As a characteristic which is most important for counselor effectiveness, the concept of empathy has long held a central position. The author uses this rationale as the main reason for his commentary on the value of empathy in counseling effectiveness. The author suggests that if counselors are convinced of the importance of empathy, 2 types of practical questions should be raised. The first concerns the learning of empathy and the unbiased assessment of one's own level of empathy in interviews. The other concerns the adequacy of counselor empathy to produce the desired change in the client. The author also discusses empathy from the viewpoint of learning theorists and provides some implications from this viewpoint. Finally, the author provides some discussion regarding the importance of empathy in the overall plan of treatment. The author concludes by suggesting that more refined definitions as well as more precise measurement of empathy's effects must be developed. (RK)