Is it OK to send your therapist a Christmas card?

While most therapists do appreciate small gifts from clients on occasion, they are also never expected. If you do want to get your therapist a gift, for therapeutic and ethical reasons, small, meaningful items are usually best, and almost never money or a gift card.

Can I say anything to my therapist?

What can I tell my therapist? The short answer is that you can tell your therapist anything – and they hope that you do. It’s a good idea to share as much as possible, because that’s the only way they can help you.

Is it OK to thank your therapist?

Yes, it is OK to give your therapist a thank you note or card. We/people tend to express our gratitude by giving an object or present to another.

Do you tip your therapist holidays?

Therapists don’t require a gift, a tip or even acknowledgement of the holiday season from you. The relationship doesn’t call for small talk or other pleasantries, and holidays are no exception.

Is it OK to email your therapist between sessions?

Yes yes it is acceptable and appropriate. Even if you’re having an extremely bad time or mild breakdown your therapist can even schedule an emergency session to work through your distress .

Can a therapist accept a gift from a client?

Ethically, a therapist can accept a gift from a client if, say, the client gives the therapist a book or homemade painting or even a Christmas ornament (all of which would, presumably, be less than the average cost of a therapy session).

How much should you spend on a Christmas gift for a client?

A good rule of thumb that I’ve frequently heard (and it may fluctuate from state to state or by agency) is that a gift either to or from a client should be between $5-$15 (with anything over $25 pushing it). One of my clients actually got me a simple Christmas card and it was perfect!

What is a good gift for a therapist?

Gifts in therapy can be symbolic (i.e., a poem) or concrete (i.e., a book). Gifts can range from greeting cards, homemade bread or cookies, music CDs, flowers, home-grown fruits, a framed picture, puppy, case of wine, opera or baseball season tickets or even very expensive items, such as a car or a vacation home.

Can a therapist ask a client to donate money to charity?

An option that has been proposed (Harris, 2004) is that, if possible, therapists may suggest to the client to anonymously donate the money that was willed to the therapist to a charity that they both support.