I didn't want to say anything until stopdog did, but yeah. I mean, I like giving my therapist gifts (and I like receiving them too), but if she told me to stop giving her stuff, I would hope I would take it well and not think she's "stealing my blessing". I'm certainly free to see it as a blessing, but she's also free--as a human being with her own feelings and desires--to see it differently.

Likewise, if someone gives me something that makes me feel uncomfortable but their action is clearly well-intentioned, I will tell them that I appreciate it. But I will also try--as diplomatically as I can--to let them know that it's a little overboard so that I don't have to be made to feel weird again in the future. Giving isn't just about the giver or the giftee, right?

For some people, therapy is a place for the exchanging of blessings and other sorts of wonderous things. I have discovered my own generosity in therapy, and I would not trade that experience for anything.

But for others, it's business. Gifts and "extras" aren't a part of the deal.

I think a therapist probably knows what kind of client she is dealing with at the first session.

I was not being negative or oppositional. I was simply pointing out that it can feel burdensome to be the object of or recipient of what someone considers their blessing. And that paying therapists keeps a more level playing field. In terms of touch, although I do not want it from a therapist, I don't think it is wrong to do in therapy. I think if the therapist lets time run over, it is the therapist's choice and a client can believe therapists can take care of their time and money situation without the client worrying about it. I consider both the level playing field with a therapist and the idea they can take care of themselves,both positive.

As for winning an astronomical amount of money - it often does ruin lives (many lottery winners end up wishing it had never happened) and can be quite stressful. I don't particularly think about money that much - so although I do not think it would ruin my life, it is not a particular wish of mine to win a billion dollars.