Hou, Jian-Ming2015-11-062015-11-062015-08https://hdl.handle.net/11299/175469University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. July 2015. Major: Educational Psychology. Advisor: Thomas Skovholt. 1 computer file (PDF); ix, 194 pages.This qualitative study aimed to explore characteristics that sustain therapists' resilience. Ten highly resilient therapists were recruited through two phases of sample screening: peer nomination and two quantitative scales. Data were collected through in-person interviews and were analyzed using grounded theory. Results as characteristics suggest that highly resilient therapists (a) are drawn to strong interpersonal relationships, (b) possess a core values and beliefs framework, (c) actively engage with the core self, and (d) desire to learn and grow. A strong web of vibrant connectedness was identified as the central characteristic that interlinks with each characteristic. The central role of connectedness for therapist resilience has not identified as having a vital role in previous studies. The final result was a definition of the Highly Resilient Therapist.enBurnout and Compassion Fatigue PreventionCounselingPractitionerPsychotherapyResilient Therapist CharacteristicsThesis or Dissertation