Although much has been written about technique and strategy, patient characteristics, and outcomes of hypnotherapy, relatively little has been written about the characteristics of successful hypnotherapists (Lazar & Dempster, 1984). Whereas successful hypnotherapists have all of the qua12 ities of successful psychotherapists, they also have a number of distinguishing qualities relevant to the practice of hypnosis. In this chapter I identify therapist variables that contribute to successful hypnotherapy. Before I consider characteristics of particular relevance to hypnotherapy, I first consider the literature pertinent to the characteristics of successful psychotherapists in general. To illustrate the importance of therapist flexibility, realistically appraising the patient and the situation and assuming a goaldirected yet stepwise approach to the practice of hypnotherapy, I present two cases relevant to the training and general clinical context. Finally, a review of the research on operator variables in hypnotherapy, along with concluding comments, are presented.