I want to give my therapist a christmas gift but i have no idea what it is appropriate.
2007-11-28 13:02:56 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Any kind of personal gift is not appropriate but a small box of chocolates to share with other staff may be OK. Some therapists may find this exceeds their boundaries. Personally I never refused chocolates from my clients but always made sure they were opened and placed in the reception area.
2007-11-28 17:39:13 · answer #1 · answered by freebird 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know this probably sounds harsh, and I don't mean for it to, but it would probably be better if you didn't give your therapist a gift. It's a boundary issue if they accept gifts from clients. I work as a tech on a psychiatric unit and all the employees are told not to ever accept gifts from patients. What you're wanting to do is nice, but therapy is a different sort of relationship than any other relationship in your life. Hope this helps.
2007-11-28 13:51:02 · answer #2 · answered by Angelia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The others are right - therapists are supposed to maintain boundaries with their clients and accepting gifts can be quite complicated. If you really feel compelled, I suggest that you try to make sure your gift is not too personal and by all means not expensive. A good therapist will have to gently refuse an expensive gift, which will hurt your feelings and might hurt the relationship. I like the idea of cookies or other edibles. It's thoughtful, we all love to eat, and as soon as it's eaten it's out of sight, out of mind.
2007-11-28 14:58:22 · answer #3 · answered by Sophra 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well last year I got mine a little photo frame, since it was a particularly trying year, but this year I'm just going to give him a box of homemade candies. It's not too personal, but it shows you appreciate what they're doing. I know some say it's inappropriate, but I really think it depends on your relationship with your therapist, and since most people don't give them anything, I think it's probably nice for them to get something small every so often. Also, you shouldn't base whether you're going to give someone a gift on whether they will give you one, just for the record.
2007-11-28 13:47:23 · answer #4 · answered by ohhthtragedy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Better to not give a gift....I am surprised Sophra, would tell you anything different claiming to be a therapist! Then again some people say they are one thing, but are really another! Good question...but it is best to not give a gift!
2007-11-29 15:56:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its actually kind of inappropriate to give your therapist a gift. Even if you do, they might not actually accept it. Therapists are taught to keep a barrier between themselves and their clients.
2007-11-28 13:06:49 · answer #6 · answered by xo379 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you give a gift, your therapist can not accept it. if they do they can be fired. a simple Christmas card is acceptable...
2007-11-28 18:58:15 · answer #7 · answered by churchonthewayseniors 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Candy tends to work well; it's suitable impersonal - just don't be surprised if you later see it sitting on the desk in a take-one bowl.
2007-11-28 13:23:06 · answer #8 · answered by Kaitikat 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you want to? It's a job, not a family member. Isn't paying your hourly fee enough? No offense intended.
2007-11-28 13:39:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some Xanax pills and green tea.
2007-11-28 13:15:44 · answer #10 · answered by denimcap 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋