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Chapter 20: Ethical Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy

Additional resources for this chapter

instructor material

DOI:

10.1891/9780826161253.0020

Authors

  • Gahagan, Quintrella

Abstract

The professional code of ethics governing marriage and family therapy was developed by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). This chapter provides the reader with background on common ethical issues—such as client confidentiality, informed consent, record keeping, technology, dual relationships, treating minors, and termination—and their applications in family therapy. In couple or family therapy, it is up to the therapist's discretion whether he or she would like to keep issues disclosed by each family member individually confidential, however, the individual must be told the therapist's decision to be discreet or not before engaging in therapy. Some therapists take the stance that confidentiality does not apply between couples and family members when seen for individual sessions. The chapter concludes with a case study of an ethical complaint and interviews with two therapists known for their work and interest in ethical issues.