There are many ethical problems in theory and practice of psychotherapy. Aims of therapy, effectiveness, side effects and modalities of therapy are discussed in detail. The dependency of these aspects from anthropological considerations and understanding of illness is stressed. As far as side effects of psychotherapy are concerned abuse of the patient by the psychotherapist is distinguished from those potentially harmful effects which are due to the specific process of psychotherapy. The relationship of psychotherapy to psychopharmacotherapy is discussed in a special passage.