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Although the systemic approach is considered to fit Chinese culture, the development of family therapy in Taiwan is recent, starting in 1969, and growing as a treatment modality in Taiwan for the past two decades. To examine this development, this article reviewed 127 locally published family therapy studies published during the years 1969-2009. Content analysis was used to examine these articles and the results clearly showed an increase in the amount of publications during this period. The focus of the studies also shifted from theoretical issues to practical concerns. An analysis of 15 of these articles, which were case reports, suggested a preference for local common practice, for example, a focus on therapist manoeuvres rather than the clients' perspectives, which might have hindered the development of successful practice. The availability of only certain forms of training might also have contributed to the clinical focus of family therapy in Taiwan. The article suggests that greater interest in the therapy process in future will enhance local practitioners' clinical efficacy.

Asian Chinese families are experiencing constant changes. While commonly known cultural themes such as ‘face’, ‘hierarchy’, ‘harmony’ and ‘filial piety’ are useful references and important caveats in clinical settings, they are most useful when the context of larger socio‐economic and political developments of recent decades is taken into account. This article is co‐authored by seven experienced Asian therapists from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. They share their insights into working with Chinese families in Asia. In addition to considering cultural dimensions, the authors attempt to consolidate the understanding of Asian Chinese families by focusing on the effects of socio‐economic and political development. Other than focusing on the unique characteristics and challenges of working with Chinese families in their region, they highlight the most useful therapeutic stances and approaches when working with Asian Chinese families. Practitioner points Be mindful that changing family structures affect family dynamics, childcentric values and work‐life balance. Chinese families expect to receive advice and instruction. Therapists need to be direct and authoritative where appropriate to avoid causing dissatisfaction Chinese families can be helped to negotiate their emerging needs for the differentiation of self A possible therapeutic option is use of self and the ability to embrace uncertainty

To promote service efficacy and quality, necessary competencies for family therapists have been specified by professional organizations and researchers in some countries; however, these competencies may not be a good ‘fit’ for family therapists in Taiwan. This research reviewed the core competencies proposed by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (US) and the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice in the UK (UK) and proposed the modified Taiwan Family Therapist Core Competencies (TFTCC) for family therapists in Taiwan. The draft then went through two rounds of the Delphi method to further develop it, based on the comments of local family therapy experts and practitioners. As a result, TFTCC were proposed with four domains and forty‐two specific competencies. The distinct characteristics and possible application of TFTCC are discussed, with recommendations for future research and implications. Practitioner points Family therapists in Taiwan can evaluate their current levels of competency based on the TFTCC Trainers can develop programmes based on the TFTCC Supervisors can evaluate their supervisees’ development based on the TFTCC Policymakers can develop professional licensure criteria based on the TFTCC Family therapists, trainers and researchers in other countries can refer to the TFTCC for indigenization of professional core competencies that best suit their local contexts

The discipline of marriage and family therapy (MFT) has been established around the world. Inspired by theories and models developed in Western countries, professionals in East Asian countries over the last two decades have been dedicated to introducing the concepts of MFT to local mental health professionals. This paper presents an overview of the cultural background of East Asian cultures, a summary of MFT development in East Asia, and a discussion of key challenges to advancing MFT in East Asia. We provide recommendations to overcome these obstacles, including bridging the gap between MFTs in the West and East Asia, developing country-specific MFT development plans, establishing accreditation and licensing regulation, increasing the public awareness of MFT, increasing collaboration among training institutes and the number of qualified MFT trainers and training locations, and developing culturally attuned MFT training and practices. Practitioner points • Direct application of Western approaches to the East Asian context can be detrimental if therapists do not carefully examine the cultural differences and adapt accordingly • A critical step in developing MFT in East Asia is to develop country/ region-specific plans including the recognition of the history, values, and distinctive features of Asian families Keywords: culturally attuned marriage and family therapy practices; development of marriage and family therapy; East Asia; marriage and family therapy