Many therapists advise against gift giving as it can blur the distinction between professional and personal relationships, as well as worry that such gifts could be seen as attempts at manipulation or influence by clients.
Maintaining a comprehensive gift policy and documenting all gift exchanges during therapy sessions is vital. In an ideal scenario, accepting appropriate gifts with grace should coincide with clinical discussion (when needed) about their significance.
Gift Cards
Gift cards can be an elegant way to demonstrate that you care about someone’s mental health and well-being, while at the same time helping those who may not be able to afford therapy services on their own. BetterHelp offers both physical and digital gift cards in various denominations for every budget – and betterHelp offers physical gift cards in every denomination so you can find just the right present!
Though some therapists may feel it ethical to accept gifts from their clients, others view it as unethical due to potential interference with therapeutic relationships or perceived power-exchange issues. Furthermore, many therapists worry that gifts could have sexual connotations which could undermine therapeutic work and affect patients negatively.
Gift exchange may be appropriate in some instances to express gratitude, recognize an achievement in client life or as part of a ritualized practice. A therapist must then determine how best to approach such exchange.
If you are uncertain of the ethical implications of gift-giving in your practice, it would be advisable to speak to a supervisor or experienced therapists. Brighter Vision offers professional therapist website designs at an affordable cost! Let our team of experts get you started right away by requesting a free quote – they look forward to meeting you!
Flowers
An unexpected bouquet of flowers is an effective way to show your therapist you appreciate them and will add color and joy to the office environment. Consider something live like potted tulips or orchids as gifts as well; just make sure they meet your floral preferences and care needs first!
Though psychoanalytically-oriented therapists take an ethical and clinical stance against gift-giving in therapy, most other therapeutic orientations (humanistic, behavioral, feminist family therapy and family child and adolescent therapy among others) view appropriate gifts as potentially strengthening therapeutic alliances and outcomes (though ethical concerns still may exist regarding them; for instance after difficult sessions or if too large/expensive gifts arrive (Knox, et al. 2009).
As part of their treatment goals, it’s crucial for therapists to comprehend and discuss gift rituals in their clients’ cultures. While in some cultures expressing one’s appreciation through words alone is enough, in others gifts and their associated rituals are the main means of expression (Otnes & Beltramini 1996). Therapists would do well to learn about and explore these variations with their clients if possible – refusing a gift just because it does not fit with cultural tradition could prove counter-productive to success in therapy goals.
Gift Baskets
Before purchasing any gifts for a therapist or counselor, it is wise to discuss their gift-giving policies first. If approved, here are a few ideas which demonstrate your thoughtfulness without breaking any boundaries.
An irresistibly cute mug to remind them of you is always appreciated, especially for therapists who spend long hours helping patients. Furthermore, personalized versions could even include something they said during sessions! A lovely gesture to show your appreciation.
Gifts that promote relaxation are also appropriate. A self-massager, candle, kinetic sand or Zen garden are just some examples of items that could help them deal with stress more effectively.
Some individuals find it hard to express their emotions, so keeping a journal may be helpful. You can write down thoughts or feelings, as well as use it for letters or cards.
Therapists can benefit from reading books that aid them in their work. From mindfulness guides to books on grief relief, books provide invaluable support in the therapeutic journey.
Though it may feel awkward or embarrassing to offer gifts to their therapist or counselor, doing so is actually beneficial for all involved. Giving a thoughtful gesture such as gift card will show your loved ones they are supported and valued while aiding healing from difficult experiences. If you want to avoid adding additional pressure onto them, gift cards can always be used instead.
Candles
Candles have long been used in holistic therapy sessions to create an inviting and relaxing environment, aiding relaxation. Aside from their aesthetic value, candles can also help alleviate anxiety by reminding people of special times in their lives or reminding them of special memories. Candles make wonderful presents that demonstrate that someone cares.
Candle gifts come in all shapes, sizes and scents imaginable – seasonal fragrances to something subtler – offering something for every season or taste. You can purchase sets with candle snuffers and accessories to add that extra touch of elegance; or choose a candle that matches their personality – for instance an active and vibrant individual may prefer floral scents while those who tend towards being more laid back may appreciate something like lavender as an option.
If you’re shopping for an original present, consider giving someone an organic coconut wax state-scented candle made with pure essential oils and cotton wicks as they make for a thoughtful gesture while simultaneously supporting endangered species. Or give someone a prayer candle personalized with front-facing photos and custom messages as a unique, thoughtful, and humorous way of showing someone you care.
Artwork
Gift giving is an integral component of therapy for many clients. Aside from receiving gift cards, flowers, fruit baskets and personal care items as presents for therapy sessions, many therapists also receive artwork like paintings, sculptures, woven blankets handmade candles or cases of wine as tokens of affection and appreciation from clients and therapists alike. Giving and receiving art has long been seen as a means to express love, gratitude, affirmation and commitment in some cultures – adding depth and variety to each session and potentially increasing clinical outcomes in many cultures! Gift giving can add depth and enhance any treatment session while potentially increasing clinical outcome by adding something special that enhances therapeutic relationship and may contributes significantly towards clinical outcome improvement!
Although certain professional organizations’ codes of ethics prohibit gift giving and receiving, therapists should consider their own relationships to gift-giving and reasons for accepting or rejecting client gifts without adopting an “all gifts are bad” policy. Refusal to accept suitable gifts could be perceived by clients as rejection and damage the therapeutic alliance.
If a therapist refuses to accept a painting created by one of their clients as a gesture of appreciation, this may be taken as rejection and cause emotional hurt and alienation from them. Instead, engaging in a discussion about its meaning and symbolism from their perspective would likely prove more productive – such as asking about their creative process as well as any associations and projections related to this artwork.
Gift Certificates
Gifting therapy is a great way to show someone you care, while helping them maintain mental wellness. But gifting can also be complicated and raise ethical issues; some mental health professionals advise therapists against accepting gifts from clients as it could interfere with therapy and create dual relationships; however others believe this depends on the nature and presentation of the present – for instance a drawing made at school or tea from their homeland may be appropriate and does not constitute dual relationships.
Depending on the situation, therapists may determine that accepting gifts outweigh their risks and seek clinical consultation on this matter. By consulting experts on this subject matter, a therapist can determine whether and what type of present to accept from clients.
If you want to give something that will help someone reach their goals, why not give a BetterHelp Gift Card as a thoughtful present? Available directly through their website in various denominations, your recipient will then be able to redeem his or her counseling sessions and begin healing themselves. Giving a BetterHelp Gift Card shows your love and support while being an essential tool on the road to wellness and recovery.