It’s that time of the year again — the time where gift-giving is a part of many people’s holiday rituals. While we don’t think twice about buying little gifts for close friends and family, sometimes it gives us pause to consider giving a gift to our therapist. Here’s a relationship with a professional that we see once a week, and yet it is a professional relationship (even if it doesn’t always feel that way).
What should you do? Should you exchange a little gift with your therapist?
Of course, before you do anything, you and your therapist should talk about exchanging gifts (especially if you don’t know your therapist’s policy). Some therapists are okay with it — as long as the gifts are small — while others have a strict, “No gifts” policy. In either case, it’s good to know — and respect — your therapist’s policy when it comes to gifting. So if you feel in the mood and don’t know what your psychotherapist’s policy is when it comes to exchanging gifts, please ask them during your next session.