Ethical concerns in family therapy

Abstract

Ethical issues for the family therapist can be complex when treatment of the family involves several members whose needs are conflicting. Such techniques as encouraging ventilation of hostile feelings, forming alliances with particular family members, and requiring reluctant members to attend sessions raise important ethical questions. The principle of confidentiality is less clear when the entire family is in treatment. Systematic ethics training should include examination of the therapist's own values and biases, as well as issues of honesty and competency, and continuing education programs. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1978 American Psychological Association.