ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the ACER model, which highlights the four core principles that make an effective therapist. Though the ACER model was created as a part of FELT, it is not specific to FELT, and the characteristics outlined herein may be applied broadly to any form of effective therapy. In fact, the characteristics are derived specifically from the five mechanisms of change that were reviewed in Chapter 4, and they draw from research and qualitative analyses of effective therapists. The four components of the ACER model are attunement, concern, expertise, and responsivity. This chapter discovers the theoretical foundations of these characteristics and advises therapists how to maximize these characteristics in treatment.
