ABSTRACT
The therapist draws upon many sources – theoretical and philosophical concepts and ideas, interventions and techniques – to both inform and facilitate a process which will hopefully and enduringly benefit clients; these are ways of 'being' and 'doing' in therapy. The effectiveness of the therapist, then, relies not only on comprehensive training, proficiency, experience and commitment, but also on unimpaired empathic ability. Self-regulation increases the capacity to manage one's inner life, and is intrinsically linked to a growing self-awareness. The resource focused therapist then, draws upon a range of supports to ensure efficacy in their role. When these arise from across the dimensions there is a sense of steadiness in the practice which underpins the work. Depletion of empathy is a sign that there may be something in the therapeutic process that needs to be understood and worked through, or that the therapist needs to turn attention more to self-care to find a way of balancing commitment to the work.
