Therapists and counselors frequently take notes during sessions. Giving a journal as a gift would show your gratitude and demonstrate how much you value their efforts.
Gift-giving by clients is not considered to be in violation of professional ethics; however, some therapists may prefer not to accept gifts which may be considered inappropriate at an inappropriate time or place.
Gift cards
Gifts for therapists and counselors are an ideal way to show your gratitude. A simple gesture or something more substantial like an aromatherapy diffuser are both great ways to show appreciation; both can help relieve stress while adding style to any office decor – you’re sure to find one that matches up perfectly with their style! With various designs available, there’s sure to be one perfect for them!
While gifts from clients may be a welcome surprise, therapists must remain mindful of ethical guidelines when accepting them. Gifts can disrupt therapeutic boundaries by creating expectations of future gifts or disappointing when the item received does not match what was anticipated (Knox, et al. 2003). Furthermore, accepting them could create feelings of obligation to reciprocate or discomfort for both the giver and receiver (Knox et al 2003).
Decisions on accepting gifts depend on an individual’s values and cultural context, including any possible cultural norms which consider refusing a large sum off-putting or offensive. Therapists should discuss this matter with their clients and seek consultation if complications arise due to unwelcome gifts from clients.
Many therapists see gifts as violating privacy and shouldn’t accept them; however, some are beginning to change their minds. Clinical social worker Elizabeth Marston states that gift cards may be acceptable if someone specifically requests them; she compares this type of present to gifts from gym membership or cleaning services.
BetterHelp Gift Cards make a thoughtful present that can improve mental health. Simple to buy and accessible anywhere in the US or Canada, BetterHelp Gift Cards allow people to show how much they care about the wellbeing of those they care for by adding personal messages or photos – perfect if you want something truly useful!
Wellness gifts
Though many professional ethics codes discourage or ban therapists from accepting gifts altogether, some are less restrictive and allow small tokens. Such items might include items for self-care or those reflecting the therapist’s personality, interests or profession; for instance a new face mask, foot scrub or relaxing bath soak are examples of acceptable items to give as gifts; food is also allowed if no personal relationships are formed between client and provider; jewelry gifts should be avoided due to potential personal connections.
One of the best ways to express your appreciation for your therapist or counselor is with a wellness gift. Something as simple and cost-effective as a tea mug will show your thoughtfulness; or for something extra personal and creative you could even add a special message or picture.
Personalised candles make an excellent present that any therapist or counselor would appreciate, with various sizes and fragrances such as French Cade Lavender, Mokara (floral), Goji Tarocco Orange and Panjore Lychee available to choose from. Furthermore, this eco-friendly option can also be filled up later as it offers refillable capabilities compared to disposable alternatives.
Mindful coloring books are an enjoyable and unique way to show your therapist or counselor just how much you care. These stress-relieving activities give your therapist or counselor a break from clinical work and allow them to channel creative energies elsewhere – you could even provide your therapist with their own reusable coloring book so they can use it after every session!
Kindles are an increasingly popular gift idea for mental health clients. Reading can provide them with a way to escape reality, gain new perspectives and engage in storytelling – so gifting one will give your loved one access to reading anytime and wherever they desire!
Reusable water bottles make an inexpensive yet thoughtful present that can help your loved one reduce their plastic footprint. This glass water bottle features a silicone lid with easy open and close action for quick hydration on-the-go – plus, they come in various colors to match any style!
BetterHelp
BetterHelp gift cards provide a straightforward and thoughtful way of giving loved ones access to online counselling services. Available anytime and in various denominations, BetterHelp gift cards make the ideal way to provide access to help for one session or multiple months – plus they can even be personalized with messages to make the experience even more personal!
BetterHelp is an online counseling service offering a range of counseling options to its users. All its therapists are licensed, certified, and experienced; additionally it also offers group therapy sessions known as groupinars which focus on different issues like anxiety and depression. Furthermore, BetterHelp features a chat room so users can stay in contact with their therapists.
According to BetterHelp’s website, users can schedule their initial live session directly through its private portal and then schedule another one after every appointment has ended. They may also cancel at any time without incurring a penalty fee. Their therapists include licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers and licensed professional counselors with at least a master’s or doctorate degree and three years of clinical experience.
This site also provides an FAQs page, blog post archive, contact page and links to additional resources for people in crisis. There are also resources that help people locate therapists through our service as well as for therapists looking to join.
Some therapists may decline accepting gifts from clients. Others may accept gifts if the present doesn’t violate ethical standards. For example, receiving cookies from a client might lead them to continue therapy sessions with them.
BetterHelp’s most positive reviews come from individuals who enjoy its convenience and are satisfied with their match with therapists. Unfortunately, however, there have been some negative comments that don’t like the service or have had issues using it.
E-cards
Gift cards are an ideal way to show someone you care without invading their privacy, as well as an efficient means of helping clients access help they need more quickly. Gift cards may be used for therapeutic treatments like counseling and hypnotherapy as well as online therapy sessions, which offer an alternative to in-person appointments.
Whatever their clinical or ethical stance on this matter may be, therapists must remain mindful that turning down even a small gift may be taken as rejection or disrespect by clients hailing from cultures that emphasize hospitality and reciprocity between relationships (Barnett & Barteck 2009). This is especially relevant in non-Western cultures where gift giving has specific cultural connotations – thus leading to a breakage in therapeutic relationships if no gifts policy is applied in response.
Though traditional analytically-oriented therapists frown upon accepting gifts, most other therapeutic orientations see appropriate gift-giving as a means to strengthen therapeutic alliance and enhance therapeutic outcome. Humanistic, behavioral, family and adolescent therapies often incorporate gift exchange as part of their treatment protocols while most feminist and family systems-based interventions consider gift giving part of their treatment processes.
As part of their practice, therapists must consider both the timing and nature of gift-giving during sessions. While inexpensive presents during holiday periods or at termination are generally considered suitable gifts, those given early in therapy or following difficult or confrontational sessions may require further discussion or additional gifts with racist, sexist, or pornographic themes may be seen as inappropriate and unethical (Koocher & Keth-Speigle 1998).
Therapists should realize that offering appropriate gifts does not compromise therapeutic boundaries or standards of practice, nor should they reject clients’ gifts uncritically out of fear of an ethics board or licensing committee hearing. Instead, they should explore their attitudes, thoughts and feelings surrounding gift-giving with clients.