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. Also., the principle of confidentiality is less clear when the entire family is in treatment. The authors recommend that systematic ethics training include examination of the therapist's own values and biases, as well as issues of honesty and competency, as part of professional training and continuing education programs.