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This thesis reviews the development of family therapy in Taiwan since its commence in 1969 to today, with two focuses on the status quo in practice and in training. The practice of family therapy in local hospitals, social welfare agencies and community counseling institutes are reviewed respectively, with a discussion of the challenges local family therapists encounter. The status quo of local family therapy trainings is also examined in terms of trainers, programs, professional organizations and licensure. The limitations and possible hindrances to the current professional training system are explored, and finally suggestions for the advance of local family therapy professional development in Taiwan are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]