I have given my t gifts in the past like gift certificates to restaurants, movie tickets, crocs, etc.. I always was trying to think of something that he would really like (ex movie time w/ his fam). Last year for Christmas I made him a wreath and gave him a gift certificate to a resort that I knew he would love. He wouldn't accept the gift certificate. I was crushed because I had thought sooo hard to find something I knew he would really enjoy. Even this year as the holiday season rolled around I felt hurt about it all over again.

So I emailed him and straight out asked if I could give him a gift this year. I told him that it was really hurtful last year when he rejected my gift and I didn't want to experience that again. I told him that it was really important for me go be able to give him a gift and I promised to tone it down if it was allowed.

He wrote back that he was really excited that I had asked and that he felt was such a huge step and saw this as progress. He said that was "connection" between us. He said I wouldn't like his answer but he had to decline any gifts.

I don't understand really.................gifts, hugs, etc... They are such a normal generic things now a days and why are those so freely exchanged sometimes with people who are simply acquantances but they are "taboo" for therapy. It makes me feel like there is something wrong (dirty? shameful? ) about being in a therapy relationship.

I challanged him by saying if a 6 year old waddled into his office with a gift for him that he would not reject it.