All members of AAFT undertake to be accountable for their family therapy practice and to adhere to the AAFT Code of Ethics. Click here to see or download a copy of the AAFT Code of Ethics.

Trust and Fair Treatment

You have a right to expect that your family therapist shall:

  • treat you fairly regardless of your ethnic or cultural origins, your religious or political beliefs, or your gender or personal life circumstances
  • treat you in a way that preserves your dignity and independence
  • explain the limits of confidentiality that apply to the professional relationship between you and your family therapist
  • give priority to safety and welfare whenever there is a conflict of interest between the competing needs of individuals within or between families
  • obtain written informed consent from you and your family before video-taping, audio-recording, or using third party observation or professional consultation involving you and your family
  • refrain from unwarranted coercion, harassment, exploitation or influence
  • avoid using the professional relationship with you and your family to further his / her own personal interests
  • wherever possible, avoid entering into a relationship with you and your family outside of your professional relationship, and take professional precautions if that cannot be avoided.

Information & Communication

You have a right to expect that your family therapist shall:

  • explain the therapeutic framework and methods at the beginning of work with you and when changing methods · inform you of available options, risks, benefits and costs of the service being offered to you.
  • allow you to make an informed choice about services being offered
  • check that you understand what is being said to you · explain how information concerning you and your family is collected, stored and disposed
  • on written request, allow you access to family therapy records concerning your contacts with the therapist
  • request your permission before involving you in teaching or research activities
  • assist you to obtain other services if s/he is unable to provide professional help

Sexual Impropriety

You should expect your family therapist shall not:

  • initiate any form of sexual conduct with you or in your presence
  • reciprocate any form of sexual conduct
  • detail his or her own sexual problems, desires, practices, preference or fantasies
  • make sexually suggestive comments or innuendo

If you think your expectations have not been met, you have a right to complain. Information about Making a Complaint can also be found on this website, click here.