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Clients sometimes want to give something: a card, cookies, a book, a plant. In a therapy relationship, a gift is clinical material as much as it is a kindness. Handle it thoughtfully.

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The rules

  • Small, token gifts (a card, a homemade treat, something under about $25) may be accepted when refusing would harm the relationship. Document it in the record with a brief note.
  • Anything of meaningful value (cash, gift cards, jewelry, electronics, services, anything over about $25) is declined, gently and with an explanation that it’s a professional standard, not a rejection of them. Document the offer and the conversation.
  • Never solicit a gift, favor, or discount from a client.
  • Never accept a gift that’s conditioned on anything, or from a client in a state where accepting could be exploitative.

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How to decline

“Thank you. That’s really thoughtful. I’m not able to accept it, and that’s a rule for every clinician, not about you. I’d love to hear what made you think of it, though.” Then explore it, because it usually means something.

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Gifts to clients

Don’t give clients gifts, beyond something trivial and clinically appropriate in rare circumstances, and never without discussing it with Helen or your supervisor first.

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When you’re not sure

Bring it to Helen or your supervisor. This is a common consultation topic and nobody will think less of you for asking.