Mental Health Therapists Gifts: Show Your Appreciation

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Thanking your therapist can sometimes feel awkward or like a big stress. In this blog post, we will demystify the process of expressing gratitude to your therapist and provide some tips along the way.

As a mental health professional, I understand the importance of acknowledging the therapeutic relationship and will also share how I personally address this situation. Remember, you never have to thank your therapist or buy them gifts, but if you choose to do so, there are some ideas to consider.

You can check out some of our ideas about what makes a good gift for therapist here

Ideas For Therapists: Present Giving Guidelines:

In many cultures, giving presents is a common way to show gratitude. However, therapists and psychologists, like myself, operate under strict ethical guidelines about accepting things like this. This is very different from having rules about you buying presents, there is nothing wrong with you doing that or wanting to do that. But you should know that some therapists will have their own limits on what they feel comfortable accepting. Additionally, different facilities have their own rules regarding accepting items,, some of which might have a blanket policy of not accepting anything. These guidelines exist for several reasons:

• Firstly, therapists want to avoid creating a dynamic where clients feel obligated to give something in return for their services.
• Secondly, clients are already paying for therapy, so additional therapists might feel this is not necessary.
• Thirdly, therapists want to ensure that clients do not feel indebted or obligated to them.

Therapists and Discussing Gift-Giving:

If you genuinely want to thank your counselor with a token of your appreciation, it is advisable to have a conversation with them beforehand and check. They will likely have limitations and practices on the type or value of presents they can accept. For example, some therapists may only be able to accept gifts up to a certain monetary value, others might not have any problems. By discussing it beforehand, you can avoid any misunderstandings or potential waste of money. 

The items you choose to give your clinician to show that you care is entirely up to you, home-made cookies or a written if you don't earn enough to splurge on another present, a white noise machine or plant if you want to update their office settings. I've written more about that here.

Alternative Ways to Express Gratitude:

If you are ending therapy on a positive note or experiencing a healthy termination, expressing gratitude to your therapist or treatment team is entirely normal and appropriate.

You can write a note or give your therapist a card expressing your appreciation. Many therapists, like myself, keep these cards and notes as meaningful reminders of the impact we have made on our clients' lives.

The Gift Of Breaking Stigma

As I already mentioned, therapists have strict ethical guidelines, and one of which is about asking you for reviews or soliciting testimonials. Similarly, your therapist is probably never going to ask you to talk about your experience in therapy, or get you to tell your friends about any positive experiences you've had with them. By encouraging someone else to seek help and supporting them in their journey, you are indirectly expressing gratitude to your therapist, you're also breaking the stigma of seeking out mental health therapists and talking with someone if you're struggling. This could be an indirect and lovely way of sharing gratitude and be helpful to their business or work.

Expressing gratitude to your therapist is a personal choice, and you should never feel obligated to do so. However, if you decide to thank your therapist, it is important to be aware of the ethical guidelines and rules surrounding gift-giving. Having an open conversation with your therapist about your intentions can help ensure that your gesture is appropriate and well-received. Remember, there are alternative ways to express gratitude, such as a thank you, a heartfelt note, or by encouraging someone else to seek therapy - therapists are all different. Ultimately, the goal of most therapists is to support one another and create a positive impact on mental health within our communities. If you want to buy something, think about gift ideas that are useful, things they will use in their office or home, decor they might appreciate every day, or something they can place where they can see it that makes their day better and brighter.

What Will My Therapist Say If I Give Them A Present?

If you decide to give your therapist a gift, their response will vary depending on the individual and their personal boundaries. Some therapists may graciously accept the gift and express their gratitude, while others may kindly decline due to ethical guidelines or personal preferences. Regardless of their response, it's important to remember that the intention behind your gift is what matters most. Your therapist will appreciate the gesture and the sentiment behind it, even if they are unable to accept it. The most important thing is to have an open conversation with your therapist about your intentions and to respect their boundaries.

I believe that every action is a communication, and most often it's a communication of a feeling. Giving a present is usually an act that communicates love and care, and I would want my patients to be able to express that in words as well as gesture. So don't be surprised if your counselor starts asking about feelings and what it means to give a gift! They're just doing their job, and they might also want to check to see if you're not compensating for something else.

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What Are Some Home Made Ideas I Could Give Instead?

Handwritten Thank You Note: Express your gratitude and appreciation for their work with a heartfelt handwritten note. Share specific examples of how their therapy has positively impacted your life.

Self-Care Kit: Create a personalized self-care kit with items like scented candles, bath salts, essential oils, a journal, and a cozy blanket. Encourage them to take time for themselves and practice self-care.

Homemade Treats: Bake some homemade cookies, brownies, or other treats and package them in a decorative box or jar. Include a note expressing your appreciation for their support and care.

Customized Artwork: If you're artistically inclined, create a piece of artwork that represents mental health or therapy. It could be a painting, drawing, or even a handmade collage. Personalize it with a thoughtful message.

Inspirational Book or Journal: Find a book or journal that focuses on mental health, personal growth, or mindfulness. Include a handwritten note explaining why you chose that particular book and how it has impacted you.

More gift ideas: You can check out some of our ideas about what makes a good gift for therapist here.