing strategy and providing financial oversight. The Ethics Committee maintains the FPC Code of Ethics and supports members with ethical dilemmas. The Membership Committee maintains the FPC Professional Standards Guidance and supports members with professional and practical dilemmas.  The Lecture Series Panel produces the programme for FPC events. The Trainee Liaison Committee offers seminars for FPC Trainee Members, tailored for different stages of the training.

As one of the largest member support organisations for therapists, FPC engages with the work of BPC, UKCP and BACP to ensure that the interests of FPC members are promoted in the wider therapeutic environment.

Practising as a therapist has many expenses and FPC is focussed on ensuring that your membership provides good value. In addition to having access to 25 hours of free CPD activities,  full fee professional members receive a free subscription to PEP-Web, and as a member of FPC you can benefit from a discount on a subscription to the British Journal of Psychotherapy (BJP) and the International Journal of Psychoanalysis (IJP).  We are actively seeking ways to enhance the package of benefits and discounts and welcome suggestions from members.

Membership Fees for 2023/24

• Professional Members: £240
• First membership year for new graduates: £120
• Retired (and Career-Break) members: FREE
• Trainees: FREE

The 45th Membership Year runs from 1st July 2023 to 30th June 2024

If you trained, or are in training, at a WPF training centre and would like to join FPC, please contact us on admin@thefpc.org.uk for further details.