This literature review and primary qualitative research explores therapeutic role from the perspective of Community Learning Disability Nurses. Semi-structured interviews, based on Critical Incident Technique ("Psychol Bull", 51, 1954, 327), and descriptive phenomenological methodology were adopted to elicit data amenable to systematic content analysis (Mayring 2000). This resulted in the identification of six inductive categories (therapeutic optimism, maximising support networks, time as a therapeutic tool, creative communication, understanding Learning Disability and initiating learning). Three deducted categories were derived from relevant literature (nature of the events, outcomes of therapeutic role, and therapeutic relationship). The sample consisted of seven practicing Community Learning Disability Nurses with two or more years experience managing an adult caseload, recruited via a professional networking forum. A conceptual model was developed indicating the multicomponent and interconnected nature of the therapeutic role. (Contains 1 figure.)