I think all therapists have some natural capacity for empathy that they develop and hone during the course of their training. I would imagine you need to know both theory and how to be "in tune" with people in order to be a good therapist. Having one without the other would be like talking with a textbook without feelings or meeting with someone with strong intuition who doesn't have a good working road map to rely on if intuition falls short.

I agree with FG too about some of the elements of successful therapy. I know from personal experience that degree of fit with the therapist is essential - that most therapists are probably good with some clients, but not all are good with all clients. I guess it depends too on how you define "success." Meeting a prescribed set of behavioral goals will likely look different from coming to terms with a history of trauma or changing personality characteristics.

How successful do you think your own therapy has been?