Giving Therapist A Gift

[AngelBby]

So my therapist birthday is Sunday and my mom bought her a gift bag which is full of perfume and lotion. My therapist already said we can give it to her (she doesn't know what it is) but I feel like it's inappropriate to give it to her. Technically my mom is giving but I just feel like we shouldn't have. What are your thoughts on it ?

 

[kona355]

What are the reasons it feels inappropriate? I would start there...

 

[Panda Bear]

I've never given a gift to my therapist. It's not an area I'm comfortable with. If you don't figure out on your own why it bothers you, chances are good your T will discuss it with you anyways.

 

[meltot]

It depends on your relationship, tbh. I give mine an xmas present but just a birthday card, but she's so stinking easy to buy for since she loves candles, and that still feels like a safe, generic gift. I stick to under $25 and I think it's also a generally accepted maximum for that...well this one awesome candle was $38 at Anthropologie but she doesn't have to know that lol. If you're comfortbale then do it, worst she can do is say no. If it's a small thing like you already mentioned it's cool, and I also heard that handmade or hoome made things are excellent. When I whip up a big batch of red gravy I give some out, and usually give a tupperware to her for her family.

 

[Crow]

My T and I give each other small things throughout the year but not any specific holiday. One of the dearest gifts she gave me is a woodpecker feather. Next is her former office chair. That wasn't little but still. I've given her stones, oracle cards, book, and a piece of jewelry. I have a book I'll give her in the new year and I'm painting a card to go with it.

 

[Mel (Hippo256)]

I've never given any gifts to any therapists I had, but it's also definitely not allowed here. I sometimes give a Christmas card though. I also never had a very good relationship with them, maybe a professional one but not like friends. I wouldn't feel comfortable with it, so that's the biggest reason for me. Because of money problems I also have to choose carefully, so if we aren't like friends I wouldn't do it. I already have to pay for the therapy and the therapists wouldn't buy me a gift or consider me a friend either. I may sound harsh now, but it just really isn't allowed and considered highly unprofessional here. I do give a gift sometimes to people who helped me out, but I don't have an official professional work relationship with. And I do a thank you care more often, also with people such as therapists, but only if they really helped me out or were nice. My parents also do it sometimes, but usually I can have a say in it too.

Apparently it's allowed at your place and you should do what you like. I do feel bad for you that your mom is pushing you like this though. And your therapist already knows she's going to get something, so I understand if you'd feel too uncomfortable to not give it now either. But maybe you can talk about it with your mom sometime?

 

[Scandinavgirl]

If you are not comfortable with giving her the gift, you should not do it. Listen to yourself, not your mum.

I would never consider giving my therapist a gift - even though I like him and he is helpful. I pay enough for therapy as it is...

Tell your therapist you are grateful instead - if you feel like it.