W. G. Perry (1970) formulated a description of stages of intellectual and ethical development. Perry's schema seems to have applicability in describing trainees as they approach working with families and gauging counselor trainees' level of progress. The first stage is "dualism" in which trainees rely primarily on the use of logic and the weight of authority and experts' opinions to build a base of support for arriving at the right answer. In the second stage, called "multiplicity," trainees realize that the most important questions raised in family therapy have no "right or wrong" answers and they begin to perceive a high degree of relativism. In the third stage, "committed relativism," trainees who begin to sense what stage three is about possess more intrinsic interest in family therapy, are more aware of ramifications of therapists' interventions, appear to have greater awareness of ethical issues involved in working with families, have a greater sense of confidence in their skills, and display an attitude that they do not necessary know what is best for the family in treatment. The 1980s and 1990s seem to be witnessing increased awareness of ethical issues among family psychologists due to factors related to the legal professions and training programs. Failing to develop ethically binds and constricts the therapist's efficacy and potential to help the client and the client's family relations. (ABL)