Is it appropriate to give a gift to your therapist as a token of appreciation for her time and expertise?

Question

If not, why not, and is there an alternative?
If yes, what sort of gift would you recommend?

For a full year now I've been seeing a therapist as part of my treatment for major depression. I would like to get her a small inexpensive gift for Christmas.

The answer is important to me so thank you in advance for your time.

I should also add that I'm a 40 year old married (17 years) male and there is no sort of attraction to my therapist. My wife doesn't have an opinion on this or an answer so she is just as interested in the answers. Thanks again!!!

Answer 1

It's definitely appropriate to if you want to (not that you have to or anything, but it's fine if you want to). My mom gets token gifts from lots of her clients around the holidays. Actually, she has one patient who for a while was giving her something every month because she wouldn't tell her when her birthday was so she got her something every month just in case (granted the same patient also got her home number from the phonebook and called at odd hours of the night, but that's not the point).

If you do get her something, food is always a good choice. Actually, I'd say it's pretty much the only choice :-P The thing about a theraputic relationship is that the therapist generally keeps their personal life from the client, so even though you've been telling her some of your deepest secrets, I bet if you think about it you probably don't know what she'd like for Christmas... But yeah, cookies or chocolate :)

Answer 2

As a medical professional, I thought I would give a brief comment.

Food is always a nice thought. Like a homemade item. It is personal and does not connotate spending money or emotional attachment.

Over the years I have received spontaneous gifts from families or patients. I think they are kind and thoughtful. But I also would have great reservation if the item was worth anything significant and would decline personal items.

Go for something worth less than 5 dollars.

Answer 3

I think it would be very appropriate. The gift must be only a token and nothing to indicate that you want to have the relationship beyond that of a therapist.

I just bought a gift for my primary care Dr of 15 years. He has taken care of my wife, my mother who passes a way and myself. I have put on weight - I am older than he is by about 10 years and he was trying to convince me to lose weight which I should and then I mentioned that his weight looked like it had gone up.

Since I was waring suspenders on my blue jeans to keep them up I just went and bought him a pair of suspenders and will drop them off at his office on Monday in a bag with a note that these are helpful in holding up ones britches.

This Dr has a good sense of humor and I am sure he will laugh.

Answer 4

A card with a heart felt thought would not only be valued but also ethical. If you can't think of anything to say then use a nice quote. Everyone likes to know that their work is appreciated by others. Even if it is in a card. If you give a gift it might for awkward feelings between you and your therapist. Especially if they feel they can't accept the gift. You are most welcome for my time. I hope it helps.

Answer 5

Of course, it does not matter if you give the gift or not. I believe anyone would enjoy a gift to show someone appreciates their work. I'd give a small ornament or other small tree-trinket at a gift. Make it personal to their name if possible.

Answer 6

I would think a very SMALL gift would be fine. You could get her a coffee mug, something for her office, calendar, or a gift certificate for a book. Just keep it simple and try to make it something she can keep in the office.

Answer 7

Definitely give her a gift. Everyone likes to know they are appreciated.

You could give her a picture of you, in a frame.
You would be happy and smiling in the picture.

Or if you have had a picture taken with you and her, frame it and give it to her.

Better yet, here is a good idea...lightbulb moment...write her a poem or letter...thanking her for all of her help. You could make a homemade card. In making the homemade card cut words and letters from magazines to say what you want to say. (or pictures if they are appropriate for the card)
If you can't think of what to write, look on the greeting cards websites to get ideas on what to write.

If that isn't comfortable to you, you could get her a pen.
A Therapist always needs a pen.

Hope this helps ! If I think of anything else, I'll write you.

Answer 8

find a christmas card, therapists aren't supposed to take gifts of any kind from patients. Just find a nice card and write to her telling her thank you ...etc

Answer 9

NO! It is never appropriate! They are just doing their job, for which they are being monitarily compensated. By giving a gift, you are implying a personal connection where there is none. This can be very inappropriate and embarassing for both of you.

Answer 10

Maybe a nice fruit basket for her and her office staff and a card; anything more and I think it would be crossing the line. Patients send food baskets to the hospital for the nurses all the time with candy and cookies and junk food in them and we all love it :) I think what she would appreciate the most would be the card with your feelings and heartfelt thanks written down.