The authors examine the ethical issues in choosing between individual
and social unit (marital and family) therapies. Although usually neglected
in the literature, these ethical questions are important and complex. A
general systems perspective is used to provide a framework for ethical
analysis. The core of the ethical problem is shown to be the
interdependence and irreducible conflict inherent between the individual
and social unit levels. The authors outline a general systems approach to
identification and consideration of these ethical issues in clinical
practice.Abstract Teaser