Students
Welcome to AFT’s student page, which we hope will provide you with useful information and supportive resources, whether you’re considering or currently training in family and systemic psychotherapy.
Can I become a student member of AFT?
Student membership is open to anyone on foundation, intermediate and MSc courses leading to qualification as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist.
What are the benefits?
Membership of AFT is a great way to keep up to date with current developments in family and systemic psychotherapy in the UK and to access high-quality resources to support your studies and practice. Membership also means you agree to abide by AFT’s Code of Ethics.
Student membership includes subscriptions to Context and the Journal of Family Therapy, reduced admission fees to AFT conferences and other events, AFT’s UK wide network of local branches and workshops and full member benefits.
"Joining AFT was a great move. Context magazine and the Journal of Family Therapy are full of stimulating ideas and AFT workshops have been inspiring. I wasn’t part of a systemic team when I started training, so it made a real difference feeling I could connect with others who shared my practice interests and values. I know AFT does all sorts, but for me the greatest benefit has been feeling part of a supportive community."
– 'Nearly qualified' AFT member
How much does it cost?
AFT values its student members highly. In these difficult times, AFT’s Board has agreed to not increase membership fees and to continue to offer big reductions for student members to give you maximum benefits for the lowest costs.
Student membership remains ONLY £44 (£22 less than full membership). The membership year runs from January 1st to December 31st.
How do I join?
Simple. You just need to complete our online membership application - make sure you select the relevant 'Students member' rate.
How do I find information on training?
Begin by looking at the rest of the Training section of this website. This includes information on training to become a family therapist and details and contact information for all AFT accredited courses and other training. Further details are available from the relevant training institutions.
Is my course AFT accredited and does it matter?
You can check the list of Training Courses to see if your course is accredited by AFT.
Accredited courses have been assessed by AFT as offering quality training to a high standard, which is recognised by employers and colleagues. An accredited course allows you to continue training at another institution if necessary.
If your course is not accredited by AFT it does not mean it is not a valid course. However, AFT would be unable to comment on the quality of the course as we will not have assessed its content or processes.
What are the training entry requirements?
A prior relevant professional training or equivalent is necessary at all three levels of training: foundation, intermediate and qualifying. Training courses assume that candidates already have a good ability to work effectively within a mental health or associated field, and will be able to build on this prior knowledge and skills. Occasionally, a course may wish to admit an outstanding applicant who does not have a traditional background. These candidates may need to undertake further trainings to proceed from intermediate level trainings.
For further details see AFT’s statement on Dual Qualification and Equivalence Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning - APEL (PDF).
Where can I find a practice supervisor?
Please see the AFT Directory of Approved Supervisors. Also see the AFT Continuing Professional Development Policy (PDF), which lays down requirements for supervision and keeping up-to-date with current developments in the field.
For further information and resources, please see
- About AFT
- AFT Conferences
- Short course and workshops
- AFT jobs adverts
- Academic and Research Training
- Students and research
Hopefully these pages will cover what you are looking for, but if you have any further queries please contact us.
Site Breadcrumb
Share This Links
